At a Glance
- Tasks: Administer global share plans and collaborate with various stakeholders.
- Company: Leading global financial services firm with a sophisticated reward structure.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to senior leadership and shape key processes.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic global environment.
- Why this job: Join a high-profile team and influence the future of equity programmes.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in share plan administration and strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Equity Plan Administrator
Location: London or Edinburgh
About the Company and the Role
Our client is a leading global financial services firm with a significant international presence and a sophisticated reward structure. This opportunity sits within the Reward function and offers the chance to become a key member of a high-profile Share Plans team. The successful candidate will play a central role in the day-to-day administration and governance of the firm's global equity programmes, working closely with stakeholders across Legal, Tax, Finance, Payroll and external advisers. This role is ideally suited to a share plans professional seeking broader responsibility, greater visibility across the business, and the opportunity to influence processes within a growing and evolving function.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the day-to-day administration of global share plans, including grant processing, participant onboarding, vesting events, exercises, leaver processing and data maintenance.
- Manage operational delivery of annual grant cycles and ad hoc award events, ensuring accuracy and alignment with approved documentation and governance processes.
- Act as a primary point of contact for plan participants, providing guidance on award mechanics and escalating specialist legal or tax matters where appropriate.
- Maintain data integrity through regular reconciliations between equity platforms, HR systems and payroll data, alongside periodic audits and controls.
- Support international compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions, coordinating with internal teams and external advisers.
- Prepare reporting and data extracts for Finance and Tax teams, while contributing to governance documentation, process improvement initiatives and platform management activities.
Candidate Profile and Experience
The ideal candidate will bring experience gained within an in-house share plans team at a listed company or a specialist equity administration provider supporting listed clients. Key requirements include:
- Approximately 4-5 years' experience in share plan or equity plan administration.
- Strong understanding of equity award structures, including market value options, nil-cost options, RSUs and phantom awards.
- Excellent systems capability, with experience using equity administration platforms and advanced Excel skills. Experience of EWM, Computershare, Shareworks, Equity Edge or Global Shares would be advantageous.
- Exceptional attention to detail, with a strong appreciation of the legal, regulatory and tax implications associated with share plan administration.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex share plan concepts clearly and accurately to participants.
- Experience collaborating with Legal, Tax, Finance and Payroll stakeholders, coupled with sound judgement on when matters require escalation.
- Aware of the challenges associated with administering global plans across multiple jurisdictions.
- CEP, ProShare or equivalent professional qualification would be beneficial but is not essential.
Why Apply?
This is an excellent opportunity to move into a highly visible position within a global organisation. The role offers meaningful exposure to senior Reward leadership and key business functions, alongside the opportunity to shape processes and contribute to the continued development of a sophisticated global share plans programme.
Share Plans in London employer: Catalyst Partners
Catalyst Partners is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, especially during this transformative phase. With a strong focus on fostering a high-performance culture, we offer robust support for professional advancement and a collaborative work environment that values innovative thinking. Located in a dynamic sector, our team enjoys unique opportunities to make a significant impact while being part of a forward-thinking organisation committed to excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Share Plans in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Catalyst Partners. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Share Plans in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Catalyst Partners.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Catalyst Partners's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Catalyst Partners
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Catalyst Partners.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Catalyst Partners will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Catalyst Partners employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.