Special Counsel to the Division of Enforcement and Investigations

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 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) or New York, NY is $248,100/year - $400,000/year. Team members may also be eligible for performance-based discretionary awards.

• Work Location – Staff will be assigned to the Washington, DC (Headquarters) office, New York, NY office or another office as approved by the PCAOB.

• Generous paid time off – Up to 6 weeks annually, in addition to 12 federal holidays, and 2 floating holidays and a year-end break December 28 – 31, 2026.

• 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

Position Summary

The PCAOB has a full-time position for a Special Counsel to the Division of Enforcement and Investigations (DEI) reporting to the Director, DEI. This position will assist the Division in formulating and implementing DEI strategy, driving transformation and innovation efforts, and supporting responsible stewardship of DEI’s financial budget by helping ensure resources are aligned with strategic priorities and used effectively in furtherance of the PCAOB’s mission.

The Special Counsel will advise the Director and other DEI leaders on a variety of matters and special projects in support of DEI’s strategy, operations, and priorities. The position will also work with the Director and DEI senior leadership on investigations, enforcement proceedings, and related division matters aligned to the Board priorities.

Responsibilities

• Provide guidance and direction to the Division on the formulation, implementation, and execution of DEI’s strategy, organizational priorities, transformation efforts, and innovation initiatives aligned with the PCAOB’s mission and the priorities of the Board and Chairman’s Office.

• Analyze and advise the Director and other DEI senior leadership on DEI matters, including investigations and enforcement proceedings, budget-related matters, coordination with other PCAOB divisions and offices and other stakeholders, governance and staffing matters, and policies and procedures.

• Support responsible stewardship of DEI’s financial budget by helping ensure resources are aligned with strategic priorities and used effectively in furtherance of the PCAOB’s mission and the Board’s priorities.

• Coordinate with others on the DEI strategic planning process.

• Contribute to the preparation of reports, briefings, presentations, and responses on organizational and strategic issues.

• Lead the identification, development, and implementation of process improvements and automation opportunities using innovation and Artificial Intelligence within DEI.

• Interface with Division and Office leaders to drive effectiveness and collaboration.

• Monitor and research select topics and media coverage related to DEI matters.

• Assist and coordinate with the Director and other DEI leaders in developing and implementing internal and external communication strategies.

• Compose and edit correspondence, speeches, reports, and external publications dealing with issues or subject matters affecting DEI in ways that require considerable sensitivity, discretion, judgment, and negotiation.

• Prepare written documents that contain sophisticated analyses and discussions of competing policy necessary for informed judgment on the issues before the DEI and PCAOB Board.

• Keep abreast of SEC, industry, and other self-regulatory organization initiatives, and develop and maintain strong working relationships with SEC staff and other regulators.

• Create associations of trust and respect with key stakeholders.

• Ensure a high level of accuracy in all details and manage a significant range of ever-changing priorities.

• Attend and speak at conferences and meetings on areas of subject matter expertise.

• Plan and coordinate logistics and communications for conferences and events.

• Respond to inquiries made to the Director and other DEI leaders and determine the proper course of action.

• Perform the full range of supervisory duties, including evaluating employee performance; making recommendations for appointment and promotion; hearing and resolving complaints; identifying development and training needs of employees; and other related supervisory tasks.

• Recruit, maintain, and develop staff consistent with business needs.

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 15+ years prior relevant experience.

• Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to convey complex information in a clear, concise, and accessible manner.

• Excellent technical and speech writing and editing skills, including the ability to convey complex information in a clear, concise, and accessible manner and draft executive level briefings and communications.

• Demonstrated ability to deal with highly confidential information while acting as a liaison between leaders and other constituents.

• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.

• Professional demeanor and the ability to exercise excellent judgment and handle confidential matters with professionalism and discretion.

• Able to uphold the vision of the Director in all his/her duties, maintain the highest standards of integrity, and possess unimpeachable ethics.

• Ability to effectively communicate with all levels of management, co-workers, and external parties.

• General knowledge and/or interest in public auditing/accounting.

• Strong project management skills.

• Adept at evaluating processes and making recommendations for improvement.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook applications.

• Detail oriented with solid time-management, organization, and prioritization skills.

• 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 judgement.

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.​​

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 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Public Policy and/or regulatory experience.

• Experience using AI for business process innovation.

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.