General Counsel Assistant

Posted:
8/27/2024, 7:02:51 AM

Location(s):
District of Columbia, United States ⋅ Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Experience Level(s):
Senior

Field(s):
Legal & Compliance

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 $192,900 - $302,400 per year. 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 available a full-time, regular position for a General Counsel Assistant in the Office of General Counsel (OGC). General Counsel Assistants are formally assigned to one or more regulatory or corporate program areas where they will perform the majority of their tasks, but are expected to work flexibly across many different disciplines to respond to organizational needs. General Counsel Assistants will frequently team with OGC’s highly experienced General Counsel Associates to perform tasks such as legal research and writing, legal review of documents prepared by other offices and divisions prior to Board consideration, advising on various corporate and governance matters, and advising on internal legal and compliance risks. This position will be based in the PCAOB’s Washington, DC headquarters and will report to a Senior Associate, General Counsel.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as in-house counsel with duties primarily in the corporate program area.

  • In collaboration with the leadership, advise and counsel the Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCOO) on organizational operations including, contract reviews, internal policies and procedures, finance, human resources, tax, intellectual property, technology, privacy, data protection and insurance.

  • Assist in the representation of the PCAOB in the negotiation of contracts and other arrangements with vendors and other third parties.

  • Provide legal support on corporate governance matters, including the PCAOB’s compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the DC Nonprofit Corporation Act.

  • Advise and counsel the Office of International Affairs (OIA) with respect to formal cooperative arrangements and other interactions with audit regulators in foreign jurisdictions.

  • Assist with the oversight of outside counsel.

  • Perform other duties and functions in support of other PCAOB offices and divisions as assigned.

Qualifications

Education/Technical Expertise

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

  • Active member of the Bar (DC or any state).

  • Minimum of 10 years of legal experience with a law firm, corporation, government agency, regulatory body, or combination thereof, with a focus on corporate law and corporate governance matters.

  • Superior technical abilities and leadership skills.

  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.

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

  • Strong interpersonal skills.

  • Strong time management and organizational skills.

  • 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.

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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