BRG has appointed former Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Chief Auditor Barbara Vanich as a managing director in its Financial Institution Advisory practice.
Vanich will be based in BRG’s Washington, D.C., office and advise clients on complex accounting, auditing, internal control and corporate governance matters.
A certified public accountant with more than 30 years of experience, Vanich has worked across public accounting, corporate accounting policy, consulting and financial regulation.
She spent more than 17 years at the PCAOB, where she held several senior leadership positions and most recently led the Office of the Chief Auditor.
As Chief Auditor, Vanich oversaw the PCAOB’s auditing standard-setting activities and served as the board’s principal adviser on auditing and related professional standards.
Her work involved collaborating with PCAOB board members, financial regulators, investors, audit committees and other market participants to address emerging issues and improve audit quality.
BRG expects Vanich’s regulatory and accounting experience to strengthen its work involving auditor liability, U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, financial reporting investigations and governance matters.
Her experience is also expected to support financial institutions facing changing audit requirements, increased regulatory scrutiny and complex questions involving internal controls and financial disclosures.
Before and during her regulatory career, Vanich worked as an auditor at accounting firms of different sizes, held an accounting policy role at a large public company and practiced as a consultant.
BRG said this combination gives her a broad perspective on the challenges facing auditors, corporate finance teams, audit committees, regulators and other stakeholders responsible for financial reporting.
Vanich earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Point Park University and is a certified public accountant.
BRG provides consulting services across economics, disputes and investigations, corporate finance and performance improvement. Its professionals include industry specialists, academics, data scientists and technology experts.
KEY QUOTES:
“Barbara’s leadership at the PCAOB gives her a unique perspective on the complex accounting and governance issues our clients face. Her background as both a regulator and trusted adviser will be a tremendous asset as we continue to expand our capabilities for financial institutions.”
Paul Noring, Managing Director and Leader of BRG’s Financial Institution Advisory Practice
“Barbara’s arrival immediately strengthens BRG’s position in auditor liability matters and U.S. GAAP accounting policy investigations. Her leadership at the PCAOB gives the firm a distinctive capability in these highly specialized matters and expands the range of support we can provide to clients.”
Tri MacDonald, CEO and President of BRG
“I’m pleased to join BRG at a time when accounting and regulatory expectations continue to evolve. Having spent much of my career helping shape auditing standards and financial reporting practices, I look forward to working alongside BRG’s multidisciplinary team to provide practical, thoughtful advice to clients.”
Barbara Vanich, Managing Director at BRG