Lead Equity Compensation

Unclassified - Springdale, AR

Full-time - Mid Level

Springdale, AR

About the position

The Equity Compensation Lead is a pivotal role within the Total Rewards function, responsible for the comprehensive management of stock incentive plans for both employee and non-employee equity programs. This position entails the day-to-day administration of these plans, ensuring that all aspects of equity award administration are monitored and reported accurately. The Equity Compensation Lead will collaborate closely with key stakeholders across various departments, including Finance, Accounting, Legal, and Human Resources, to ensure seamless operations and compliance with regulatory requirements. In this role, the individual will administer global equity programs, which encompass long-term incentive stock awards and employee stock purchase programs. The Equity Compensation Lead will assist the Executive Rewards and Financial Benefits Leader in managing relationships with third-party equity administration vendors, continuously evaluating the stock administration function for potential improvements. This includes implementing automated solutions and holding service providers accountable for their performance. The maintenance of the equity award database, currently managed by Fidelity, is a critical responsibility, ensuring that all transactions are processed accurately and in a timely manner. The position also requires the oversight of tax withholding, tax reporting, and payroll reporting related to equity awards. The Equity Compensation Lead will conduct timely reconciliations of data on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis, ensuring accuracy across Stock Administration, Finance, HR, payroll, and transfer agents. Additionally, the role involves analyzing current and pending regulatory and legislative requirements affecting equity compensation, and partnering with internal and external experts to ensure compliance. Handling employee inquiries regarding equity programs and transactions is another key responsibility, along with the creation of training materials related to equity compensation for employees and cross-functional partners. The Equity Compensation Lead will prepare reports for business partners and respond to ad-hoc data requests promptly. Furthermore, the individual will coordinate efforts to administer stock-based compensation awards for employees in countries outside the US and assist in the preparation of the annual proxy statement and SEC filings such as Form 4 and Form S-8.

Responsibilities

• Administer all aspects of the global equity programs, including long-term incentive stock awards and employee stock purchase program.
• Assist Executive Rewards and Financial Benefits Leader in managing relationships with third-party equity administration vendors.
• Continuously evaluate stock administration function for improvements in processes and implement automated solutions.
• Maintain equity award database and ensure transactions are processed in a timely manner.
• Ensure accurate and timely recording of new equity awards, stock option exercises, terminations, and award releases.
• Oversee timely reconciliations of data on a monthly, quarterly, and yearly basis between Stock Administration, Finance, HR, payroll, transfer agent, etc.
• Analyze and make recommendations regarding the impact of current and pending regulatory, legislative, and reporting and disclosure requirements relative to equity compensation.
• Work with internal and external auditors and Finance team for quarterly reviews and year-end audits.
• Oversee handling of employee inquiries and requests regarding equity programs and equity transactions.
• Oversee creation of training and educational materials related to equity compensation for employees and cross-functional partners.
• Prepare reports for business partners and respond to ad-hoc data requests on a timely basis.
• Prepare equity-related reports and exhibits for use by the Compensation and Leadership Development Committee of the Board.
• Coordinate efforts to administer stock-based compensation awards for employees in countries outside the US.
• Assist with preparation of the annual proxy statement and SEC filings such as Form 4 and Form S-8.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• Professional certification, such as Certified Public Accountant or Certified Equity Professional, is strongly preferred.
• 8-12 years in stock plan administration, with experience at a public company.
• Experience administering global equity plans, including use of an equity administration system, particularly Fidelity PSW.
• Experience with Employee Stock Purchase Plans and 10b5-1 plans.
• Experience with granting and taxation of international equity.
• Experience with SOX 404.
• Strong computer skills required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work with highly confidential information.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience leading a small team (1-2 members) formally or informally.

Benefits

• Paid time off
• 401(k) plans
• Affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits
• Relocation assistance eligible