Employee Ownership at SC&H
100% Employee-Owned,
Fiercely Independent
SC&H’s founders boldly pioneered a people-first structure to ensure a sustainable, rewarding future for the firm—and all of us.
Their vision took shape in the early 2000s as they transitioned to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and became 100% employee-owned in 2016. Today, our employees don’t just work for SC&H, we own it.
Ready to grow a rewarding career and long-term wealth? Join our legacy.
What Does Employee-Owned Mean?
It’s exactly what it sounds like: Our employees are the owners of SC&H. There are no mystical external investors or disconnected shareholders around here. Each and every employee owns a piece of our company. We have the power to decide how we operate.
ESOP is Real Dollars in Your Bank
Along with our compensation and benefits, ESOP shares are a valuable bonus. The longer you’re with our firm, the more your ownership equity increases. When you go above and beyond for our clients, you help our firm grow—and your ESOP account does, too.
“I didn’t fully understand an ESOP when I first learned of it. Now, after working here for 11 years, I see the value in the ESOP and know my hard work directly contributes to my success and the success of everyone in the firm. Our success is tangible when I see the balance of the plan and my earnings grow.”
Working With Employee-Owners
Our employee-owned culture is based on accountability, collaboration, and a shared stake in the firm’s financial success. We’re advisors, consultants, analysts, and technologists, and what we all have in common is owning a piece of SC&H.
As owners of our firm, we do things our way:
We build long-term client partnerships.
On average, our team members stay with SC&H for 6 years. Our clients count on us to know their businesses, anticipate their needs, and grow with them.
We empower you to be part of big conversations.
Our people are our most valuable asset. Each of us wants to ensure SC&H benefits our colleagues, clients, and communities. Your innovation and input help us make those goals a reality.
We respect your work-life balance and well-being.
Our culture is designed to support your whole self. Flexible work arrangements, family leave for all parents, paid volunteer hours, and a monthly wellness stipend are just a few ways we show our commitment.
Hear from Our Owners
“Working for a 100% employee-owned company means that you have a more direct stake in the company’s success. There’s a greater sense of belonging.
SC&H first announced the ESOP when I started my career here. 19 years later, I appreciate it even more, and my ESOP account value reflects how much SC&H has flourished since then.”
“Being an ESOP member means we all have skin in the game. We are all invested in the outcome of the firm. It helps you think, ‘How do my actions impact the firm as a whole?’
SC&H is contributing to my retirement, and there is no out-of-pocket cost to me. My hard work will pay dividends, even after I retire.”
How An ESOP Benefits You and Your Career
Earn free money
It’s real shares that give you real ownership equity, and it costs you $0.
Next-level teamwork
We all want to increase the firm’s profitability, because our success is your success.
Have a voice
You’re empowered to speak up, be creative, and make key decisions.
ESOP Questions? We’ve Got Answers
ESOP is a valuable part of your total compensation—shares are contributed to your account at no cost to you. Think of it as an extra retirement benefit that grows the longer you’re here, and the better we perform. There’s no catch—it’s truly free ownership.
ESOP is a complementary retirement vehicle to a 401(k). All eligible employees enter the ESOP when they meet participation requirements. Meanwhile, employees can opt into and contribute to a 401(k) retirement account if they wish to take advantage of SC&H’s competitive company match.
You’re automatically enrolled in ESOP when you:
- Complete one full year at SC&H – upon which you are automatically granted entry into the ESOP at the next semi-annual entry date (January 1 or July 1)
- Are 21 years of age or older
- Once in the ESOP, you must complete 1,000 hours of work in that plan year to earn your allocation
Since the ESOP is a qualified retirement vehicle, the assets of the trust are overseen and protected by an independent third-party trustee.
When SC&H contributes to the ESOP, the independent third-party administrator allocates stock (and sometimes cash to buy stock in the future) into each employee’s account in the ESOP.
Your portion of the contribution is based on your compensation for the year:
Your pay ÷ Total eligible payroll = Your fraction of the annual allocation
Once you meet the enrollment eligibility requirements, you begin receiving shares. Every year you’re with SC&H, new shares are added to your account, increasing your ownership stake.
Vesting is the amount of time an eligible employee must work before being entitled to their full retirement benefit. At SC&H, vesting begins after two years of employment. Starting in year two, you earn 20% each year until you are 100% vested at year six. If you choose to leave the company before you are fully vested, you can only take the vested portion of your account with you.
When you retire or leave the company, the ESOP buys your shares back from you.
- When you retire, you can begin receiving your distributions. If you retire at age 59½ or later, you may be able to receive 100% of your vested shares the year after you leave.
- If you leave for another reason, there may be a waiting period before you can access your vested funds. After the waiting period, you can avoid fees and penalties by rolling your funds into another retirement account, or you can cash out by taking the fair market value sum minus the early withdrawal fees and penalties.
Own Your Career.
Shape Our Future.
Ready to grow a rewarding career and long-term wealth? Welcome to SC&H – you’re in the right place.
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