Sr. Business Analyst - Corp Governance - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

About the Role

This is an open position with FirstEnergy Service Co., a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., located on-site at the FirstEnergy Corp Headquarters in Akron, OH. The Sr. Business Analyst – Corporate Secretary serves as a trusted advisor to company executives and the Board of Directors, ensuring compliance and confidentiality in all areas of responsibility. Key focus areas include Board of Director compensation, insider trading, Section 16 reporting, shareholder services, regulatory filings, and compliance with SEC, NYSE, federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

The role involves leading projects related to corporate governance, such as supporting Board and Corporate Governance Committee matters, proxy statements, Annual Meetings of Shareholders, and shareholder-related matters. The position reports to the Assistant Corporate Secretary.

Responsibilities

• Perform all responsibilities related to stock-based equity compensation programs for Directors, including plan document interpretation, 10b5-1 plan administration, coordinating releases and payouts, dividends, equity reporting, cost basis, communications, service level agreements, share ownership guidelines reporting, and vendor coordination for record-keeping accuracy.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of SEC Section 16 requirements for insider stock trading and ensure accurate, timely filings, including EDGAR codes, Forms 3, 4, 5, and Form 144.
• Lead and analyze executive and Director stock trading compliance activities, including pre-clearance, trading windows, compliance with the Insider Trading Policy, and responding to inquiries from employees and Directors.
• Ensure compliance with NYSE rules and regulations, including CEO Certifications, Written Affirmations, dividend declarations, officer/Director changes, and shares outstanding notifications.
• Administer compensation for outside directors, including plan document application, payment processing, vendor coordination for share issuance/tracking, system verifications, communications, elections, and IRS Form 1099 completion.
• Lead and perform reporting for SEC disclosure documents, such as Forms 10-K, 10-Q, proxy statements, and annual reports to shareholders.
• Manage activities related to registration statements, including tracking forecasts, budgets, and reports of shares used/available under S-8 and NYSE plans.
• Assist with parent and subsidiary board responsibilities, including drafting and researching resolutions and minutes.
• Develop effective working relationships with the Board of Directors and employees at all levels.
• Conduct business-specific research, analyze data, interpret results, and implement solutions.
• Provide responsive service to employees, retirees, and Directors.
• Partner internally with departments such as Accounting, Financial Reporting, Tax, Payroll, Internal Auditing, Treasury, Human Resources, Investor Relations, and Communications.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of work products, fostering accountability and urgency for deadlines.
• Maintain and manage vendor relationships and contracts.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve project/process issues proactively.
• Seek opportunities to increase customer satisfaction and deepen relationships.
• Anticipate customer needs and propose alternative solutions.
• Support the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and proxy statement activities.
• Assist with Corporate Governance research and share industry trends affecting FirstEnergy.
• Provide backup support for department functions, such as related person transaction reviews and director independence reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related discipline (required).
• Minimum 10 years of related work experience in corporate governance, compensation, and regulatory filings (required).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access).
• Ability to proactively lead work processes and projects with leadership and peers.
• Detail-oriented with strong research skills for in-depth project analysis.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Strong time management and project-management skills.
• Commitment to delivering high-quality, accurate work within deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills, including data interpretation and solution development.
• Superior customer service skills with the ability to anticipate and exceed needs.
• Desire for continuous learning and growth, with a questioning attitude.
• Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment on projects and assignments.
• Understanding of the big picture and how departmental/project aspects integrate.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.