SEC names new chief accountant

The SEC named Kurt Hohl, CPA, who worked at the commission from 1989 to 1997, as its chief accountant. The appointment, announced Friday, is effective July 7.

Hohl has nearly 40 years of accounting and auditing experience, including 26 years at EY, according to a news release.

“Kurt is an experienced accountant with deeply technical knowledge and international experience, and we are lucky he has decided to return to the SEC,” SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins said in the news release. “Given that I served with Kurt previously, I know firsthand that his integrity, along with his skills, will benefit our markets and investors.”

Hohl succeeds Paul Munter, who stepped down in January. Ryan Wolfe, who has been acting chief accountant, will return to his role as chief accountant of the SEC’s division of enforcement.

Hohl is taking the position as Congress debates a budget bill that contains provisions that would eliminate the PCAOB and transfer its activities to the SEC.

“This is a pivotal time for our capital markets,” Hohl said in the news release, “and I look forward to working with the dedicated public servants in the Office of the Chief Accountant to advance accounting and auditing policies that reinforce investor confidence, enhance transparency, and support innovation.”

— To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Kevin Brewer at Kevin.Brewer@aicpa-cima.com.