Payroll and Equity Administration Lead

Payroll and Equity Administration Lead

Lightspark

Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

About the Role

Lightspark is building enterprise-ready infrastructure for open payments for the Internet using the Lightning Network. We are on a mission to transform how money is moved, enabling businesses and developers to create new financial systems that transcend geographical boundaries.

We are seeking a Payroll and Equity Administration Lead to oversee and execute all payroll operations while optimizing our equity compensation programs. This role, reporting to the VP of Finance, will require a sharp focus on accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality, along with a proactive mindset to identify and mitigate risks. If you're someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment, and enjoys taking ownership to scale the organization, this is the role for you. You will play an integral part in managing Lightspark’s most valuable asset — its people.

What You'll Be Doing

Payroll Responsibilities

• Execute end-to-end payroll processes, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with regulations.
• Manage the outsourced payroll team and drive improvements.
• Oversight and reviews of monthly, quarterly, and yearly payroll reconciliations and financial reports.
• Be the internal subject matter expert and process owner for all payroll-related activities.
• Review year-end reporting and W2s.
• Analyze payroll metrics and make recommendations for process improvement, automation, and scalability.
• Own the payroll forecasting process for executive decision-making.
• Ensure seamless adoption of payroll tools and drive efficiency in payroll administration and reporting.
• Oversee 401(k) funding and contribution requirements.
• Manage required 401(k) filings and audits, as necessary.

Equity Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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, 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 external audits related to equity compensation.

What We Are Looking For

• 7+ years of experience in payroll operations, ideally in a high-growth startup environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Strong project management experience and a drive to streamline processes at scale.
• Experience with systems implementations and integrations.
• Experience with processing payroll in a multi-state startup, especially with operations in California.
• Experience with equity administration systems, such as Carta.
• Ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Advanced analytical skills, including expertise in payroll systems/processors and Excel.
• A solution-oriented mindset with a demonstrated ability to deliver under tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills, with a focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
• Prior experience navigating a fast-paced startup environment.
• Ability to work onsite in our HQ in Los Angeles, California.

Why Lightspark?

At Lightspark, we're committed to creating a more inclusive and diverse workplace that reflects the customers we serve. We welcome interest from individuals of all backgrounds and levels of experience who share our mission.

Additional Information:

• We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other legally protected characteristics.
• We consider qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the State of California's Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Interested? Apply now and become part of our team as we build the future of payments!