This is an executive-level role for a fintech veteran with deep experience managing high-volume payment ecosystems. The ideal candidate has a background in two-
Work type: remote
Location: Remote
Salary: $289,000 – $418,000/yr
Type: Full-time
This is an executive-level role for a fintech veteran with deep experience managing high-volume payment ecosystems. The ideal candidate has a background in two-sided marketplaces or global e-commerce, specifically overseeing the lifecycle of global payouts, cross-border rails, and wallet infrastructures. You should be comfortable reporting to the COO and leading a multi-functional team of product, engineering, and compliance experts. The compensation is highly competitive ($289k–$418k base), supplemented by annual bonuses and equity. As a remote-first company, this role offers true flexibility while remaining at the center of a Nasdaq-listed platform that has processed over $30 billion in transactions. You will have a seat at the table to integrate AI into financial workflows and shape the global strategy for embedded finance. **You might be a good fit if you...** * Have led global payment or payout strategies at a major marketplace or fintech firm. * Possess deep knowledge of international regulatory landscapes (EMEA, APAC, LATAM) and risk mitigation. * Can balance "big picture" board-level strategy with the technical nuances of infrastructure and transaction loss optimization. * Are excited about using AI to automate financial operations and improve partner integrations.
Upwork Inc.’s (Nasdaq: UPWK) family of companies connects businesses with global, AI-enabled talent across every contingent work type including freelance, fractional, and payrolled. This portfolio includes the Upwork Marketplace, which connects businesses with on-demand access to highly skilled talent across the globe, and Lifted, which provides a purpose-built solution for enterprise organizations to source, contract, manage, and pay talent across the full spectrum of contingent work. From Fortune 100 enterprises to entrepreneurs, businesses rely on Upwork Inc. to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, the Upwork family of companies enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and transform their workforces for the age of AI and beyond.
Since its founding, Upwork Inc. has facilitated more than $30 billion in total transactions and services as it fulfills its purpose to create opportunity in every era of work. Learn more about the Upwork Marketplace at Upwork.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X; and learn more about Lifted at Go-Lifted and follow on LinkedIn.
As VP of Payments, you will define and lead Upwork’s global payments strategy across a high-velocity, two-sided marketplace. Reporting directly to Upwork’s Chief Operating Officer, you will own the vision, operations, and innovation roadmap for a financial system that powers millions of client-freelancer transactions each year. This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-impact function critical to platform trust, liquidity, and growth—while shaping the future of payments and embedded financial services at the world’s work innovation platform.
You will lead cross-functional teams spanning Payments and Tax, Product, Engineering, and Compliance, to transform our financial infrastructure, elevate global payouts, and deliver seamless customer experiences. If you're ready to architect scalable payment systems, forge global partnerships, and drive strategic growth, we invite you to build with us.
### Responsibilities
At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 34 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.
Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.
We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.
Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page to learn more about opportunities at Upwork.
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The annual base salary range for this position is displayed below. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salary for this position, and individual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Additionally, this position is eligible for the annual bonus plan or sales incentive plan and eligibility to participate in our long term equity incentive program.
Annual Base Compensation
$289,000—$418,000 USD
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