Say-on-Pay and heightened shareholder scrutiny have influenced executive compensation in numerous ways—probably none more than the design of long-term incentive programs—and particularly the use of performance-based equity. Companies have even been required to attach performance conditions to existing service-based awards to ensure passage of their Say-on-Pay proposals. Design, administration and reporting for performance awards raise new concerns for companies and administrators. Communication with award recipients and investors can be challenging and complex. This course will provide a “nuts and bolts” study of performance awards, giving attendees the tools and understanding needed to account for, administer and report on these challenging new awards.

Employee Stock Purchase Plans (ESPPs) are making a comeback! This course will develop the skills you need to oversee these complex and increasingly popular programs. Section 423 qualified ESPPs are a win-win, providing a highly valued, tax preferred benefit to employees with no cash outflow and minimal expense for employers. But the particular structure of ESPPs results in many administrative challenges. This course will explain the regulatory and accounting framework and the day-to-day procedures critical to successfully implement and manage an ESPP.

The complex, overlapping standards governing stock plans – plus ongoing changes in accounting, taxation and required public disclosure – make it critical that anyone involved in plan administration develop a solid, working knowledge of the prevailing regulatory framework and best practices for effective plan management. Designed for professionals new to the field, Online Stock Plan Fundamentals will bring you up to date with all regulatory requirements, as well as administrative best practices. 

The upsurge in granting of restricted stock and restricted stock unit awards continues, yet many companies struggle with issues such as administering tax withholding, acceleration of vesting upon retirement and managing dividends and dividend equivalents.  This program will go beyond the basics with industry experts discussing the challenges and presenting best practices for the more technical aspects of restricted stock and restricted stock unit plans.

Equity compensation is a critical component of executive compensation and—with Say-on-Pay and other recent changes to the executive compensation disclosures—it is now more important than ever for stock plan professionals to take an active role in the process of drafting the proxy statement. Geared specifically to non-lawyers, the NASPP’s newest online education program will increase your understanding of the SEC's requirements and demonstrate the critical responsibilities you have in preparing and reviewing the disclosures. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn the basics of proxy reporting with an emphasis on understanding the disclosures for equity compensation!

Mergers and acquisitions present a host of unique challenges relating to stock compensation. This course will provide a tactical approach to address the real-world, practical complications that arise in business combinations. Don’t head into your next M&A deal without participating in this eye-opening program—now newly updated and expanded, including an additional webcast on due diligence.

Stock compensation directly impacts a company's financial statements and earnings per share; understanding the daunting complexities of U.S. accounting  principles for equity compensation is critical for avoiding mistakes that almost always have legal and financial repercussions. Designed for professionals with limited knowledge about stock plan accounting, the NASPP's new online course, "Financial Reporting for Equity Compensation" will help you become literate in all aspects of stock plan accounting, including the practical considerations and technical aspects of the underlying principles.

The final regulations for IRC Section 409A go into effect beginning in 2009—are you prepared to Administer your option, restricted stock and ESPP plans under the new requirements? The Essential Guide to Section 409A for Equity Compensation will cover everything you need to know, including key design, regulatory, and administrative considerations for equity compensation plans under Section 409A. Designed for individuals with little or no prior experience with deferred compensation (and anyone that needs a refresher), this two-part online program explains the effect of Section 409A on all types of equity vehicles—options, restricted stock, SARs and ESPPs.

Restricted stock is the hottest trend in stock compensation; are you prepared to administer these plans? Find out everything you need to know, including key design, regulatory, and administrative considerations for restricted stock plans, in the NASPP's online program, Restricted Stock Essentials! This four-part online program is designed to assist companies in determining the role restricted stock and units should have in their stock compensation program. The course provides the nuts-and-bolts guidance necessary to implement these plans and establish appropriate controls and procedures for day-to-day administration.