Office Of Hearing Officers Senior Counsel

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 $181,900 - $285,200. Team members may also be eligible for performance-based discretionary awards.

• Hybrid work option - Staff will be assigned to the Washington, DC (Headquarters) 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 from December 25 -31, 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 for a Senior Counsel in the Office of Hearing Officers (OHO). OHO is charged with fairly and impartially conducting proceedings in which the PCAOB directs a hearing officer to preside and prepare a decision resolving the issues. OHO is staffed with one or more Hearing Officers as well as support personnel. Hearing officers are appointed by the PCAOB with the approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission and take an oath or affirmation to support the U.S. Constitution.
The OHO Senior Counsel will advise OHO on all matters that come before OHO, including disciplinary proceedings charging one or more respondents with violations, or when a registration applicant files a request for a hearing.
This position will be based in the PCAOB's Washington, DC (Headquarters) office and will report to the Chief Hearing Officer.
Responsibilities

• Serve as in-house counsel for OHO, with duties primarily relating to the adjudication of contested PCAOB disciplinary proceedings, including drafting rulings on evidentiary and procedural matters, and preparing drafts of decisions for Hearing Officers. Such matters regularly involve complex and novel legal issues and the preparation of written documents that contain sophisticated analyses and consideration of competing arguments.
• Determine best practices and how to improve internal processes.
• Keep abreast of relevant SEC, PCAOB, industry, and other self-regulatory organization developments.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education/Technical Expertise

• A bachelor's degree and law degree from an accredited law school, admission to a bar, and substantial relevant legal experience.
• Minimum of 10+ years prior relevant experience.
• Superior technical abilities, regulatory knowledge, and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent technical, speech writing and editing skills, including the ability to convey complex information in a clear, concise, and accessible manner.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook applications.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management, co-workers, and external parties.
• General knowledge and/or interest in public auditing/accounting.
• Detail oriented with solid time-management, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Professional demeanor and the ability to handle confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to juggle priorities, work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and be flexible.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and excellent judgment.
• Ability to respond to changing circumstances and adapt to new opportunities/challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an environment related to accounting, financial matters, or public auditing.
• Knowledge and experience relating to securities laws.
• Knowledge and experience relating to administrative law and litigation.

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.
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