General Counsel

Washington, DC, United States

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 $369,700 - $546,900. 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 –29, 2023

Highly competitive 401(k) matchand 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 General Counsel position is located in the Washington, DC (Headquarters) office and will serve as the PCAOB’s chief legal advisor in the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This key role is an officer of the PCAOB, reports to the Chair, and is primarily responsible for advising and counseling the Board, management, and staff on all internal and external legal matters.

Responsibilities

Advise and counsel the Board, management, and staff on all legal matters.

Lead, coordinate, and manage the legal function of the PCAOB.

Review and provide legal advice on all recommendations made to the Chair and Board, including recommendations related to inspections, enforcement, standard-setting, and operations.

Advise on organizational compliance with pertinent laws, regulations, and SEC requirements.

Lead the organization’s strategy in all external litigation matters.

Oversee the preparation of draft opinions for disciplinary sanctions that are appealed to the Board, and the defense of PCAOB decisions that are appealed to the SEC.

Oversee the work and manage relationships with dedicated outside counsel and other counsel, as necessary.

Oversee the organization’s rulemaking projects and provide legal advice on standard-setting.

Oversee in-depth legal research involving analysis of statutes, proposed legislation, case law, and governmental guidance.

Oversee the legal review of all contracts entered into by the PCAOB.

Advise the Board and staff on the maintenance of PCAOB employment policies in conformity with applicable federal and state requirements.

Lead, motivate and provide direction to teams of attorneys within OGC.

Plan, direct, and monitor the operations of OGC to improve program execution, promote increased efficiency of operations and assure the appropriate utilization of resources.

Perform the full range of supervisory duties, including evaluating employee performance; make recommendations for appointment and promotion; hear and resolve complaints; identify development and training needs of employees and other related supervisory tasks consistent with business needs.

Qualifications

Education/Technical Expertise

Juris doctor (JD) from an accredited law school in the United States.

Active membership of the Bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

At least 15 years of relevant legal experience, including progressive responsibility, at either a law firm, corporation, government agency, or regulatory body, or combination thereof; experience in an environment related to accounting, financial matters, or public auditing preferred.

Knowledge and experience relating to corporate and securities laws; rulemaking and administrative law; contract law; labor/employment law; and commercial law strongly preferred.

A self-starter able to administer a number of open, ongoing assignments at any one time, where some assignments are routinely unstructured, requiring autonomy and independent judgment.

Superior ability to analyze complex legal issues.

Superior ability to think broadly and strategically, including translating long-term goals and objectives into short-term tactical plans and operational activities.

In-depth experience successfully harmonizing diverse and competing interests.

Ability to clearly articulate a position with sound logic and conviction.

Ability to effectively represent the organization to a variety of both internal and external constituencies.

Superior verbal and written communication skills.

Strong time management and organization skills.

Ability to effectively respond to changing circumstances and adapt to meet new opportunities/challenges.

Leadership/Management Skills And Abilities

Ability to drive a positive “tone at the top” of the organization and hold others accountable for doing the same.

Ensures that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with the highest ethical standards and aligns with the values of the organization.

Must be able to motivate and inspire employees at all levels of the organization in order to enhance team commitment and individual performance.

Proven skill as a leader capable of building, managing, and retaining a talented staff.

Proven ability to develop, coach, and mentor staff, providing constant feedback and clear direction.

Ability to promote collaboration by unifying teams, setting common goals and incentivizing collaborative behavior.

Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.

Strong ability to build credibility, organize effectively, solve problems quickly and communicate clearly.

Possesses the balance and emotional intelligence required to meet the diverse needs of the other PCAOB Divisions and Offices.

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.

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