Equity and Compensation Manager

ABOUT US

Coastal is at the forefront of modern banking, combining strong financial infrastructure with cutting-edge Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and fintech enablement strategies. We support not only individuals with their personal banking needs; we also empower businesses by integrating modern banking technology that drives growth, flexibility, and innovation.

At Coastal, we think and move like entrepreneurs; focused on impact, speed, and continuous improvement. We believe in working smart, collaborating deeply, and building solutions that unlock real potential. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, loves solving complex problems, and wants to help shape the future of banking, we’d love to meet you.

Check out our video here!

OVERVIEW

This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the full cycle of Equity and Compensation programs that attract, retain, and motivate employees while aligning with business strategy and market competitiveness. This position operates at both a strategic and hands-on level, partnering closely with leadership and Finance to ensure Equity and Compensation programs are effective, equitable, and scalable.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Equity & Stock Compensation Management

• Design, administer, and govern equity compensation programs, including RSUs, PSUs, and other equity-based incentives, in alignment with total rewards philosophy and business objectives.

• Oversee annual and off-cycle equity grant processes, including eligibility, calculations, approvals, vesting schedules, and participant communications.

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert and point of contact for all equity compensation-related questions across the organization.

• Partner with Finance, Accounting, Legal, Payroll, external administrators, brokers, and valuation specialists to ensure accurate and compliant equity administration.

• Own end-to-end ASC 718 stock-based compensation accounting, including grant-date fair value assumptions, expense recognition, forfeiture methodology, probability assessments, and modifications.

• Prepare and maintain ASC 718 documentation, memos, reconciliations, forecasts, and audit support.

• Support equity-related disclosures and reporting, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, Proxy (DEF 14A), registration statements, EPS calculations, Form 3/4/5, Form 144, Forms 3921/3922, and 1099-NEC.

• Perform quarterly and annual equity reconciliations across stock administration systems, payroll, general ledger, and transfer agent.

• Design, document, and maintain SOX-aligned internal controls over equity grants, accounting, and settlements.

Compensation Program Design & Management

• Design, implement, and maintain compensation programs including base pay structures, salary bands, job architecture, and incentive plans.

• Lead annual and off-cycle compensation cycles, including merit increases, promotions, and bonus programs.

• Develop and maintain job evaluation and leveling frameworks to support fair, consistent, and defensible pay decisions.

• Conduct market pricing, benchmarking, and salary surveys to inform program design and pay positioning.

Governance, Strategy & Operations

• Ensure compensation and equity programs comply with applicable employment laws, tax requirements, accounting standards, and corporate governance practices.

• Conduct pay equity analyses and support regulatory and compliance reporting where applicable.

• Partner with senior leadership and Finance to align compensation programs with business strategy, workforce planning, and budget.

• Provide consultative guidance to leaders on compensation decisions, including offers, promotions, retention strategies, and pay actions.

• Ensure compensation programs support attraction, motivation, and retention of top talent while maintaining internal equity and market competitiveness.

• Manage integrations between HRIS, payroll, equity administration, finance, broker, and financial reporting systems.

• Identify and implement process improvements that reduce risk, enhance controls, and support evolving compensation and equity strategies, including market trends.

• Prepare executive and leadership reporting, including pay analysis, dilution modeling, equity usage trends, and program effectiveness insights.

• Support special projects and evolving business needs in a dynamic environment.

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or a related field required.

• 5–8+ years of progressive experience in compensation, equity compensation, or related analytical roles.

• Strong expertise in compensation design, market pricing, job evaluation, and incentive programs.

• Demonstrated experience with equity compensation programs and ASC 718 stock-based compensation accounting.

• Experience supporting or leading compensation cycles in a mid-to-large organization.

• Financial services industry experience preferred.

SKILLS & CAPABILITIES

• Advanced analytical and Excel skills (e.g., modeling, pivot tables, large datasets).

• Strong project management and process improvement experience.

• Proficiency with HRIS, compensation, and equity administration systems.

• Strong understanding of compensation-related legislation, governance, and employee compensation taxes.

• Ability to translate complex data and technical concepts into clear, actionable insights.

• Strong communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.

• High degree of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

• CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or similar certification preferred.

• Familiarity with automation, analytics, or AI-enabled tools a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong communication and influencing skills with the ability to advise and challenge stakeholders.

• High level of discretion and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.

• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

• Ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a dynamic environment.

• Strong relationship-building skills across all levels of the organization.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, Finance, or related field preferred.

• 5–8+ years of progressive experience in compensation or related analytical roles.

• Strong expertise in compensation design, job evaluation, market pricing, and incentive programs.

• Advanced Excel skills (e.g., pivot tables, lookups, modeling, large data sets).

• Experience supporting or leading compensation cycles in a mid-to-large organization.

• Proficiency with HRIS and compensation systems.

• Strong understanding of compensation-related legislation and compliance requirements.

• Experience with equity compensation and/or financial services industry.

• CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or similar certification.

• Strong project management and process improvement experience.

• Knowledge with ASC 718 – Compensation—Stock Compensation

• Knowledge of employee compensation taxes

• Familiarity with automation or AI tools.

HOW YOU’LL THRIVE AT COASTAL

• Be the Best – Communicate effectively, pay close attention to detail, and prioritize your personal development.

• Be Relentless – Thrive in a goal-oriented environment exercising both patience and persistence. Advocate for our customers and team members and strive to promote the Coastal Difference.

• Be Un-Bankey – Be a forward thinker with a creative mindset. Build long-lasting relationships promoting the Coastal Difference, built on a foundation of integrity, honesty, and trust.

• Embrace Gray Thinking – Use sound judgment while decision-making and problem-solving. Think outside the box.

• Stay Flexible – Organize and strategize effectively while always being prepared to adapt on the fly. Seek efficiencies for Coastal to work smarter, not harder.

• Take Care of Each Other – Understand what it means to be a true team player and have your teammate's back. Practice self-awareness and build your emotional intelligence.

BEING YOU AT COASTAL

Coastal is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.

BENEFITS WE OFFER

We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Our offerings include:

• Medical Coverage: Choose from three competitive medical plans to find the coverage that best fits your needs and lifestyle.

• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with eligible medical plans, offering tax advantages and employer contributions.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Options for healthcare and dependent care expenses to help you save on out-of-pocket costs.

• Dental and Vision Insurance: Plans to keep you and your family smiling and seeing clearly.

• Life Insurance: Company-paid basic life insurance with options to purchase additional coverage for yourself and your dependents.

• Long-Term /Short-Term Disability (LTD): Income protection in the event of a long-term illness or injury.

• Supplemental Benefits: Including Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, and Critical Illness coverage to provide extra financial support when you need it most.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: A competitive retirement savings plan with company matching to help you plan for the future.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation and sick leave policies to support your time away from work.

• Holidays: Enjoy 11 paid holidays throughout the year.

Check out our benefits on our careers site!!

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are required to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to:

• Sit for extended periods of time.

• Stand for extended periods of time.

• Perform repetitive finger, hand, and arm movement.

• Use electronic office equipment such as a computer keyboard, mouse, ten key, telephone, etc.

• View and read computer screens for extended periods.

• Occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

• Occasionally lift or move up to 10 pounds.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.