PCAOB Gets a New Leader — What Auditors Should Watch For

The SEC just appointed a new chair to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board — and it signals a shift.

Retired EY partner Christina Ho is taking over, along with three new board members. Her message? "A new day at PCAOB." For auditors, that means policy changes are coming. The question is: what kind?

Why Leadership Changes Matter

The PCAOB sets audit standards, inspects accounting firms, and enforces compliance for public company audits. When leadership changes, so does enforcement posture.

Think about it: a new chair brings new priorities. That could mean stricter inspections. Or it could mean a lighter touch. Either way, auditors need to pay attention.

Ho comes from EY, which means she knows what it's like on the practitioner side. That's good news if you're hoping for practical, workable standards. It's also a signal that the board might be more industry-friendly than in past years.

What "A New Day" Could Mean

The phrase "a new day at PCAOB" isn't just marketing speak. It's a signal that change is coming. Here's what auditors should watch for:

• Inspection priorities. Will the board focus more on audit quality metrics? Internal controls? Client risk assessment? New leadership often means new inspection checklists.

• Enforcement tone. A former Big 4 partner might take a more collaborative approach to deficiencies. Or she might hold firms to a higher standard because she knows what's possible.

• Standard-setting speed. The PCAOB has been slow to update standards. A new chair with industry experience might push for faster, more practical reforms.

• Technology guidance. Audit tech is evolving fast. AI, blockchain, data analytics — the board needs to catch up. This could be the administration that finally addresses it.

What Auditors Should Do Now

Don't wait for new policies to drop. Start preparing now.

Review your firm's most recent PCAOB inspection report. What deficiencies were flagged? What areas got extra scrutiny? Those are the things the new board will likely focus on.

Track Ho's public statements. When she speaks at conferences or issues memos, pay attention. New leaders telegraph their priorities early.

And if you're at a firm that struggled with PCAOB inspections in the past, this is your chance to reset. New leadership means a fresh start — but only if you use it.

The Bigger Picture

PCAOB leadership changes don't happen often. When they do, it's worth paying attention.

The board has a tough job: maintain audit quality without crushing firms under unrealistic standards. A chair with industry experience might strike that balance better than past leaders.

But "a new day" could also mean tougher enforcement. Don't assume a Big 4 background means a free pass. Ho knows what good audit work looks like — and she'll expect firms to deliver it.

What This Means for Your Practice

If you audit public companies, keep an eye on PCAOB announcements over the next six months. New board members mean new priorities. Those priorities will shape inspection focus areas, enforcement actions, and standard updates.

If you don't audit public companies, this still matters. PCAOB standards often trickle down to private company audits. What the board prioritizes today becomes industry best practice tomorrow.

Bottom line: The PCAOB has new leadership. "A new day" signals policy changes ahead. Auditors should watch for shifts in inspection priorities, enforcement tone, and standard-setting speed. Use this transition as a chance to tighten your audit quality controls before new policies drop.