Upgrade is a fintech company that provides affordable and responsible credit, mobile banking, and payment products to everyday consumers. We were the fastest growing company in the Americas last year according to the Financial Times and Upgrade Card was the fastest growing credit card in America two years in a row. We have delivered over $33 billion in affordable and responsible credit to our 5.5M customers. The company is backed by some of the most prominent technology investors and was recently valued at $6.3B.
We have built an energizing, collaborative and inclusive culture where team members help each other, learn and innovate to move the company and its customers in the right direction, and own the outcome of their efforts.
Upgrade has been named a “Best Place to Work in the Bay Area” three years in a row, “Top Companies to work for in Arizona” and one of the "Best Engineering Department" awarded annually by Comparably. We've also received recognition for being a best company for Diversity, Women, Culture, and Veterans.
We are looking for new team members who get excited about designing and delivering new and better products to join a team of 1850 talented and dedicated professionals. Come work with us if you like to tackle big problems and make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
About the Role:
The Senior Director of SOX Readiness will lead the company’s Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) compliance readiness program, ensuring that internal controls, processes, and documentation meet the requirements of a public company environment. This role will play a critical part in preparing the company for IPO readiness, partnering closely with the Chief Accounting Officer, finance leadership, internal audit, external auditors, and business stakeholders. The successful candidate will build and execute the SOX program, oversee risk assessment and control design, and establish a strong internal control environment aligned with PCAOB and SEC requirements.
This is a hybrid role based in our San Francisco office.
What You’ll Do:
- SOX Program Leadership
- Design, implement, and manage the company’s SOX readiness roadmap in preparation for IPO.
- Establish the control framework across financial reporting, operations, IT, and entity-level controls.
- Drive scoping, risk assessment, and materiality analysis to identify key controls.
- Internal Controls & Compliance
- Partner with accounting, finance, operations, and IT teams to design, document, and implement effective internal controls.
- Evaluate control gaps, recommend remediation plans, and oversee timely execution.
- Ensure compliance with COSO and PCAOB standards for control design and testing.
- Governance & Reporting
- Prepare SOX readiness updates for executive leadership, the Audit Committee, and other stakeholders.
- Establish policies, procedures, and control documentation to support sustainable compliance.
- Build a strong internal control culture across the organization through training and awareness programs.
- Audit & Advisory Partnership
- Act as the primary liaison with external auditors on SOX-related matters.
- Ensure effective control testing and monitoring.
- Provide advisory support to business and system owners on new processes, system implementations, and control impacts.
What We Look For:
- 12+ years of progressive experience in accounting, finance, audit, or risk management, with at least 5 years leading SOX or internal controls programs.
- Deep knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC, PCAOB, and SOX 404 requirements.
- Experience in a high-growth, pre-IPO, fintech or financial services environment strongly preferred.
- Proven track record of leading cross-functional SOX readiness initiatives, including control design, implementation, and remediation.
- Strong leadership and project management skills with the ability to influence and drive results across functions.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience presenting to executive leadership and audit committees.
- CPA, CIA, or CISA certification strongly preferred.
What We Offer You:
- Competitive salary and stock option plan
- 100% paid coverage of medical, dental and vision insurance
- Competitive 401(k) and RRSP program
- Flexible PTO
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Paid parental leave
- Health & wellness initiatives
The compensation range of this position in San Francisco, CA is USD $200,000- 250,000 annually plus equity and benefits. Within this range, an individual's base pay will be dependent on a variety of factors, including without limitation, job-related knowledge, skills, education, and experience.
For California residents: Upgrade's California Notice at Collection and Privacy Policy describes our practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of the personal information of job applicants.We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Upgrade does not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, search firms, or any third parties. Any resume submitted to any employee of Upgrade without a prior written agreement in place will be considered the property of Upgrade, and Upgrade will not be obligated to pay any referral or placement fee. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Upgrade's Talent Acquisition department to submit resumes and only in conjunction with a valid, fully executed agreement.
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