Auditing giant KPMG has appointed Melissa Rocha, former acting chief accountant in the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Corporation Finance, to its national office.
Rocha spent 24 years at the SEC, where she held several key positions.
As acting chief accountant in the Office of Chief Accountant within the Division of Corporation Finance, she led the development of financial reporting policies and practices, offering guidance to SEC filers, investors, and advisors.
Prior to that role, Rocha was the deputy chief accountant, where she oversaw consultations on a range of topics including crypto assets, banking, and insurance.
She also regularly engaged with registrants, investors, analysts, and trade groups to discuss rulemaking recommendations.
KPMG US National Managing Partner – Audit Quality & Professional Practice Christian Peo said:”Melissa’s understanding of today’s regulatory and reporting environment will help us to bring critical insights to our clients as they operate within and access the capital markets.
“She joins a team of dedicated professionals who engage regulators and financial reporting stakeholders on behalf of the firm and help us to deliver quality audits to our clients.”
KPMG US Audit Partner and chief accountant Bob Malhotra said: “Melissa will enhance our team in providing accounting, financial reporting and SEC practice support across KPMG.
“Her proven track record in financial reporting and regulatory issues and extensive experience at the SEC will be instrumental to supporting our ability to both engage the regulatory ecosystem and sustainably enhance audit quality.”
In March 2025, KPMG selected Timothy Walsh as the next US chair and CEO, alongside Atif Zaim as deputy chair.
Their five-year term is set to begin on 1 July 2025, succeeding Paul Knopp and Laura Newinski.
KPMG is part of a global network of professional services firms, operating in 142 countries and territories with more than 275,000 employees.
Each firm within the network is an independent entity, with KPMG International Limited acting as a coordinating body.
“KPMG hires former SEC acting chief accountant Melissa Rocha” was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.
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