Wesley R. Bricker Named Interim Chief Accountant

The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Wesley R. Bricker has been named the Commission’s Interim Chief Accountant responsible for the activities of the Office of the Chief Accountant as James V. Schnurr, current Chief Accountant, recovers from a serious bicycle accident.

Mr. Bricker, as Interim Chief Accountant, will serve as the principal advisor to the Commission on accounting and auditing matters. He will also consult with registrants, auditors and other industry representatives, and be responsible for the oversight of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), and carry out the other duties of the Chief Accountant.

“Wes’ expert knowledge, leadership and analytic skills and Jim’s expertise and wealth of experience will continue to provide critical service to investors, companies and the Commission,” said SEC Chair Mary Jo White.

Mr. Bricker has served as Deputy Chief Accountant since 2015. In that capacity, he has advised the Commission on accounting and auditing matters while also working closely with private sector accounting bodies, such as the FASB.

Mr. Bricker joined the SEC in 2015 from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he was a partner responsible for audit engagements in the banking, capital markets, financial technology, and investment management sectors. He had previously served as a professional accounting fellow in Office of the Chief Accountant from 2009 to 2011. Mr. Bricker received a B.S. in accounting from Elizabethtown College and a law degree from American University. He is licensed as a certified public accountant and is a member of the New York State Bar.

The SEC’s Office of the Chief Accountant is responsible for establishing and enforcing accounting and auditing policy as well as improving the professional performance of public company auditors. The office works to enhance the transparency and relevancy of financial reporting and ensure that financial statements are presented fairly and have credibility for the benefit of all investors.