Stock Plan Administrator

Northwest Natural Gas Company•Portland, OR

61d•$96,000 - $136,800•Hybrid

About The Position

At NW Natural, we offer more than rewarding career opportunities and a vibrant, inclusive work culture. We invite you to join us in providing safe and reliable utility services and renewable energy to better the lives of the communities we serve. Our vision is to be the leader in service excellence, innovation and environmental stewardship for our customers, while building on our strengths as a trusted energy provider and environmental leader for our industry. In addition to environmental stewardship, we're also deeply committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at NW Natural. Our DEI Council started 21 years ago, and today we continue to foster a culture where all employees can experience a sense of belonging, shared purpose and possibility. The Role: Manages Transfer Agent to ensure accurate and timely dividend payments, quarterly statements, and tax reporting forms; facilitates compliance with relevant securities and lost shareholders rules and regulations of SEC, IRS and other regulatory state agencies, including maintenance and integrity of shareholder records and communications. Administers stock awards under Company's equity compensation plans from grant to termination; and prepares and files Section 16 reports with the SEC. Collaborates with Corporate Secretary and related departments to support the governance, disclosure and compliance functions of that office, including SEC filings, annual shareholder meeting preparation, other corporate and governance functions, and developing shareholder services program and budget needs.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in applicable field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least five years of progressive experience in stock plan or option administration in a law firm or at a public company. Corporate securities, governance or compliance for a public company or a related industry is preferred; similar experience for a law firm or a related industry entity, and/or paralegal experience in these areas of practice will also be considered.
Working knowledge of the securities industry is required, and familiarity with Fidelity Stock Plan Services is a plus.
An interest in current developments in laws and regulations of the SEC, the Internal Revenue Service, the New York Stock Exchange, and state laws relative to securities, and other matters affecting securities and Shareholder Services policies and practices.
A working knowledge of a state's abandoned property laws, corporate and securities law, and related regulations is preferred.
highly developed analysis and compliance skills, attention to detail, as well as a high degree of sensitivity and discretion in working with confidential information.
Working knowledge of federal, state, and foreign tax reporting regulations applicable to the payment of dividends and proceeds from the sale of stock, as well as reporting and taxation of equity compensation, including employee stock purchase plans.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software programs; some experience in SAP and SharePoint environment would be desirable but is not mandatory.
The ability to work independently and efficiently, while contributing as a resourceful member of the Corporate Secretary team.

Responsibilities

Administers various equity compensation plans, including Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Long Term Incentive Plan, from time of grant, vesting, and payout or termination, as well as mechanics of deferred stock reallocation and distribution for directors and executive officers under the Company's non-qualified deferred compensation plans.
Manages and maintains all stock administration information and system data, and ensures the highest level of data integrity.
Manages and reconciles equity award activities and accounting for various equity plans to ensure issued and outstanding shares are within authorized limits filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE); and produces and provides month-end, quarter-end, and year-end reports to finance, accounting, tax, human resources and legal departments
Prepares and files Forms 144, and Forms 3, 4 and 5. Prepares and applies for EDGAR Access Codes.
Maintains and manages records regarding stock holdings of directors and officers.
Provides direction and guidance to directors, executive officers and employees on stock plan administration, and stock acquisition and disposition mechanics.
Monitors and administers insider trading policy and procedures matters and 10b5-1 plans.
Manages activities of Transfer Agent and captive broker to ensure timely and accurate dividend payments, monthly direct stock purchases, original stock issuances, reserve reporting, shareholder records, escheatment reporting, and responses to IRS and state unclaimed property agencies.
Oversees the Transfer Agent and captive brokers to ensure all relevant reporting are filed timely, any changes to securities or IRS rules and regulations are timely effected, shareholder services are satisfied, and Company's risk exposure is minimized.
Oversees the administration of the Dividend Reinvestment and Direct Stock Purchase Plan to ensure compliance with plan documents.
Researches and analyzes shareholder records and responds to inquiries, including cost basis, and assists the Transfer Agent with such inquiries, when appropriate.
Analyzes lost shareholder and preliminary abandoned property reports;.
Monitors and analyzes industry trends, including changes to existing, or new rules and regulations of SEC, IRS, and any state regulatory agencies pertaining to securities, stock administration, shareholder services, lost shareholders, unclaimed property, transfer agent, etc. to ensure that the Company, Transfer Agent and/or captive brokers are in compliance and risk exposure is minimized.
Prepares equity, shareholder services, and directorship related sections of 10Q, 10K, Proxy Statement, Annual Report and FERC Report.
Oversees the solicitation and tabulation of proxy votes for annual and special shareholder meetings, prepares various related reports, and manages the implementation of detailed plans for the annual meeting of shareholders.
Interfaces with internal and external auditors for SOX compliance and suggests appropriate modifications to relevant SOX controls.
Manages and forecasts the budgets for Shareholder Services, bondholders and the annual meeting.
Maintains Governance and Stock Information section of investor relations website.

Benefits

Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Up to 23 Vacation Days
80 Hours of Sick Time
10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
Flexible work arrangements
3 weeks paid parental leave
Green Team / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council / Safety Team / Women's Network and many other Employee Resource Groups
1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
Competitive 401K company contribution and match
15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
Wellness incentive program
20% off natural gas service
Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless