Director

Summary

Join Upwork as the Director, Global Indirect Tax, leading the end-to-end indirect tax function. Report to the Senior Director, Corporate Tax, and be responsible for indirect tax processes, technology, strategy, advisory, controversy, M&A planning, and team development. Own and evolve Upwork’s global indirect tax strategy, ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Lead implementation and optimization of global indirect tax processes, systems, and automation. Manage the indirect tax budget and lead indirect tax controversy. Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to influence business decisions and support new product launches. Monitor evolving tax regulations and provide M&A support. Build and mentor a high-performing tax team. Effectively communicate complex tax issues. Manage relationships with external auditors and tax advisors. Own and operate SOX controls for indirect tax. Upwork offers a remote-first work environment and comprehensive benefits.

Requirements

• An extremely effective communicator, both written and oral
• Ability to provide tax consultancy in regards to our new and existing products
• Deep expertise in global indirect taxes (VAT, GST, DST, sales/use tax), ideally in the technology, digital services, or marketplace sectors
• EA, CPA, or J.D
• 8+ years of experience in a public company, law firm, or Big 4 public accounting firm
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills—comfortable operating in a remote-first, high-growth environment
• Ability to drive efficiencies, automate processes, and manage budgets
• Tax engine management experience (Vertex)
• Experience with Alteryx

Responsibilities

• Own and evolve Upwork’s global indirect tax strategy, ensuring compliance with VAT, GST, DST, and sales/use tax requirements across multiple jurisdictions
• Lead the implementation and optimization of global indirect tax processes, systems, and automation efforts to support scale and accuracy
• Take ownership and manage the indirect tax budget, identifying opportunities to drive efficiencies
• Lead indirect tax controversy and be the face of Upwork to government tax auditors
• Manage all indirect tax reserves for ASC 450, including sales tax, use tax, and VAT/GST
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders—including Legal, Product, Engineering, and Finance —to influence business decisions and support new product launches and geographic expansion
• Monitor evolving tax regulations and industry trends, translating them into strategic insights and actions
• Provide M&A support for indirect tax due diligence and integrations
• Build and mentor a high-performing tax team focused on innovation, quality, and strategic impact
• Effectively communicate complex tax issues in written and oral format, including slide deck presentations, memorandums, etc
• Manage the indirect tax relationship with our external auditors and tax advisors
• Own and operate our SOX controls for indirect tax

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degrees such as LLM or Masters in Tax not required, but highly desired

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