The trusted organization for ESG, SEC, and SOX & Internal Audit professionals seeking thought leadership & best practices from industry experts and a community of peers

Our Story

Professionals Groups (Pro Groups) is a space where practitioners specializing in ESG, SEC, and/or SOX can network with peers, share best practices, and hear the latest in regulatory trends from industry thought leaders both within and across industries. 

Pro Groups was established in 2008 by finance executives Joe Howell and Jerry Behar as a safe, open space for like-minded professionals to share and connect. What started as a small group of executives meeting to talk shop about accounting and reporting challenges eventually became SEC Professionals Group, a nationwide organization with thousands of members and over 30 local chapters. 

Over the years, Pro Groups has grown beyond its exclusive focus on financial reporting into an interconnected community that includes sustainability and audit & risk – today our members range in career stages from entry-level to C-suite, and represent companies from small startups to the Fortune 500 list.   

Sustainability Reporting

Financial Reporting

Compliance, Audit & Risk

Member Requirements

Pro Groups are free community-led organizations that support financial reporting, sustainability, SOX, internal audit, and internal controls practitioners. 

Becoming a member is determined by an individual’s role and affiliation within an organization to ensure the community remains a safe and open space.

We do not allow academics, external auditors, consultants, recruiters, and vendors to join Pro Groups in order to keep conversations relevant. 

Member Benefits

Now more than ever, it’s essential to find answers to your most pressing professional needs – updates & trends, best practices, and resources from peers and leaders in the industry – all in one place.

By joining Pro Groups, you have the flexibility to participate in the way that best suits you. Whether that’s virtual or in-person, live or on-demand, a community of engaged professionals spanning industries, career stages, and locations is here and ready to support you.

Become a member and:

• Attend free webinars & events

• Earn free CPE credits

• Access updates and reports from industry experts

• Hear from thought leaders on hot topics, trends & best practices 

• Seek advice from peers in our online forum & at events

• Build and diversify your professional network 

• Find new career opportunities

• Receive quarterly newsletters, announcements & industry updates

• Curate your community experience by identifying topics that interest you the most 

• Access members-only perks – events, discount codes & more

Upcoming Events

Register for one of our upcoming events to learn more about Pro Groups and connect with our community of industry thought leaders and fellow practitioners! These events are free, open to the public, and in some cases eligible for CPE credit.