SEC & Corporate Governance Attorney

Cerence Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 253,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance coverage

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Remote/hybrid

Annual bonus

Equity awards

RRSP contribution

Job summary

Cerence Inc. in the United States is seeking an experienced SEC & Corporate Governance Attorney to lead securities law compliance, SEC reporting, and governance for a public company.

You will partner with executives, finance, IR, HR, and the Board to ensure accurate disclosures and effective governance. The role covers robust regulatory monitoring, disclosures for earnings, and strategic initiatives, with a focus on governance best practices and board support.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. state.
• 7–10 years of experience in public company securities law, SEC reporting, governance, and capital markets.
• Experience at a major law firm or in-house with a public company or mix of both.

Responsibilities

• Lead review and preparation of SEC filings (10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, DEF 14A, Section 16).
• Provide guidance on Securities Act of 1933, Exchange Act of 1934, Regulation FD, and insider trading.
• Support governance matters, board materials, and shareholder engagement.
• Oversee executive compensation disclosures and equity programs.
• Assist with M&A, capital markets transactions, and due diligence.

Skills

Executive presence

Legal drafting

Business judgment

Project management

Independent work

Professional communication

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Job description

A Moving Experience.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced SEC & Corporate Governance Attorney to serve as a key member of the Legal team supporting a publicly traded company. This individual will lead and advise on U.S. securities law compliance, SEC reporting and disclosure obligations, corporate governance matters, insider trading compliance, executive compensation disclosures, and Board of Directors activities. The successful candidate will partner closely with Executive Leadership, Finance, Investor Relations, Human Resources, Internal Audit, and the Board of Directors to ensure compliance with applicable securities laws and governance requirements while supporting strategic business initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

SEC Reporting & Securities Compliance

• Lead legal review and preparation of SEC filings, including Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, Proxy Statements (DEF 14A), Section 16 filings, and other required disclosures.
• Advise on securities law requirements under the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
• Provide legal guidance regarding Regulation FD, insider trading regulations, disclosure controls, and public company reporting obligations.
• Monitor regulatory developments, SEC rulemaking, and emerging disclosure requirements and assess business implications.
• Support earnings releases, investor presentations, and public disclosure activities.

Corporate Governance

• Advise management and the Board regarding public company governance requirements and best practices.
• Prepare and review Board and Committee materials, resolutions, minutes, governance policies, and charters.
• Maintain corporate governance framework, including governance guidelines and committee structures.
• Support annual shareholder meeting planning and proxy processes.
• Assist with shareholder engagement activities and responses to governance inquiries.

Executive Compensation & Equity Programs

• Partner with Human Resources and Compensation teams regarding executive compensation disclosures.
• Support equity compensation plans, equity grants, and related securities law compliance.
• Review and advise on CD&A and executive compensation disclosures included in proxy statements.
• Provide legal guidance regarding Say-on-Pay, equity plan proposals, and shareholder approval requirements.

Corporate Transactions & Strategic Initiatives

• Support mergers and acquisitions, financing transactions, capital markets activities, and strategic investments.
• Conduct legal due diligence and provide securities law guidance for corporate transactions.
• Review and negotiate transaction-related disclosures and governance provisions.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Administer compliance programs.
• Develop and deliver training on securities law and governance matters.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal and regulatory risks.
• Coordinate with external counsel, auditors, and regulatory authorities as needed.

Qualifications Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
• 7-10 years of relevant legal experience in: Public company securities law SEC reporting and disclosure Corporate governance Capital markets and corporate transactions Experience at a major law firm, publicly traded company, or combination of both.
• Deep understanding of: Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Securities Act of 1933 Regulation FD Section 16 requirements Nasdaq listing standards Corporate governance best practices
• Preferred Experience supporting technology, software, AI, or multinational public companies.
• Experience advising Boards of Directors and executive leadership teams.
• Familiarity with executive compensation and equity compensation matters.
• M&A and capital markets transaction experience.

Key Competencies

• Strong business judgment and practical problem-solving skills
• Exceptional legal drafting and written communication abilities
• Executive presence and ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Ability to assess legal risk while enabling business objectives
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced public company environment
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and professionalism

What we offer

• Salary range $168,470.00 USD- $252,705.00 USD
• It is not typical for offers to be made at or near the top of the range. The actual salary will be determined based on experience and other job-related factors.
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Company contribution to the RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)
• Equity awards for certain positions and levels
• Remote and/or hybrid work available depending on the position
• All compensation and benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the underlying plans or programs, as applicable, and may be amended, terminated, or replaced from time to time.

Cerence Inc. (Nasdaq: CRNC and www.cerence.com) is the global industry leader in creating unique, moving experiences for the automotive world. Spun out from Nuance in October 2019, Cerence is a new, independent company that has quickly gained traction as a leader in the automotive voice assistant space, working with all of the world’s leading automakers - from Ford and Fiat Chrysler to Daimler, Audi and BMW to Geely and SAIC - to transform how a car feels, responds and learns. Its track record is built on more than 20 years of industry experience and leadership and more than 500 million cars on the road today across more than 70 languages. As Cerence looks to the future and continues an ambitious growth agenda, we need someone to join the team and help build the future of voice and AI in cars. This is an exciting opportunity to join Cerence’s passionate, dedicated, global team and be a part of meaningful innovation in a rapidly growing industry.

All prospective and current Employees need to remain vigilant when it comes to executing security policies in the workplace.

• Following workplace security protocols and training programs to familiarize with the ways to maintain a safe workplace.
• Following security procedures to report any suspicious activity.
• Having respect for corporate security procedures to allow those procedures to be effective.
• Adhering to company's compliance and regulations.
• Encouraging to follow a zero tolerance for workplace violence.
• Basic knowledge of information security and data privacy requirements (e.g., how to protect data & how to be handling this data).
• Demonstrative knowledge of information security through internal training programs.

At Cerence AI, we help the world's leading automotive and technology brands leverage AI to create safer, more productive and more joy-filled brand and user experiences. We're looking for motivated, collaborative individuals who come alive with big challenges and are excited about AI's potential to shape the future of how people experience the world.