Senior Manager, Equity Compensation

Lincoln International•Chicago, IL

4d•$165,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Lincoln International’s Senior Manager, Equity Compensation oversees accounting for the firm’s global equity plans and ensures timely, accurate financial reporting. The role partners with Payroll, HR, Tax, Legal, and external auditors to support accounting under applicable standards, including ASC 718, timely close processes, and effective internal controls. It calls for strong analytical, organizational, communication, and leadership skills in a fast-paced environment. The Senior Manager owns end-to-end accounting and administration for equity-based compensation, including stock options, RSUs, PSUs, and other potential programs. The role leads equity-related close and reporting, supports SEC disclosures and tax and payroll compliance, maintains controls and audit readiness, improves processes, and advises and trains stakeholders. It also supports equity matters relating to M&A, restructuring, and financing events. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and at least seven years of relevant experience, including one to two years in a managerial or supervisory role. The company-wide in-office work policy requires four days per week. The salary range is $165,000–$185,000 annually for work performed in Chicago, and the role is also eligible for bonus pay. A comprehensive benefits package is available to eligible employees. Lincoln is not currently hiring applicants who now or in the future require employment visa sponsorship.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
At least 7 years of increasing relevant experience.
1–2 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role.
Experience with financial reporting, equity accounting, and compliance with U.S. GAAP.
Familiarity with external audit processes and internal controls.
Proficiency with equity and general accounting software, such as Shareworks, NetSuite, and BlackLine.
Expertise in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, including pivot tables, complex formulas, and financial modeling.
Ability to meet the company-wide in-office work policy of four days per week.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Strong leadership and team management abilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present financial data to non-financial users.
Analytical mindset and problem-solving capabilities.
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or CEP (Certified Equity Professional) credential.
Familiarity with financial planning tools and business intelligence software.

Responsibilities

Own end-to-end accounting for equity-based compensation programs, including grant-date fair value calculations and expense recognition.
Manage accounting for plan modifications, cancellations, forfeitures, accelerations, and settlements.
Partner with HR and Legal on equity-plan documentation, approval workflows, and compliance with plan terms.
Serve as a subject matter expert for employees and internal stakeholders on equity-award administration and mechanics.
Support a seamless employee experience throughout the equity-award lifecycle, including grants, acceptance, vesting, exercises or settlements, withholdings, and departures or forfeitures.
Coordinate with third-party equity administrators and ensure data integrity between systems.
Lead monthly and quarterly close activities for equity compensation and shareholders’ equity, including journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
Prepare and review financial-statement equity disclosures, including roll-forwards, weighted-average assumptions, and equity compensation footnotes.
Support SEC reporting, including Form 10-Q and Form 10-K tie-outs and equity disclosures.
Maintain the capitalization table and support equity roll-forward schedules.
Prepare equity-related materials and analyses for the Board of Directors, Compensation Committee, and management as requested.
Partner with Payroll and Tax on equity withholding, payroll tax impacts, and statutory reporting.
Support tax-related accounting, including excess tax benefits or shortfalls where applicable.
Assist with compliance and reporting for employee equity programs across jurisdictions.
Maintain and enhance internal controls over equity processes, including access controls, change management, and reconciliation procedures.
Serve as the primary point of contact for external auditors on equity-related requests and audit support.
Drive process improvements, automation, and documentation of equity accounting workflows and policies.
Advise stakeholders on equity accounting implications of new plans, grants, and transactions.
Train and mentor accounting staff or cross-functional partners on equity accounting processes and best practices.
Support M&A, restructuring, and financing events as they relate to equity and share-based payments.