Senior Principal, Head of Equity Comp

Cloud Software Group•San Ramon, CA

13h

About The Position

We are seeking a Sr. Principal & head of Equity Comp and Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Programs to serve as the organization's foremost technical and strategic expert in equity compensation. This highly visible Individual Contributor (IC6) role will function as the senior most member in equity compensation, driving the design, complex modeling, technical administration, and global compliance for all equity plans (RSUs, Stock Options, Profit Interests, transaction bonus, retention cash, and other LTI programs). The Sr. Principal will own the end-to-end integrity of the equity programs, acting as the primary consultant to the senior leadership across Finance, Legal, HR, and M&A on sophisticated and high-impact compensation matters. This role requires a mastery of global equity compliance, advanced financial modeling, and the ability to influence strategy without formal authority.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.
8+ years of progressive, hands-on experience in global equity compensation, total rewards, or a related financial/analytical role
Deep subject matter mastery of global tax, legal, and accounting rules (ASC 718 and IRC 409A) related to equity compensation
Exceptional proficiency in advanced Excel (complex financial modeling, macros, pivot tables) and experience with large-scale data manipulation across multiple systems
Demonstrated experience managing or implementing an equity administration platform (e.g., Shareworks, Morgan Stanley, ETRADE)
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the proven ability to influence and simplify complex concepts for non-technical senior stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Certified Equity Professional (CEP) certification is highly desirable
Master’s degree or advanced certification (CPA, CFA)
Experience with global mobility tax implications for equity awards
Experience with pre-IPO/private company equity plans, including the use of Profit Interests or similar partnership compensation vehicles

Responsibilities

Support the research, design, and complex financial modeling for new and existing global equity and LTI programs, ensuring they align with business objectives, market competitiveness, and talent retention goals
Act as the subject matter expert for executive teams to recommend and model plan changes, pool management, and award types
Conduct advanced, multi-variable scenario planning for equity grants (e.g., annual, quarterly, retention, M&A) considering vesting, dilution, cash flow, and accounting expense
Serve as the System Owner and ultimate technical authority for the equity administration platform (e.g., Shareworks, Morgan Stanley). Drive configuration, data migration, and system upgrades
Own and manage the integrity and complex reconciliation of equity data across the cap table, HRIS (Workday), payroll, and the external transfer agent for global participants
Drive process automation and technology optimization within the equity function
Support the interpretation and application of complex global tax, legal, and regulatory requirements (e.g., ASC 718 accounting, IRC 409A, global mobility, insider trading, and Section 16 reporting) for all equity transactions.
Partner with Finance and Accounting teams on quarterly and annual equity expense forecasting, valuation inputs, and ensuring accurate financial reporting disclosures
Manage technical aspects of internal and external audits (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley, financial statement audits), preparing highly complex data and compliance documentation
Act as a consultant to executives, Legal Counsel, and Finance VPs on complex individual and systemic equity issues (e.g., M&A integration, global transfers, executive hiring/departures)
Design and execute sophisticated, tailored communication and education strategies to enhance understanding of equity value and mechanics for the Board, executives, and the entire global employee base