Counsel Enforcement
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board See More Job Openings by This Employer
Join us and make a difference in global investor protection.
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 to further the public interest in the preparation of independent, accurate, and informative audit reports.
Our investor protection mission is focused on modernizing audit standards, enhancing audit inspections, and strengthening enforcement of PCAOB rules and standards and other related laws and rules. People are at the heart of our mission at the PCAOB. As we carry out that mission, we strive to uphold the highest standards in audit quality with investors’ families, savings, and futures in mind.
We are hiring mission-driven professionals interested in a career with purpose, competitive benefit offerings, and work-life flexibility. If you are interested in working with a diverse group of talented professionals to protect investors and drive audit quality and innovation while adhering to the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct, join us.
What We Offer
At the PCAOB, we offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits package with a focus on the health and financial well-being of our valued team members. Some of the features of our comprehensive Total Rewards package include:
Compensation – We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation programs and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range, based on data-driven market analysis, for each job posting. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role in Washington, DC (Headquarters) is $128,100,000 - $186,700 per year and in New York, NY is
$139,300 - $203,000. Team members may also be eligible for performance-based discretionary awards.
Hybrid work option – Staff will be assigned to the Washington, DC (Headquarters) or New York, NY office. Staff can choose to live and work from anywhere within the United States but will be required to commute to their assigned office or location for occasional intentional gatherings or meetings at the frequency required by their supervisor. Travel to an assigned office or location for commuting purposes will not be considered reimbursable business travel, unless otherwise required by state law. Business travel is reimbursable in an amount not exceeding the cost to travel from the assigned office or location, unless otherwise required by state law.
Generous paid time off – Up to 6 weeks annually, in addition to 12 federal holidays, 2 floating holidays, and a year-end break in December 2024
Highly competitive 401(k) match and savings options – Immediate vesting and contributions matched dollar for dollar, up to 7 percent of eligible compensation. Roth in-plan conversion available.
Comprehensive and competitive health benefit offerings – Medical, dental, and vision plans
Supportive paid family leave benefits – Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave and up to 16 weeks paid caregiver leave
Life insurance benefits – Basic life and AD&D insurance provided; supplemental insurance also available
Education benefits – PCAOB staff qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. We also offer student loan repayment assistance, staff college tuition assistance, and college coach program support.
Well-being and family resources – Mental health and well-being resources, paid volunteer time, emergency child/adult dependent back-up care services, family-forming assistance, discounted gym memberships, employee assistance program (EAP), health advocate program, and more
Commuter benefits – Tax-free employer subsidy and pretax employee deductions
Role Summary
The PCAOB has a full-time, regular position of Counsel in the Division of Enforcement and Investigations (DEI) in its New York, NY regional office or Washington, DC (Headquarters) office. DEI investigates and, where appropriate brings enforcement actions against, registered firms and their associated persons for violations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the rules of the PCAOB, provisions of the securities laws relating to the preparation and issuance of audit reports and the obligations and liabilities of accountants with respect thereto, including the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission issued under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or professional standards. This attorney role requires strong analytical and verbal and written communication skills.
Responsibilities
Planning, organizing, and conducting investigations of possible violations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the rules of the PCAOB, relevant provisions of the securities laws, or professional standards;
Reviewing and analyzing audit working papers, corporate books and records, and other financial and accounting documents;
Conducting interviews and testimony with supervision;
Identifying accounting, auditing, and financial reporting deficiencies and synthesizing evidence to support enforcement recommendations;
Drafting legal memoranda, persuasive briefs, and enforcement-related documents for Division staff;
Assisting investigative team in making recommendations to the Board related to enforcement actions; and
Litigating, with supervision, in administrative proceedings before hearing officers and before the Board.
Qualifications
Education/Technical Expertise
Minimum of 7+ years of legal experience with progressively responsible legal experience sufficient to handle complex legal and accounting/auditing issues;
Juris doctor (JD) from an accredited law school in the United States;
Active member of the Bar;
Investigative, litigation, or trial experience related to financial fraud matters and/or securities litigation preferred but not required;
Strong technical abilities, regulatory knowledge, leadership, and verbal and written communications skills;
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team;
Multilingual ability is a plus, and
Ability to travel some.
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.
#LI-Hybrid
- $139,300 - $203,000
