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Online Stock Plan Fundamentals 2008

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, the Stock Plan Fundamentals will bring you up to date with all regulatory requirements, as well as administrative best practices.

Why this education is critical:

Stock plan practices are under active scrutiny by the IRS, the SEC, shareholders, and other watch groups.
Equity compensation impacts a company’s earnings per share and reported financials.
Transactions must be reported on time and correctly to the SEC, the IRS and shareholders. There are no grace periods or special dispensations for mistakes, which can be costly and embarrassing.

How we present the fundamentals:

Webcast sessions illustrate stock plan concepts and best practices as they fit into the new regulatory landscape.
Extensive online materials provide in-depth coverage of course topics.
Quizzes test your understanding of the materials and assignment guides help you apply your new knowledge to your own plans.
Seasoned professionals answer your questions in the dedicated online Q&A forum.

What we cover:

Six webcasts will cover the stock plan essentials, including:

Characteristics, requirements, and tax treatment of non-qualified awards, incentive stock options, restricted stock and employee stock purchase plans
Accounting treatment of stock compensation, including an introduction to option valuation
Securities law considerations, including registration requirements and Section 16 reporting
Data reconciliation, maintenance, and safeguarding, along with processes and audit and control measures
Best practices for accurate and efficient stock plan administration
Overview of stock plan concepts, terminology, and functional interactions

Certificate of Completion presented to registrants who complete all sessions and request the certificate. Archives of webcasts will be available online after the live presentations.

Member Registration: $795

Non-Member Registration: $1395

Online Fundamentals 2008

Webcast 1: Introduction and Securities Law
The first webcast in the series is an introduction to equity compensation plan administration, including a discussion of who the players are and the terminology used in the field. The introduction is followed by a discussion of the US securities regulations that govern equity compensation, including share registration and Section 16 requirements.

Webcast: Thursday, April 17, 2008
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET

Webcast 2: Taxation of Equity Compensation
The second session in the series presents an overview of the US taxation rules and regulations as they apply to equity compensation. The webcast includes a discussion of taxation issues for non-qualified stock options, restricted stock awards/units, stock appreciation rights (SARs), incentive stock options, and employee stock purchase plans.

Webcast: Thursday, April 24, 2008
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET

Webcast 3: Accounting for Equity Compensation
The third webcast focuses on the accounting treatment of equity compensation – covering FAS 123(R), option valuation, earnings per share and other topics with which any beginning plan administrator should be familiar.

Webcast: Thursday, May 1, 2008
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET

Webcast 4: Plan Administration (Options and Restricted Stock)
The fourth presentation in the series will focus directly on administrative matters related to stock options, SARs and restricted stock. Topics include: grant practices, exercise practice and procedures, tax requirements, tracking disqualifying dispositions, forfeitures and cancellations.

Webcast: Thursday, May 8, 2008
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET

Webcast 5: Plan Administration (ESPPs)
Employee Stock Purchase Plans are a unique form of equity compensation and administrative procedures and practices differ from those used when administering other vehicles. The fifth webcast focuses on how to administer ESPPs, with special focus on Section 423 plans and tracking the tax consequences of share purchase and sale.

Webcast: Thursday, May 15, 2008
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET

Webcast 6: Reporting, Reconciliation and Data Integrity
The final webcast in the program ties together all the knowledge and administrative practices introduced in the prior sessions. The focus is on periodic reporting, data reconciliation, and audit and control measures to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

Webcast: Thursday, May 22, 2008
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET