The US Securities and Change Commission (SEC), a US federal agency, is considered to be an investor’s advocate. Its purpose is to protect investors, maintain market integrity, and facilitate capital formation. Under the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC requires CFOs to certify that the firm’s:

(A) Growth plans are on track
(B) Shareholders are protected
(C) Financial statements are audited
(D) Earnings numbers are accurate