Chief Accounting Officer

Summary

Join Upwork as their Chief Accounting Officer (CAO) to lead the global accounting function. This role involves setting the vision and execution roadmap for the accounting strategy, ensuring compliance, transparency, and operational excellence. You will partner with the CFO and executive team to support strategic initiatives and influence company-wide decisions. The CAO will own and lead global accounting operations, including financial reporting, technical accounting, SOX compliance, tax, payroll, accounts payable, and procurement. This position requires deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance, as well as proven leadership skills and experience in a public company setting. Upwork offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including comprehensive medical coverage, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success leading a complex, global accounting function at a public company, ideally in a high-growth tech or platform environment; marketplace experience preferred but not required
• Deep expertise in U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX compliance, with a track record of transforming accounting systems and processes at scale
• Proven ability to influence at the executive level and lead cross-functional initiatives with clarity and strategic insight
• Excellent verbal and communication skills, and proven business acumen
• Passion for operational excellence, data integrity, and building inclusive, high-trust teams
• Experience and passion for leading highly diverse and cross-functional disciplines that drive operational excellence
• CPA certification and strong technical accounting foundation required

Responsibilities

• Own and lead Upwork’s global accounting operations, including financial reporting, technical accounting, sox compliance, tax, payroll, accounts payable and procurement and sourcing
• Possibility to also own treasury and financial systems
• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and SEC requirements
• Design and implement scalable systems, processes, and controls to support business expansion and operational excellence
• Partner with the CFO and executive team to support strategic initiatives, capital markets activities, and long-range planning
• Oversee all external audit and tax compliance activities, and maintain strong relationships with auditors, regulators, and advisors
• Oversee and continue to build out strategic sourcing and procurement program
• Drive continuous improvement and automation in accounting processes to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and enable data-driven decision making
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing, inclusive accounting team with clear succession planning and leadership development

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family
• Unlimited PTO
• A 401(k) plan with matching
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• An Employee Stock Purchase Plan