Barbara Vanich Named PCAOB Chief Auditor

The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) today announced the appointment of Barbara Vanich as Chief Auditor. Ms. Vanich, who has led Office of the Chief Auditor (OCA) in an acting capacity since November 2020, will continue to direct OCA's activities, which include managing the development of PCAOB standards and ensuring that PCAOB standards are appropriately communicated to auditors and other stakeholders.

Modernizing standards is one of the four key goals the Board identified in its draft strategic plan. To meet that goal, earlier this year, the Board announced one of the most ambitious standard-setting agendas in PCAOB history.

"High-quality standards are the foundation for quality audits, and modernizing our standards is strategically vital for the PCAOB," said PCAOB Chair Erica Y. Williams. "As we continue pursuing the most ambitious standard-setting agenda in PCAOB history, we will continue to count on Barb's outstanding leadership, experience, and dedication to our investor-protection mission."

In addition to Acting Chief Auditor, Ms. Vanich has served as Deputy Chief Auditor, Associate Chief Auditor, and Special Adviser to a Board Member. Before joining the PCAOB in 2009, she was an auditor at both a large and small firm, worked in accounting policy at a large issuer, and practiced as a consultant.

"OCA is an exceptional team of talented professionals, and I am honored to serve as their leader," said Ms. Vanich. "I am looking forward to what we can accomplish in executing the Board's plan to modernize the PCAOB's standards for the benefit of investors and our capital markets."

Ms. Vanich earned a B.S. from Point Park University, majoring in accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant.