Chris Vanover, CPA

Visiting Lecturer of Economics (Accounting)

Department

Robert Day School of Economics and Finance

Areas of Expertise

Accounting

Biography

Profile

Chris Vanover is an entrepreneur, CPA, and college educator with nearly 25 years of diverse experience in accounting, auditing, and regulation across global and regional public accounting firms, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), and academia. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and an Innovator to Watch by Accounting Today, Chris has also been nominated for prestigious awards, including the Orange County Business Journal’s Excellence in Entrepreneurship and Innovator of the Year.

Prior to founding CPAClub, Chris was an audit partner at a Top 40 firm, where he oversaw the firm’s system of quality control for the audit practice across nine offices. His experience also includes 13 years with PwC, where he was a member of the Chief Auditor Network within its National Quality Organization. In this role, Chris provided technical auditing and methodology advice, supported national and local leaders on audit quality initiatives, and led numerous technical training programs for engagement teams.

From 2011 to 2013, Chris served as a technical advisor within the PCAOB’s Office of Research & Analysis, performing technical consultations and contributing to strategic projects, including developing audit quality indicators. Since 2010, Chris has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Accounting & Auditing at local universities, sharing his knowledge and practical experience with students.

Experience

  • CPAClub, President, 2022 – Present
  • Deloitte, Associate Director, 2019 – 2022
  • Squar Milner, Audit Partner & Director of Quality Control, 2018 – 2019
  • PwC, Chief Auditor Network, 2013 – 2017
  • PCAOB, Assistant Director, 2011 – 2013
  • PwC, Various Audit Roles, 2001 – 2011

Teaching Interests

  • Introductory Accounting
  • Intermediate Accounting
  • Advanced Accounting
  • Managerial Accounting
  • Auditing

Research Interests

  • Audit quality indicators
  • Business models of public accounting firms

Education

  • University of Southern California, Master of Accounting
  • Claremont McKenna College, Bachelor of Arts, Economics-Accounting & Legal Studies

Awards and Affiliations

  • CalCPA Firm of the Year
  • Accounting Today Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting
  • Accounting Today Innovator to Watch
  • Orange County Business Journal Innovator of the Year Nominee
  • Orange County Business Journal Excellence in Entrepreneurship Nominee
  • Claremont McKenna College Alumni of the Year
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