Richard A. Cleaveland

Richard Cleaveland is an Audit Partner within the firm’s Technology and Life Sciences Group, with over 20 years of experience. He has expertise in working with companies in the software, life sciences, and technology industries, and is a member of the firm’s Technology Group.

Rich provides accounting, auditing and business consulting services to businesses in both the public and private sectors. He has significant experience in SEC compliance, business combinations, revenue recognition, equity based compensation and other complex equity instruments. Rich was instrumental in designing the firm’s guidance and training for share-based payments, the evaluation of risk and controls in the firm’s audit approach and the firm’s approach to performing attestations for Section 1603 renewable energy grants.

Prior to joining the firm, Rich worked for a Big 4 accounting firm for almost 10 years, during which time he was a member of the Technology, Information, Communications and Entertainment Industry Practice Group, and rose to the level of Senior Manager. During his tenure with PwC, Rich was a member of the Sarbanes-Oxley rollout team, which included serving as an instructor for internal control and an adviser to SOX engagement teams. He was also a member of the Employee Benefit Plans Specialist Group serving as a quality reviewer for some of the firm’s largest plans.

Rich frequently speaks and contributes to media relating to technology and venture funded companies. He has also talked on various other topics, including stock options, fair market value, Internal Revenue Code Section 409A and accounting for stock-based compensation.