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 (excel schedules). So I would definitely ask how the system will handle unusual grants if you have a lot of them. Also we report under IFRS so EASi handles IFRS 2 (which Capmx didn't). http://www.easiadmin.com/site/index.aspx
I've also heard good things about OptionEase (but haven't worked with it) www.optionease.com. I believe it was developed by accountant.
Title:Product Manager Company: National Center for Employee Ownership
| Dec 1, 2011
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 accounting aspect of the program. As Liz's comment above so beautifully demonstrates, the functionality of different systems varies widely. The key to getting what's "best" for your company's needs is to clearly define those needs first and then do a thorough vendor comparison across the available systems that appear to meet those needs. I've created a thorough vendor comparison form that I'd be happy to share with you. Just let me know.
Title:Manager of Finance Company: Comcast Ventures
| Feb 17, 2012
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.
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 CFO. That aside, I am blown away by the financial reporting capability that is already built in to OptionEase. This is not just a stock option tracking system, but a full equity (ALL types, common, preferred, warrants, RSOs, etc.) tracking and financial accounting system. This software provides the correct expense amount to book each month, has full cap table and 123r built in, etc. Really worth a look for anyone looking at an independent best of breed solution. And Achessa, yes I'd love to have a copy of your vendor comparison if you're willing to share (hopefully OptionEase is on the list, but even if not!).
Title:Product Manager Company: National Center for Employee Ownership
| Dec 6, 2011
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.
Answers
Company: Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP
Straight from the mouth of our power-user: "In short, if I were running an accounting department, I would probably use CapMx (SVB Analytics)."
There are certainly a few to choose from, but CapMx (formerly known as eProsper) has gotten consistently good reviews from our clients.
Here's a link: http://www.svb.com/svbanalytics/cap-table-management-formerly-eProsper/
Brian
Company: Consulting
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 (excel schedules). So I would definitely ask how the system will handle unusual grants if you have a lot of them. Also we report under IFRS so EASi handles IFRS 2 (which Capmx didn't). http://www.easiadmin.com/site/index.aspx
I've also heard good things about OptionEase (but haven't worked with it) www.optionease.com. I believe it was developed by accountant.
Company: National Center for Employee Ownership
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 accounting aspect of the program. As Liz's comment above so beautifully demonstrates, the functionality of different systems varies widely. The key to getting what's "best" for your company's needs is to clearly define those needs first and then do a thorough vendor comparison across the available systems that appear to meet those needs. I've created a thorough vendor comparison form that I'd be happy to share with you. Just let me know.
Company: Comcast Ventures
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.
Company: Sparxent, Inc.
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 CFO. That aside, I am blown away by the financial reporting capability that is already built in to OptionEase. This is not just a stock option tracking system, but a full equity (ALL types, common, preferred, warrants, RSOs, etc.) tracking and financial accounting system. This software provides the correct expense amount to book each month, has full cap table and 123r built in, etc. Really worth a look for anyone looking at an independent best of breed solution. And Achessa, yes I'd love to have a copy of your vendor comparison if you're willing to share (hopefully OptionEase is on the list, but even if not!).
Company: National Center for Employee Ownership
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.
Company: 123 Accounting Services
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.
Company: Serenic Corporation
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.
Company: dust networks
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.
Company: Anametrix, Inc.
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.