Job Title
Staff Fellow, IESBA
Country
United States of America
Elaine Cahoon joined the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) in October 2024 as an IESBA Staff Fellow. She began her career at KPMG conducting financial statement audits across various sectors, including US federal government agencies, non-profit organizations, commercial real estate, and defense contractors. Ms. Cahoon is a subject matter expert in US independence standards and worked in KPMG’s Risk Management-Independence group to addresses engagement team inquiries and draft firm policy, guidance, and training related to independence matters.
At IESBA, Ms. Cahoon supports the Adoption & Implementation Working Group through technical analysis, jurisdictional research, and close collaboration with IAASB and IFAC staff to align implementation efforts. She is committed to proactive stakeholder outreach and engagement to support the adoption of IESBA’s standards and launched the IESSA Feedback Platform. In addition, Ms. Cahoon played a key role in drafting non-authoritative guidance including fact sheets, technical overviews, and global webinar content.
Ms. Cahoon is also on the project team evaluating the independence standards for sustainability assurance engagements outside the scope of the IESSA. Her work has included developing the team’s terms of reference, performing research, preparing technical materials for Board deliberation, and coordinating engagement with jurisdictional standard setters and other international stakeholders.
Ms. Cahoon is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Information Systems Auditor, and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.