Benjamin Williams, CPA

Equity Compensation Lead | Shareworks | ESPP | ASC 718 | Proxy & Board Support | CPA

Columbia, South Carolina, United States

About

Equity compensation professional with experience owning and scaling global stock programs at a publicly traded technology company. I serve as the primary owner of equity compensation programs supporting 1,000+ employees across 9 countries, managing stock options, RSUs, and ESPP administration end-to-end in Shareworks. My work spans both operations and governance, including equity data integrity, share pool forecasting, burn rate analysis, and partnership with Finance, Legal, HR, and executive leadership. I also support proxy statement preparation (CD&A, disclosures), Board of Directors and Compensation Committee materials, and ISS engagement. I’ve led key initiatives including a Shareworks implementation, launch of a Section 423 ESPP, M&A equity integrations, and executive award cycles. As a CPA with a background in audit and accounting, I bring a strong foundation in ASC 718, SEC reporting, and financial controls. Earlier in my career, I completed a 2,100+ mile thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail—an experience that shaped my approach to long-term execution, ownership, and problem-solving in complex environments.

Experience

  • PAR Technology (New Hartford, NY · Remote)
    • Total Rewards Analyst
      Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

      • Serve as primary owner of global equity compensation programs supporting 1,000+ participants across 9 countries, administering stock options, PSUs, RSUs, and ESPP in Shareworks • Ensure accuracy and integrity of equity data, including participant records and all transaction activity (grants, vesting, exercises, releases, ESPP purchases) • Manage share pool forecasting, burn rate tracking, and dilution analysis to support equity planning and executive decision-making • Prepare Board of Directors and Compensation Committee materials related to equity usage, plan performance, and strategy • Support proxy statement preparation, including CD&A and equity disclosures, in partnership with Legal • Lead ISS engagement process and support say-on-pay readiness • Partner with Finance and auditors on ASC 718 stock-based compensation accounting, reconciliations, and reporting • Support M&A equity integration, including award conversion and onboarding of acquired employees • Drive process improvements, automation, and participant education initiatives to enhance equity program efficiency and experience

    • Accounting Manager
      Oct 2024 - Dec 2025 · 1 yr 3 mos

      • Managed global equity compensation programs across 10+ countries, ensuring compliance with ASC 718, tax, and regulatory requirements • Maintained equity data accuracy in Shareworks and performed periodic reconciliations with payroll and the general ledger • Supported equity-related activities for 5 acquisitions, including due diligence, award conversion, and employee onboarding • Partnered cross-functionally with Legal, HR, and Finance on equity plan compliance and operations • Managed stock-based compensation reporting and audit support for SEC filings • Oversaw payroll accounting and reconciliations for US & Canada, ensuring data integrity across systems

    • Senior Accountant
      May 2022 - Oct 2024 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      • Administered equity compensation programs (stock options, RSUs, ESPP), managing full award lifecycle and employee support • Led implementation of Section 423(b) ESPP and Shareworks platform for equity administration • Supported ASC 718 accounting and assisted with equity disclosures for SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, Form 4) • Managed payroll journal entries and reconciliations and supported monthly close processes

  • Tax Preparer - Seasonal at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
    Jan 2022 - Apr 2022 · 4 mos

    •Prepared personal 1040 and partnership 1065 tax forms using CCH Axcess Tax and PFX Engagement softwares •Assisted with the intake and organization of client tax documents •Prepared 1099 forms using 1099-etc. software

  • Personal goal pursuit at Career Break
    Jun 2021 - Dec 2021 · 7 mos

    Through-hiked all 2,100+ miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail

  • Senior Accountant at Ethos Group
    May 2019 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    •Performed all payroll accounting and reconciliation for parent company and subsidiaries using ADP and Microsoft Dynamics 365 •Coordinated with managers and other stakeholders to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 accounting system •Oversaw and reviewed daily money transmission service process and related entries performed by up to four staff accountants •Prepared monthly and quarterly financial statements for multiple subsidiary companies •Coordinated with Managers and other Senior Accountants to produce a comprehensive set of policies and procedures for department •Managed daily treasury activity and prepared daily cash reconciliations for all company and subsidiary bank accounts

  • RSM US LLP (1 yr 7 mos)
    • Assurance Senior Associate
      Jan 2019 - May 2019 · 5 mos

    • Assurance Associate
      Nov 2017 - Dec 2018 · 1 yr 2 mos

      Audited various clients in the Construction, Real Estate, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Banking industries