What is the best SaaS solution for stock option accounting?
Answers
I implemented EASi last year for a client and liked the product very much and it was affordable. We looked at CapMX but at the time it couldn't handle more complex situations (modifications- accelerated vesting, extended exercise periods)and were told that we would need to do workarounds (
I've also heard good things about OptionEase (but haven't worked with it) www.optionease.com. I believe it was developed by
There are numerous SaaS solutions available but which is "best" will really depend upon a company's needs. That is even true if you're only looking at the
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Achaessa I would love to take a look at your vendor comparison too if you wouldn't mind. There seems like there are a lot of viable options out there but as mentioned earlier each company will have different needs and price points.
Acheassa, I'd like to get a look at your vendor comparison sheet also. Would that be possible?
Achaessa, would it be possible for you to share your vendor comparison list with me as well? Our company is just heading into this area and I want them to get set-up properly upfront rather than trying to catch-up later.
Just want to make sure that this (relatively newer) pure SaaS vendor is on everyone's radar. Full disclosure, I am working as their consulting
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Hi, Andrew. Though I have previously done a vendor comparison for a client company that included OptionEase and other SaaS solutions, the vendor comparison form that I designed and share is a categorized functionality and feature template that allows companies to first do a needs assessment and then perform a vendor comparison based on their specific requirements. The template is especially useful for companies that don't have a full understanding of what functions are available that may be essential to administering their plans, and is also highly useful for seasoned equity comp professionals vetting providers because of the ability to easily compare functionality on a line item basis across numerous vendors.
I'd give a shout out for Optrack, used it a few jobs ago, pretty comprehensive functionality but it's a little pricey for most of my clients. Archaessa hit the nail on the head, it's all a matter of how complex and flexible your option program is and how big your budget is. Most of my clients are on the small side so most of the time I've put together some spreadsheets for them.
I see there is now a free spreadsheet solution out there (www.easyeso.com) but it's very basic however they also have a web based SaaS solution that looks to be low-cost.
We have been using StockVantage for 6 months now. We reviewed several other packages and chose it as it appeared to be very easy to use and good reporting. Their support team is terrific - we went back to our first options, loaded everything, reconciled to the G/L for both GAAP and IFRS and are using it frequently. Support continues to be fantastic with all our questions answered very promptly. We're a happy customer. For the record, we have no vested interest in StockVantage.
I'd recommend OptionEase, without hesitation. They've been able to handle every oddball situation we've thrown at them. If it couldn't do it out of the box, then they've updated their system at no charge to us. Two nice features include: automatic volatility calculation of our peer group and IRS form 6039 reporting at no extra charge.
I've implemented the SVB Analytics package (CapMx or formerly eProsper) twice and liked it. I've also implemented Two Step Software's Corporate Focus program, which had a nice interface and reporting capabilities with upgrades coming along as well. These are my 2 go to's to assure we get FAS123R right plus hold the cap table info conveniently also, that's something handy to have at your finger tips.
If you are public or planning to go public, I would definitely steer clear of Easi. The frequent bugs and issues with this product negatively impacted employees who were trying to exercise options and/or sell shares.
I'm a fan of CapMx (two implementations, the 2nd one last month). That said, CapMx was purchased by Solium and they are replacing (they will transfer you over at their cost) to their own tool by the name of Shareworks. I have never used Shareworks, but understand it to be good (per a consultant I spoke to) and it does EPS calc (...something CapMx does not do so it cannot take you public whereas Shareworks can).
Looking over options software myself. Everyone mentions CapMx. I've some experience with Shareworks so now that I know they are one and the same that is helpful.
I've been referred to eShares as a potential option. Is anyone able to share their experience with using them?
Is there are SAAS tool out there that just does the stock comp computation without the cap table tracking. We are startup and have our legal counsel tracking all our cap table. Just need a tool for stock comp computation for out audits and financial statements.
Since the time this question was first asked (2013), many of the recommended programs are no longer available such as SVB Analytics and OptionEase. So, I was wondering if someone could recommend a good currently available stock option SAAS? Thanks.
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Accounting