Director, Equity Administration & Payroll

We are seeking a Director of Equity Administration and Payroll to lead the strategic development, administration, compliance, and reporting of the Company's equity and payroll programs. This role will oversee the Equity Incentive Plan and ESPP, ensuring alignment with company goals and regulatory requirements, and manage end-to-end payroll operations for accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. The Director will collaborate cross-functionally with other cross-functional teams such as the People Team, Legal Team, and external administrators to deliver best-in-class equity-based compensation and payroll services. This leadership position will play a key role in enhancing operational efficiency and supporting the organization’s growth and financial integrity. This role will report to the Controller and be a part of our Finance team.

Key Responsibilities 

• Oversee and administer all aspects of the company’s equity programs, including stock options, restricted stock units (RSUs), the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), and other equity awards
• Lead the processing of equity grants, acceptances, exercises, cancellations, vesting, releases, 10b5-1 plans, and ESPP open enrollments in alignment with plan requirements and company policies
• Ensure proper recording of all equity transactions and integrate them into financial systems, maintaining data integrity across equity, HR, and payroll records
• Oversee payroll operations, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing of bi-weekly payroll cycles while adhering to all relevant state and federal tax regulations, compliance standards, and company policies in a rapidly growing, multi-state organization
• Support SOX compliance by implementing and adhering to key controls for both equity and payroll functions
• Own the accounting close process for equity, share-based compensation and payroll-related journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and perform other ad-hoc close tasks
• Maintain accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual share reconciliation of records between the general ledger and transfer agent
• Monitor and manage tax-related communications and actions to ensure compliance
• Collaborate within the Finance team, cross-functionally with other groups such as the People Team and Legal Team, and oversee external partners such as stock plan providers, brokers, and transfer agents to ensure seamless operations of equity and payroll processes
• Serve as the primary point of contact for equity and payroll-related inquiries, and provide excellent customer service to participants
• Assist in the preparation of proxy statements, annual reports, and other disclosures, ensuring the accuracy of equity and payroll-related data, including preparing and filing Form 4’s for Section 16(b) reporting purposes
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for equity system enhancements, payroll process automation, and increased operational efficiency

Ideal Candidate 

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or a related field; CEP Level 2 or higher preferred
• 8+ years of experience in equity administration and payroll operations, biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry experience highly preferred
• Familiarity with SOX compliance, SEC reporting requirements, and regulatory filings such as Form 4’s, Forms 3921/3922 and proxy statements
• In-depth knowledge of equity compensation programs, including stock options, RSUs, and ESPPs
• Strong experience in equity management platforms (e.g., E*TRADE, Computershare/Shareworks or similar) and payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday)
• Strong understanding of payroll processing, payroll tax compliance, and global equity taxation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to provide guidance and build trust with internal teams and employees
• Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining data accuracy and integrity
• Strong organizational and team management skills with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop staff
• Successfully exhibit Apogee’s C.O.R.E. values: Caring, Original, Resilient and Egoless
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 20% including a minimum of 4 times per year for company meetings

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The anticipated salary range for candidates for this role will be $190,000-$225,000. The final salary offered will depend on several factors, which may include, but is not limited to relevant years of experience, educational background, and geography.