Payroll and Equity Administration Lead

The Internet lacks a protocol for money. Lightspark is building the tools and services to make it happen. Lightspark builds enterprise-ready infrastructure for open payments for the Internet at scale using the Lightning Network. An always-on, low-cost, universal payment network will completely transform how money is moved, enabling businesses and developers to transform existing solutions and build new financial systems, services, and processes accessible to everyone, transcending geographical restraints. Lightspark is headquartered in Los Angeles, California, but serves the world.

Lightspark is seeking a Payroll and Equity Administration Lead to oversee and execute all payroll operations and optimize our equity compensation programs. This role reports to the VP, Finance and requires a sharp focus on accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality, coupled with a proactive mindset to identify and mitigate risks. If you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and enjoy scaling a startup to the next level, this role is for you.  This role is the backbone of Lightspark’s most important asset - its people.  Your ability to intricately connect and execute on requirements will be integral to our success.   

We value adaptability and have a strong sense of ownership. You will need to be self-sufficient to deliver results.

 What you'll be doing:

 Payroll

• Execute end-to-end payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with regulations

• Manage our outsourced payroll team and drive improvements

• Responsible for oversight and reviews for monthly/quarterly/yearly payroll reconciliations and financial reports

• Internal subject matter expert and process owner for all payroll-related activities

• Year-end reporting and W2 review

• Analyze payroll metrics and develop process improvement, automation, and scalability recommendations.

• Own the Payroll forecasting process for executive decision- making.

• Ensure seamless adoption of payroll tools, driving efficiency in payroll administration and reporting

• Oversee 401K funding and contribution requirements 

• Manage required 401K filings and audits, as necessary.

Equity

• Execute end-to-end administration for the company’s equity plans, including employee stock option programs

• Maintain accurate records of all equity transactions using equity management software (e.g., Carta)

• Partner with Finance, Legal, and People teams to administer equity grants, maintain accurate records, and support strategic equity planning and ensure equity compliance with tax, regulatory, stock plan, and reporting requirements (e.g., ASC 718, ISO/NSO tax treatment, and relevant tax filings)

• Process new equity grants, exercises, transfers, and terminations while ensuring accuracy and timely execution

• Develop and implement best practices for equity administration, employee communication, and compliance

• Assist with modeling and analysis of equity-based compensation programs to inform executive decision-making

• Support the external audit processes related to equity compensation.

What we are looking for:

• 7+ years of experience in payroll operations, ideally with a company that has scaled in a high growth environment.

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field or equivalent experience.

• Strong project management experience and drive to streamline processes at scale

• Experience with systems implementations and integrations.

• Experience with processing payroll in a multi-state startup with primary operations in California.

• Experience with equity administrations systems, such as Carta.

• Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional business partners, internal/external stakeholders

• Strong analytical abilities with advanced knowledge of payroll systems/processors and advanced Excel skills.

• A solution-oriented with a demonstrated ability to “get things done” under tight deadlines.

• Strong organizational and analytical skills, focusing on accuracy and attention to detail.

• Experience navigating a fast paced startup environment

• Ability to work onsite in our HQ in Los Angeles, California

Lightspark is on a mission to build an open payment protocol for the Internet at scale and therefore we’re committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace to reflect the customers we serve. We welcome interest from individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience who share our mission. We do not discriminate ba