Chief Hearing Officer

Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 248,100 - 400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation: $248,100/year – $400,000/year

Generous paid time off: up to 6 weeks annually

401(k) match and savings options

Health benefits: medical, dental, and vision plans

Paid family leave

Education benefits

Job summary

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board is seeking a Chief Hearing Officer in Washington, DC. This role includes overseeing the Office of Hearing Officers and ensuring the adjudicatory functions are carried out effectively.

The ideal candidate will have extensive legal experience, including presiding over proceedings and managing complex cases. Responsibilities include conducting hearings, resolving procedural issues, and preparing decisions.

The position offers competitive compensation and generous benefits, including health plans and a 401(k) match.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of legal experience.
• Must have a Juris Doctor (JD).
• Active member of a state Bar.
• Experience in administrative proceedings required.
• Superior technical, regulatory knowledge, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage Office of Hearing Officers.
• Conduct pre-hearing conferences and preside at hearings.
• Manage an active docket of cases effectively.
• Ensure the completeness and accuracy of hearing records.

Skills

Legal experience

Juris Doctor (JD)

Active Bar membership

Administrative proceedings

Technical abilities

Leadership skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Juris Doctor from an accredited law school

Job description

About PCAOB

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is a nonprofit organization established by Congress to oversee 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 and rules.

Position Summary

The Chief Hearing Officer oversees and manages the PCAOB’s Office of Hearing Officers (OHO) and its staff to carry out the PCAOB’s adjudicatory functions under the Sarbanes‑Oxley Act and PCAOB rules. The Board tasks OHO, which is staffed with one Chief Hearing Officer as well as support personnel, with fairly and impartially presiding over disciplinary proceedings against PCAOB registered firms or associated persons as well as hearings regarding registration applications. The Chief Hearing Officer exercises independent decisional authority under the relevant rules of the PCAOB as described in the OHO Charter. The Chief Hearing Officer reports to, and is appointed by, the Board with the approval of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and takes an oath or affirmation to support the U.S. Constitution. The Board has designated the Chief Operating Officer to provide oversight of the administrative functions of the OHO.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation: $248,100/year – $400,000/year; eligibility for performance‑based discretionary awards.
• Work location: Washington, DC (Headquarters) or another approved office.
• Generous paid time off: up to 6 weeks annually, 12 federal holidays, 2 floating holidays, and a year‑end break December 28 – 31, 2026.
• 401(k) match and savings options: immediate vesting and dollar‑for‑dollar match up to 7% of eligible compensation; Roth in‑plan conversion available.
• Health benefits: medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Paid family leave: up to 16 weeks paid parental leave and up to 16 weeks paid caregiver leave.
• Life insurance: basic life and AD&D insurance provided; supplemental insurance also available.
• Education benefits: eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program; student loan repayment assistance; staff college tuition assistance; college coach program support.
• Well‑being and family resources: mental health and well‑being resources, paid volunteer time, emergency child/adult dependent backup care services, family‑forming assistance, discounted gym memberships, employee assistance program, health advocate program, and more.
• Commuter benefits: tax‑free employer subsidy and pre‑tax employee deductions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage OHO.
• Manage an active docket of cases effectively.
• Preside over proceedings in which the Board directs a Hearing Officer to preside.
• Conduct pre‑hearing conferences and resolve procedural issues that arise during the pre‑hearing process.
• Preside at hearings, resolving all procedural and evidentiary issues as they arise during the hearing.
• Regulate the course of a proceeding and the conduct of the parties and their counsel, with appropriate adjudicative temperament.
• Ensure that the hearing record is complete and accurate.
• Prepare clear, well‑reasoned, and well‑supported decisions explaining the findings and conclusions.
• Perform the full range of supervisory duties, including, but not limited to, evaluating employee performance; making recommendations for hiring and promotion; hearing and resolving internal complaints; identifying development and training needs of employees; and performing other related supervisory tasks.
• Recruit, maintain, and develop staff consistent with business needs.

Qualifications

• At least 15years of legal experience with a law firm, corporation, government agency, regulatory body, or a combination thereof.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school in the United States.
• Active member of a state Bar in the United States.
• Substantial experience relating to the conduct of administrative proceedings.
• Superior technical abilities, regulatory knowledge, and leadership skills.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including extensive legal writing experience involving complex technical, legal, and factual issues.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

• 20years of legal experience with a law firm, corporation, federal government agency, regulatory body, or a combination thereof.
• Experience in an environment related to accounting, financial matters, or public auditing.
• Knowledge and experience relating to securities laws.
• Leadership/Management skills and abilities: drive a positive "tone at the top" within OHO and hold other OHO personnel accountable.
• Ensure that own and others' behavior is consistent with the highest ethical standards and aligned with the organization’s values.
• Motivate and inspire employees at all levels to enhance team commitment and individual performance.
• Proven skill as a leader capable of building, managing, and retaining a talented staff.
• Promote collaboration within OHO by unifying teams, setting common goals, and fostering collaborative behavior.
• Demonstrate success in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with others to achieve OHO’s goals.
• Strong ability to build credibility, organize effectively, solve problems quickly, and communicate clearly.
• Proven ability to navigate and resolve various types of conflict in a timely and productive manner.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All PCAOB employees are entitled to equal opportunity and a professional work environment, free of discrimination and harassment. A workplace free of discrimination and harassment is fundamental to professional success and to the PCAOB's mission. The PCAOB will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. The PCAOB will be a trusted leader that promotes high quality auditing through forward‑looking, responsive, and innovative oversight. At all times, we will act with integrity, pursue excellence, operate with effectiveness, embrace collaboration, and demand accountability.