The accounting profession has a unique responsibility in the United States. Regulators, investors, and the general public rely on certified public accountants to assure the integrity and credibility of corporate financial statements. At the same time, the accounting profession has considerable autonomy in regulating itself. To maintain self-regulation, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants has developed a multilevel system of self-regulation based on exacting quality control standards. The Public Oversight Board plays a critical role within this system. The role of the Public Oversight Board is closely related to the Securities and Exchange Commission Practice Section.

The Securities and Exchange Commission Practice Section

On September 17, 1977, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) established the Securities and Exchange Commission Practice Section as a voluntary organization of certified public accountant firms striving for professional excellence in the auditing services they provide to Securities and...