As outlined in our introductory course to Understanding the SEC, there are many compliance rules and regulations that publicly traded companies must follow. In addition, the SEC has far-reaching powers in the oversight of the various legislations and can assess penalties to companies (or accounting firms), who do not adequately comply with those mandates.

While most violations of securities laws are enforced by the SEC and the various securities regulatory organizations it monitors, state securities regulators can also enforce statewide securities blue sky laws. The SEC also works with federal and state law enforcement agencies to carry out actions against actors alleged to be in violation of the securities laws.

The SEC has a three-part mission:

• To protect investors – The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy issues Investor Alerts& Bulletins as a service to investors. Alerts typically warn about the latest investment frauds and scams. Bulletins tend to educate investors about investment-related topics including the functions of the SEC.
  • The SEC protects investors by vigorously enforcing the federal securities laws to hold wrongdoers accountable and deter future misconduct.
• Maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets - The U.S. Capital markets are the deepest, most dynamic, and most liquid in the world. They have evolved to become increasingly fast and complex. As technological advancements and developments have changed how our securities markets operate, the SEC is tasked with continuously monitoring the market environment, adjust and modernize their expertise and rues, and maintain oversight of regulations.
• Facilitate capital formation - The SEC's regulatory regime provides companies and entrepreneurs with a variety of avenues to access capital markets to help create jobs, develop life-changing innovations and technology and provide financial opportunities to those who invest.

Each mission step has critical components of SEC programs and enforcement actions. This course will delve into the SEC’s mission statement and its applicable powers of enforcement.

Who Should Attend:

• Finance professionals
• Accounting professionals
• Auditing Professionals
• Compliance Professionals
• Board and Executive management of public companies or companies considering an IPO

Topic Covered: In session one we focused on the structure and responsibility of the SEC along with reviewing its responsibilities under the SEC Act of 1933 and 1934.

This session will delve into the various component areas of the SEC Mission statement and discuss elements relevant to each statement including regulation and rulemaking, enforcement actions, investor alerts, and bulletins, filing requirements, and financial reporting. We will provide you with an overview of the SECs requirements in these areas from an accountant’s perspective.