Chief Auditor and Director, Professional Standards

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 334,800 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefits

Paid Time Off

401(k) Match

Education Benefits

Well-being & Family Resources

Job summary

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is seeking a Chief Auditor in Washington, DC or New York. This role involves leading the audit standards and providing guidance on PCAOB rules to ensure audit quality.

Ideal candidates will have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, CPA license, and over 20 years of relevant experience, showcasing strong leadership and communication skills. A competitive salary package is offered, with a focus on health and financial well-being.

Qualifications

• 20 years of progressive responsibility in public accounting or related environment.
• Experience auditing publicly traded companies.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal advisor on PCAOB auditing standards.
• Direct the organization's standard-setting activities.
• Collaborate with external groups on PCAOB standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of PCAOB standards

Change management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field

CPA license

MBA or master's degree preferred

Job description

Who We Are

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), a nonprofit organization established by Congress, oversees the audits of public companies and SEC‑registered brokers and dealers to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of independent, accurate, and informative audit reports. Our investor protection mission focuses on modernizing audit standards, enhancing audit inspections, and strengthening enforcement of PCAOB rules and standards and other related laws.

What We Offer

At the PCAOB we provide a highly competitive compensation and benefits package focused on health and financial well‑being. Some features of our Total Rewards package include:

• Compensation – $334,800‑$400,000 per year for Washington, DC (Headquarters) or New York, NY, with performance‑based discretionary awards.
• Work Location – Washington, DC (Headquarters), New York, NY, or other approved office.
• Paid Time Off – Up to 6 weeks annually, 12 federal holidays, 2 floating holidays, and a year‑end break December28‑31,2026.
• 401(k) Match – Immediate vesting and dollar‑for‑dollar match up to 7% of eligible compensation; Roth in‑plan conversion.
• Health Benefits – Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Family Leave – Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave and up to 16 weeks paid caregiver leave.
• Insurance – Basic life and AD&D; supplemental insurance available.
• Education Benefits – Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, student loan repayment assistance, college tuition assistance, and a college coach program.
• Well‑being & Family Resources – Mental health resources, paid volunteer time, emergency child/adult dependent backup care, discounted gym memberships, EAP, health advocate program.
• Commuter Benefits – Tax‑free employer subsidy and pre‑tax employee deductions.

Position Summary

The Chief Auditor and Director, Professional Standards (Chief Auditor) is the Board’s principal advisor on auditing and related professional standards for auditors of issuers and SEC‑registered broker‑dealers. The Chief Auditor reports to the Chair and may be located in Washington, DC or New York.

The Chief Auditor leads a comprehensive approach to modernize standard‑setting, ensuring that PCAOB standards meaningfully improve audit quality, are implementable, and remain aligned with the public interest.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal advisor to the Board on PCAOB auditing and related professional standards for engagements by registered firms for issuers and broker‑dealers.
• Direct the organization’s standard‑setting activities, including setting agendas and overseeing development of staff guidance on new, emerging, or noteworthy circumstances.
• Direct the Office of the Chief Auditor, overseeing interdisciplinary teams that conduct research, outreach, and develop regulatory releases setting new and revised auditing and practice standards.
• Oversee implementation of standards through guidance, consultation, and post‑implementation review, including addressing AI and other technologies in financial reporting and audit processes.
• Oversee the Firm Consultation Process, enabling registered firms to request consultation on the interpretation and application of PCAOB standards, rules, and forms.
• Evaluate alignment with international auditing standards to enhance consistency and audit quality while preserving U.S. legal and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with other offices and divisions to advance organization‑wide priorities.
• Represent the PCAOB at conferences and other meetings.
• Engage with external groups, regulators, investors, auditors, academics, audit committee members, and financial executives on PCAOB standards and practices.
• Perform administrative and supervisory duties, including performance evaluation, appointment recommendations, and staff development.

Qualifications

• Education/Technical Expertise
  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related discipline; CPA license required.
  • MBA or master’s degree preferred.
  • At least 20 years of progressive responsibility in public accounting or a related environment, including experience auditing publicly traded companies.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of PCAOB standards, IAASB standards, SEC financial reporting requirements, ethics, quality control, and emerging developments such as AI and data technology.
  • Self‑starter with the ability to manage multiple assignments and exercise independent judgment.
  • Experience harmonizing diverse interests and representing the organization to internal and external constituencies.
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills.
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
• Leadership/Management Skills and Abilities
  • Proven leadership in building, managing, and retaining talented staff.
  • Change agent capable of driving positive transformation and fostering innovation.
  • Ability to set a “tone at the top” and hold others accountable for ethical behavior.
  • Motivational leadership that inspires employees at all levels and enhances team commitment and performance.
  • Coaching, mentoring, and providing clear feedback and direction.
  • Collaborative approach that unifies teams, sets common goals, and incentivizes cooperation.
  • Strong credibility, organizational effectiveness, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
  • Emotional intelligence to meet diverse needs of divisions and offices.
  • Conflict resolution skills for timely, productive outcomes.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All PCAOB employees are entitled to equal opportunity and a professional work environment, free of discrimination and harassment. The PCAOB considers all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. The PCAOB promotes high‑quality auditing through forward‑looking, responsive, and innovative oversight, and operates with integrity, excellence, collaboration, and accountability.