Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB)
Financial ServicesDistrict of Columbia, United States1001-5000 Employees
The PCAOB is a nonprofit corporation established by Congress to oversee audits of public companies to protect investors and promote informative, accurate, and independent audit reports; it also oversees audits of brokers and dealers registered with the SEC. It registers accounting firms, establishes professional standards, inspects audits and quality control systems, and investigates and disciplines firms and associated persons. It supports its mission through economic research, risk analysis, stakeholder engagement, and management of its workforce and resources. Located in Washington, DC, the PCAOB operates within the financial services sector and reports to the SEC, which has oversight authority over its rules, standards, and budget. In May 2026, the organization announced the appointment of Randy L. Thornton as Chief Operating Officer, reflecting ongoing governance and operational refinements.