Staff Compensation Associate

About the Role

The role will involve working closely with the People, Finance, and Legal teams to ensure that compensation programs are scalable, equitable, and competitive. The Staff Compensation Associate will be responsible for building and maintaining complex compensation models, analyzing data to inform business decisions, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. This is a highly autonomous role that requires strong self-motivation, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills.

As a senior individual contributor, the Staff Compensation Associate will have a significant impact on the organization's compensation strategy and will be expected to influence decisions through data-driven insights and recommendations. The role will involve partnering with cross-functional teams to align compensation practices with business needs, supporting executive compensation analysis, and developing dashboards and reports to provide actionable insights to leadership.

What You Will Do

• Analyze, design, and refine compensation programs, including salary structures, equity, and incentive plans
• Build, maintain, and enhance job architecture, including leveling frameworks, benchmarking, and compensation ranges
• Lead data-driven compensation analyses to support decision-making across hiring, promotions, and retention strategies
• Execute and optimize the global annual merit and compensation review cycle, ensuring accuracy and scalability
• Partner with Finance to model and forecast compensation expense across cash and equity programs
• Ensure compliance with ASC 718, including supporting valuation inputs, expense recognition, and reporting requirements
• Support administration and compliance of equity programs, including ESPP (Section 423) and RSU processes
• Maintain SOX-compliant compensation processes, including documentation, controls, and audit support
• Conduct pay equity analyses and support remediation efforts to ensure fair and compliant compensation practices
• Review and analyze compensation recommendations, including offers, promotions, and non-standard arrangements
• Develop dashboards, reports, and data visualizations to provide actionable insights to leadership
• Partner cross-functionally with HRBPs, Recruiting, Finance, and Legal to align compensation practices with business needs
• Support executive compensation analysis, including benchmarking, modeling, and Board material preparation
• Provide analytical support across broader total rewards initiatives, including benefits analysis, M&A activities, and systems implementations

What We Are Looking For

• 8-10 years of experience in compensation, total rewards, finance, or a highly analytical HR function, ideally within high-growth technology or fintech environments
• Advanced analytical skills with strong proficiency in data analysis, modeling, and interpretation
• Expert-level Excel skills, including building complex models, automating workflows, and handling large datasets
• Experience building, scaling, and improving technical tools, dashboards, and reporting processes
• Proficiency with HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday) and compensation tools such as Pave, Compensia, Sequoia, Syndio, or similar
• Strong knowledge of compensation structures, equity programs, and incentive plan design
• Familiarity with ASC 718, SOX controls, and compensation-related compliance requirements
• Demonstrated expertise in data validation, integrity checks, and audit-ready processes
• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights and recommendations for business stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate and influence cross-functional partners
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities

Nice to Have

• Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau or Power BI
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Python or R
• Familiarity with machine learning algorithms and statistical modeling techniques
• Certifications in compensation or HR, such as CCP or GPHR
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple priorities and deadlines

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive compensation package, including salary and equity
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) matching program
• Flexible PTO policy and paid holidays
• Remote work stipend and home office setup support
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference sponsorships
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals

• Develop a strong foundation in Excel, including advanced formulas and data modeling techniques, to succeed in this role.
• Showcase your ability to communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders, using clear and concise language.
• Highlight your experience with compensation analysis, modeling, and systems, and be prepared to provide specific examples of your work.
• Demonstrate your knowledge of compensation structures, equity programs, and incentive plan design, and be prepared to discuss industry trends and best practices.
• Prepare to discuss your experience working with cross-functional teams, including HR, Finance, and Legal, and your ability to influence decisions through data-driven insights.
• Be prepared to walk through your process for conducting pay equity analyses and supporting remediation efforts.
• Showcase your ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights and recommendations, and be prepared to provide examples of your work.