SEC’s Schnurr recovering from bike crash; Bricker takes interim role

As SEC Chief Accountant James Schnurr recovers from a serious bicycle crash, the commission has named Wesley Bricker interim chief accountant.

Bricker will handle the duties of the chief accountant in Schnurr’s absence, serving as the SEC’s adviser on accounting and auditing matters. He also will consult with registrants, auditors, and other industry representatives and will be responsible for the oversight of FASB and the PCAOB.

Bricker has served as deputy chief accountant since 2015, advising the SEC on accounting and auditing matters and working closely with private sector accounting bodies such as FASB. Before joining the SEC in 2015, he was a partner with PwC LLP.

“Wes’s 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,” SEC Chair Mary Jo White said in a news release.

Schnurr, a retired former Deloitte LLP vice chairman, was named chief accountant of the SEC in August 2014.

“Our thoughts are with Jim and his family after his accident, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” Center for Audit Quality Executive Director Cindy Fornelli said in a statement. “Wes’s extensive experience serving the public and in accounting and auditing has prepared him well for this new role. We look forward to working with Wes toward our shared mission of protecting investors and the markets.”

The Center for Audit Quality is affiliated with the AICPA.

—Ken Tysiac (ktysiac@aicpa.org) is a JofA editorial director.