Chief Financial Officer (Washington)

Who We Are

Join us and make a difference in global investor protection. The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) is a nonprofit organization established by Congress that oversees the audits of public companies and SEC‑registered brokers and dealers to protect investors and promote the public interest in the preparation of independent, accurate, and informative audit reports. The PCAOB focuses on modernizing audit standards, enhancing audit inspections, and strengthening enforcement of its rules and related laws. People are at the heart of our mission, and we strive to uphold the highest standards in audit quality with investors’ families and futures in mind.

What We Offer

We provide a highly competitive compensation and benefits package with a focus on health and financial well‑being. The total rewards package includes a salary range of $297,600 to $400,000 per year (Washington, DC), performance‑based discretionary awards, paid time off up to 6 weeks annually, 12 federal holidays, floating holidays, year‑end break, 401(k) match up to 7% of eligible compensation, Roth in‑plan conversion, comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans, paid family leave, life insurance, education benefits, wellness resources, commuter benefits, and more.

Position Summary

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is located in Washington, DC, and holds a central leadership role within the Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO). The CFO reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), serves as PCAOB Treasurer, and leads the Office of Finance, which includes treasury, financial reporting, funding, budget, payroll, procurement, financial systems, travel, and internal control functions. The role advances strategic planning, annual budgeting, financial operations, and transformation efforts to enhance transparency, efficiency, and steering of the organization’s resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership over the PCAOB Strategic Planning process, performance measures and annual budget process while developing and implementing enterprise planning that strengthens the connection between budget, organization performance and results.
• Provide financial leadership and advice to the Chairman, Board and senior leadership on budget strategy, financial risks, tradeoffs and impacts, and long‑range fiscal planning.
• Develop and oversee a transparent budget justification framework that explains annual spending needs and demonstrates value and prudent stewardship of the accounting support fee.
• Manage financial planning, forecasting and analysis to support informed decision making, monitor financial trends, and adjust resource allocations as priorities evolve.
• Advance data‑driven financial management by improving the recurrent use of benchmarks, performance metrics and financial dashboards to assess effectiveness of PCAOB programs and operations and support accountability.
• Serve as an Officer of the PCAOB in the role of Treasurer and promote enterprise‑wide financial stewardship by partnering with division and office leaders to improve budget discipline and build shared ownership of organization‑wide results.
• Lead continuous innovation by managing the enhancement and evaluation of finance business processes and information systems, including the use of AI.
• Provide periodic updates and advise the COO, the Chairman, and the Board on financial initiatives and activities to ensure budget requests are aligned with enterprise priorities and performance goals.
• Plan, direct, and monitor Office of Finance operations (treasury, financial reporting, funding, budget, payroll, procurement, financial systems, travel and internal control functions) to improve program execution and promote increased operational efficiency.
• Oversee all accounts, ledgers and reporting systems and ensure timely and accurate reporting in accordance with GAAP and other applicable regulations, including the development of monthly cash‑basis financial results and quarterly and annual financial statements.
• Work closely with the financial reporting team to facilitate timely completion of the PCAOB’s annual integrated audit and serve as a point of contact with external auditors.
• Establish an effective system of audit readiness, compliance and internal controls over financial reporting and financial management functions.
• Present findings along with management’s assessment of internal controls over financial reporting to the COO, Chairman and Board.
• Establish and maintain an effective cash management plan in alignment with risk tolerance and Board policies.
• Collaborate with the COO, Chairman, Board, and divisions/offices to formulate and execute the PCAOB’s budget.
• Coordinate with the Office of General Counsel to maintain appropriate insurance coverage and act as a point of contact for insurance brokers and providers.
• Perform supervisory duties, including evaluating employee performance, recommending appointments and promotions, resolving complaints, identifying development and training needs, and other related supervisory tasks.
• Recruit, maintain and develop staff in line with business needs and perform other job duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or relevant discipline; current CPA license required.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible experience leading a finance/accounting function; experience in public accounting desired.
• Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management, including leading a team to align annual budgets and fiscal strategy with business activities and performance outcomes.
• Proven leadership in financial transformation and process improvement, including formulating an annual budget rooted in performance metrics and evidence‑based analysis.
• Strong commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline and prudent management of public or fee‑based resources.
• Experience aligning annual budget formulation and execution with strategic priorities using modern budgeting, reporting and decision‑support tools.
• Knowledge of GAAP, PCAOB auditing standards and COSO 2013.
• Knowledg(e) of financial governance, internal controls, compliance and audit practices in a regulated environment.
• Knowledge of AI concepts, including machine learning, generative AI and related data platforms.
• Ability to articulate positions with sound logic and conviction.
• High integrity, sound stewardship mindset, strong commitment to ethics and reputation for ethics.
• A self‑starter able to manage multiple open assignments requiring autonomy and independent judgment.
• Ability to represent the organization to internal and external constituencies.
• Executive‑level judgment and communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial issues to Board members, senior leaders and non‑financial stakeholders.
• Strategic, nimble thinker with a “roll‑up‑the‑sleeves” mindset, willing to immerse in business and demonstrate initiative to solve problems.
• High levels of initiative, drive, poise, professionalism and patience.
• Demonstrated commitment to highest standards of performance.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or master’s degree in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with Workday or other enterprise financial management systems.

Leadership/Management Skills and Abilities

• Drive a positive tone at the top and hold others accountable for ethical behavior aligned with organizational values.
• Motivate and inspire employees at all levels to enhance performance and commitment.
• Build, manage and retain talented staff, coach, mentor and give clear direction.
• Promote collaboration by unifying teams, setting common goals and incentivizing collaborative behavior.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships internally and externally to achieve organizational goals.
• Effectively solve problems quickly and communicate clearly.
• Navigate and resolve conflicts promptly and productively.

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.