Director, Global Equity & Payroll

Penguin Solutions•Newark, NJ

23d•$172,000 - $214,000•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Stock Administration and Payroll is responsible for overseeing the company’s global equity programs and end-to-end payroll operations. This role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely management of equity awards, ESPP and payroll processes while partnering cross-functionally with Finance, Legal, HR, and external vendors. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in equity administration, payroll regulations, systems optimization, and team leadership, with a strong ability to design scalable processes for a growing organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, HR, business administration, or related field (master’s or MBA a plus).
10+ years of experience in stock administration and payroll, including 5+ years in a leadership role.
Deep knowledge of global equity and payroll regulations, ASC 718, taxation of equity awards, and system integrations.
Expertise with equity platforms (e.g., ETrade Carta, etc.) and payroll systems (ADP, Workday, UKG, etc.).
Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder-management skills.
Proven experience scaling operations in a high-growth, global environment.
Strong Leadership and team development
Strategic thinking with hands-on operational execution
Strong compliance and controls orientation
Data-driven decision making
Process optimization and systems fluency
Ability to collaborate across multiple business units

Nice To Haves

CEP (Certified Equity Professional) strongly preferred; CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) a plus.
master’s or MBA a plus

Responsibilities

Global Equity Lead the stock administration function and manage Penguin Solutions global equity and ESPP programs, including advancing process efficiency, implementing automation, optimizing vendor relationships, and evaluating service providers.
Ensure database integrity (ETRADE), including accuracy of record keeping of employee data and equity data in the stock administration system.
Partner with Legal, Finance, Compensation, and HR to design, implement, and communicate equity programs (RSUs, stock options, ESPP, performance awards, etc.), providing support for reporting needs, and responding to ad hoc requests.
Manage equity-related payroll tax reporting and coordinate with Finance for stock expense accounting (ASC 718).
Work with internal and external auditors and Finance team for quarterly reviews and year-end audits, as well as ensure that appropriate internal controls are in place and procedures are appropriately followed.
Maintain compliance with global regulatory requirements, terms and condition of global equity plans and internal processes and procedures related to equity administration.
Manage one employee and third-party consultant(s)
Prepare equity-related materials for the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee, support the preparation of 10-Q and 10-K equity footnotes, and annual proxy filing.
Oversee payroll operations, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing for all employees.
Lead, manage, and mentor the US payroll team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Lead payroll-related projects, including collaboration with HR, Finance, IT, system implementation and integrations, upgrades, and regulatory changes.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and international payroll laws, including tax regulations, statutory reporting, and year-end filings (W-2, 1099, etc.).
Manage relationships with external payroll vendors and service providers, ensuring high-quality service and compliance.
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external payroll audits.
Resolve complex payroll issues and escalations, providing expert guidance and support to stakeholders.