Director, Global Indirect Tax

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s largest work marketplace, connecting businesses with highly skilled professionals worldwide. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies trust Upwork’s platform to access expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive meaningful business outcomes.

Upwork’s AI-powered platform has facilitated over $20 billion in economic opportunity for professionals worldwide. With professionals spanning 10,000+ skills, including AI and machine learning, software development, sales and marketing, customer support, finance and accounting, and more, Upwork empowers businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams.

Upwork is looking for a Director, Global Indirect Tax to lead our entire indirect tax function from end-to-end. This position reports into the Senior Director, Corporate Tax (Head of Tax) and will be responsible for our indirect tax processes, technology implementations, strategy, tax product advisory, global indirect tax controversy, indirect tax M&A planning, and team development.

Your 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.

What it takes to catch our eye:

• 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.

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

• 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

Come change how the world works.

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 21 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 and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. to learn more about life at Upwork.

Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.