Equity and Compensation Accountant

ABOUT THIS ROLE

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical Equity & Compensation Accountant to bridge the gap between our equity administration and corporate financial reporting. Following the strategic transition of the equity function from Legal to Finance, this role will own the end-to-end accounting, tax compliance, and reporting for our equity plans, while providing critical support to the broader corporate accounting team.

The ideal candidate is someone who loves data integrity, thrives during audit cycles, and possesses a strong understanding of stock-based compensation accounting. You will ensure our equity platform (Carta) perfectly aligns with our General Ledger, lead equity-related audit requests, and optimize our compensation-related workflows.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Equity Administration & Technical Accounting (ASC 718)

• Manage the day-to-day administration of the company’s equity program within Carta, ensuring all grants, exercises, cancellations, and vestings are processed accurately.
• Calculate and record monthly stock-based compensation expenses under ASC 718, including complex vesting schedules and forfeiture rate adjustments.
• Maintain and update inputs for option pricing models (Black-Scholes), including historical volatility, risk-free interest rates, and expected life calculations.
• Serve as the primary liaison for external valuation firms during annual or semi-annual 409A valuation refreshes.

Audit Readiness & Financial Disclosures

• Own the preparation of all equity-related audit PBC (Prepared by Client) requests, ensuring seamless delivery and support for external auditors.
• Draft financial statement footnote disclosures and required tables related to equity and stock-based compensation (e.g., weighted-average strike prices, intrinsic value).
• Establish, document, and maintain rigid internal controls and SOX-compliant workflows around cap table modifications and board approvals.

Tax, Payroll & Compensation Integration

• Coordinate closely with the payroll team to ensure proper tax withholding and reporting for equity events (e.g., NSO exercises, ISO tracking, and RSU vesting).
• Prepare and file annual IRS equity tax forms, including Form 3921 and Form 3922.
• Track and calculate Deferred Tax Assets (DTAs) and related tax windfalls/shortfalls associated with stock-based compensation.
• Own broader compensation accounting tasks, including booking monthly standard payroll journal entries, bonus accruals, and 401(k) match reconciliations.

General Ledger & General Accounting Support

• Perform monthly reconciliations between Carta and the General Ledger for all equity-related accounts (Common Stock, APIC, Treasury Stock).
• Reconcile cash inflows from option exercises and cash outflows related to equity tax withholding wires.
• Provide regular tie-out support and general accounting preparation work for the core accounting team during month-end and year-end close.
• Additional Ad hoc GL projects and help as needed based on team’s bandwidth

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Experience: 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience, with at least 1–2 years of direct experience handling equity accounting or equity administration in a corporate environment.
• Systems Proficiency: Direct experience using equity management platforms (Carta highly preferred). Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, data modeling) and experience working within mid-to-enterprise level ERP systems.
• Technical Skills: Strong foundational knowledge of US GAAP, specifically ASC 718 (Stock-Based Compensation). Familiarity with IRS regulations regarding equity compensation types (ISOs, NSOs, RSUs).
• Soft Skills:
• Attention to Detail: An obsession with data accuracy; equity data must reconcile perfectly.
• Collaboration: Ability to partner cross-functionally with HR, Payroll, Legal, and executive leadership.
• Problem-Solving: A proactive approach to investigating discrepancies and building robust standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance required. Certified Equity Professional (CEP) designation or CPA progress is a major plus.