Earlier this week, I noted that the SEC had appointed an Acting Chair for the PCAOB to serve following the departure of Erica Williams. Yesterday, Chairman Atkins issued a statement, on behalf of the Commission, soliciting candidates for all five Board positions, including the Chairperson, of the PCAOB. The statement notes:

The Act requires that PCAOB Board members be “appointed from among prominent individuals of integrity and reputation who have a demonstrated commitment to the interests of investors and the public, and an understanding of the responsibilities for and nature of the financial disclosures required of issuers under the securities laws and the obligations of accountants with respect to the preparation and issuance of audit reports with respect to such disclosures.”

Each Board seat is associated with a set five-year term; any nominee selected by the Commission to fill a seat will serve for the remainder of the term associated with that seat. If eligible, the Commission may reappoint such person to a second, full term. Any Board member, including the Chairperson, may be appointed to any seat. The Chairperson’s seat may be filled by either a CPA or a non-CPA, though any member who is a CPA is eligible to serve as Chairperson only if that individual has not been a practicing CPA for five years preceding possible appointment as Chairperson.

The statement from Chairman Atkins further notes that the PCAOB Board member selection process is administered by the SEC’s Office of the Chief Accountant. Submissions should be emailed to the SEC and the deadline for submissions is August 25, 2025.

– Dave Lynn