Melissa Rocha
About Melissa Rocha
Melissa Rocha serves as the Deputy Chief Accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and has been an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center since 2016.
Current Role at U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Melissa Rocha serves as the Deputy Chief Accountant at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Washington, D.C. She has held this position since 2021. In her role, she is responsible for overseeing accounting practices and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Her extensive experience within the SEC includes previous roles as Office Chief and Senior Assistant Chief Accountant.
Experience as Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center
Since 2016, Melissa Rocha has been an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center. She has taught courses related to law and accounting, contributing to the education of future legal professionals. Her tenure at the law school spans over eight years, during which she has also served as an Adjunct Professor of Law from 2016 to 2021.
Previous Positions in Public Service and Financial Reporting
Prior to her current role, Melissa Rocha worked as a Senior Fellow at the Partnership for Public Service from 2014 to 2015. She also held various positions at the SEC, including Accounting Branch Chief from 2010 to 2013 and Senior Assistant Chief Accountant from 2013 to 2019. Earlier in her career, she was the Manager of Financial Reporting at Sunburst Hospitality for one year in 1999.
Educational Background in Accounting
Melissa Rocha earned her Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, where she studied from 1992 to 1996. This educational foundation has supported her career in accounting and regulatory compliance, enabling her to take on significant roles within the SEC and academia.
Career Development at KPMG LLP
Melissa Rocha began her professional career at KPMG LLP, where she worked as an Accountant from 1995 to 1999. This experience provided her with essential skills in financial reporting and auditing, which have been instrumental in her subsequent roles in both the public and private sectors.