Equity and Compensation Manager

Coastal•Madison, MS

About The Position

This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the full cycle of Equity and Compensation programs that attract, retain, and motivate employees while aligning with business strategy and market competitiveness. This position operates at both a strategic and hands-on level, partnering closely with leadership and Finance to ensure Equity and Compensation programs are effective, equitable, and scalable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field required.
5–8+ years of progressive experience in compensation, equity compensation, or related analytical roles.
Strong expertise in compensation design, market pricing, job evaluation, and incentive programs.
Demonstrated experience with equity compensation programs and ASC 718 stock-based compensation accounting.
Experience supporting or leading compensation cycles in a mid-to-large organization.
Advanced analytical and Excel skills (e.g., modeling, pivot tables, large datasets).
Strong project management and process improvement experience.
Proficiency with HRIS, compensation, and equity administration systems.
Strong understanding of compensation-related legislation, governance, and employee compensation taxes.
Ability to translate complex data and technical concepts into clear, actionable insights.
Strong communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
High degree of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to advise and challenge stakeholders.
High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
Analytical mindset with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a dynamic environment.
Strong relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization.
Advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, lookups, modeling, large data sets).
Proficiency with HRIS and compensation systems.
Strong understanding of compensation-related legislation and compliance requirements.
Knowledge with ASC 718 – Compensation—Stock Compensation
Knowledge of employee compensation taxes

Nice To Haves

Financial services industry experience preferred.
CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or similar certification preferred.
Familiarity with automation, analytics, or AI-enabled tools a plus.
CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or similar certification.
Experience with equity compensation and/or financial services industry.
Strong project management and process improvement experience.
Familiarity with automation or AI tools.

Responsibilities

Design, administer, and govern equity compensation programs, including RSUs, PSUs, and other equity-based incentives, in alignment with total rewards philosophy and business objectives.
Oversee annual and off-cycle equity grant processes, including eligibility, calculations, approvals, vesting schedules, and participant communications.
Serve as the primary subject matter expert and point of contact for all equity compensation-related questions across the organization.
Partner with Finance, Accounting, Legal, Payroll, external administrators, brokers, and valuation specialists to ensure accurate and compliant equity administration.
Own end-to-end ASC 718 stock-based compensation accounting, including grant-date fair value assumptions, expense recognition, forfeiture methodology, probability assessments, and modifications.
Prepare and maintain ASC 718 documentation, memos, reconciliations, forecasts, and audit support.
Support equity-related disclosures and reporting, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, Proxy (DEF 14A), registration statements, EPS calculations, Form 3/4/5, Form 144, Forms 3921/3922, and 1099-NEC.
Perform quarterly and annual equity reconciliations across stock administration systems, payroll, general ledger, and transfer agent.
Design, document, and maintain SOX-aligned internal controls over equity grants, accounting, and settlements.
Design, implement, and maintain compensation programs including base pay structures, salary bands, job architecture, and incentive plans.
Lead annual and off-cycle compensation cycles, including merit increases, promotions, and bonus programs.
Develop and maintain job evaluation and leveling frameworks to support fair, consistent, and defensible pay decisions.
Conduct market pricing, benchmarking, and salary surveys to inform program design and pay positioning.
Ensure compensation and equity programs comply with applicable employment laws, tax requirements, accounting standards, and corporate governance practices.
Conduct pay equity analyses and support regulatory and compliance reporting where applicable.
Partner with senior leadership and Finance to align compensation programs with business strategy, workforce planning, and budget.
Provide consultative guidance to leaders on compensation decisions, including offers, promotions, retention strategies, and pay actions.
Ensure compensation programs support attraction, motivation, and retention of top talent while maintaining internal equity and market competitiveness.
Manage integrations between HRIS, payroll, equity administration, finance, broker, and financial reporting systems.
Identify and implement process improvements that reduce risk, enhance controls, and support evolving compensation and equity strategies, including market trends.
Prepare executive and leadership reporting, including pay analysis, dilution modeling, equity usage trends, and program effectiveness insights.
Support special projects and evolving business needs in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Medical Coverage: Choose from three competitive medical plans to find the coverage that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with eligible medical plans, offering tax advantages and employer contributions.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Options for healthcare and dependent care expenses to help you save on out-of-pocket costs.
Dental and Vision Insurance: Plans to keep you and your family smiling and seeing clearly.
Life Insurance: Company-paid basic life insurance with options to purchase additional coverage for yourself and your dependents.
Long-Term /Short-Term Disability (LTD): Income protection in the event of a long-term illness or injury.
Supplemental Benefits: Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness coverage to provide extra financial support when you need it most.
401(k) Retirement Plan: A competitive retirement savings plan with company matching to help you plan for the future.
Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave policies to support your time away from work.
Holidays: Enjoy 11 paid holidays throughout the year.