The Securities and Exchange Commission has appointed James L. Kroeker as acting chief accountant, replacing Conrad Hewitt, who retired Monday.
Kroeker, 39, will oversee accounting interpretations, international accounting matters and professional practice issues. He joined the SEC as deputy chief accountant in February 2007, and has been involved in efforts to improve financial reporting and reduce the complexity of financial disclosures. Kroeker recently served as staff director of the SEC's congressionally mandated study of fair value accounting standards, and he has led the efforts of the Office of the Chief Accountant to address the current economic turmoil, including steps to improve off-balance-sheet accounting guidelines.
Kroeker also served as the designated federal officer responsible for staff oversight of the SEC's Advisory Committee on Improvements to Financial Reporting. He has been responsible for the day-to-day operations of the office's accounting group, including resolution of accounting practice issues, rulemaking, and oversight of private sector standard-setting efforts.
"Jim Kroeker has consistently set high standards for achievement and excellence within the Office of the Chief Accountant," said SEC Chairman Christopher Cox in a statement. "His leadership, expertise and judgment have been extraordinarily valuable assets for investors, our capital markets and the agency."
Kroeker came to the SEC from Deloitte & Touche LLP, where he had been a partner in the firm's National Office Accounting Services Group. He also served as a practice fellow at the Financial Accounting Standards Board, where he helped develop accounting guidance.
Click the image of Kroeker below to watch a video of him speaking at an event sponsored by the Center for Audit Quality.
