Synopsis
PwC professionals share perspectives on today's key regulatory, accounting and financial developments. Providing insight using plain English to help you stay current in a rapidly changing business world.
Episodes
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Determining fair value for business combinations and impairments
02/07/2024 Duration: 52minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.This episode dives into valuation relating to goodwill impairments, long-lived asset impairments, and business combinations. We discuss:1:15 – The meaning of “fair value” in financial reporting5:55 – Valuation considerations and insights related6:20 – Goodwill impairments34:30 – Impairments of long-lived assets42:53 – Business combinationsFor more information, read chapter 7 of our Fair value guide, chapters 2 and 9 of our Business combinations guide, and chapter 5 our Property, plant, equipment and other assets guide. Also, check out another recent podcast related to this topic, Impairment of long-lived assets held and used. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes. Beth Paul is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office responsible for a team of consultants that specialize in business combinations and related areas, such as consolidations, disposals, impairments, and segm
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Talking ESG: A deep dive into PwC’s global CSRD survey results
27/06/2024 Duration: 43minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.In June 2024, PwC released its 2024 Global Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) survey, which covers a variety of topics on the current state of companies’ CSRD implementation. In this week’s podcast, host Heather Horn welcomes back Nadja Picard, PwC’s Global Reporting Leader, to dive into the results of the survey conducted in April 2024, including company readiness, data availability, and the use of technology in reporting.In this episode, we discuss:01:55 - Purpose of the 2024 global CSRD survey and demographics of survey participants04:57 - Summary of key topics included in the survey 06:35 - Summary of key insights gained from the survey11:18 - How companies are approaching double materiality16:59 - The two main challenges companies say they are experiencing19:43 - How companies are using tools and technology24:25 - The most surprising result of the survey – companies’ positive perspectives on the ben
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Making crypto assets less cryptic – Recent accounting developments
25/06/2024 Duration: 47minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.This episode covers the latest developments in the world of crypto assets from the current landscape to the regulatory environment to the accounting. In this episode, we discuss: 4:13 – An overview of the market8:42 – US legislative activity related to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 12114:30 – Use cases for crypto assets and related technology19:15 – Accounting for crypto assets and recent guidance from the FASB31:15 – Key disclosure requirements36:07 – SEC guidance related to lending arrangements and custodians of crypto assets For more information on this topic, read our Crypto assets guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes. Kevin Jackson is a partner in PwC’s Capital Markets Accounting Advisory Services practice who assists clients with complex accounting and financial reporting issues. Kevin is also a member of the AICPA's Digital Assets Working Group, which provide
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The quarter close - Q2 2024 audio version
19/06/2024 Duration: 27minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.PwC provides a summary of the latest accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory updates to support your quarterly reporting.We begin this edition of The quarter close with a mid-year check-in on SEC comment letter trends. Spoiler alert: non-GAAP financial measures continue to draw the most comments from the SEC staff. We also highlight key considerations for service or supply arrangements that may have embedded leases. In sustainability reporting news, the SEC stayed its climate disclosure rules in light of pending litigation. However, beyond the SEC’s rules, companies may be subject to a range of sustainability reporting obligations. We keep you informed on the latest developments. This quarter we spotlight recent international standard-setting activities, including a new IFRS standard that redefines financial performance reporting. Although US GAAP reporters are not subject to IFRS standards, you’ll want to stay u
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The consolidation framework – Determining the primary beneficiary
18/06/2024 Duration: 31minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.We conclude our miniseries on consolidation accounting with an episode on identifying the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the reporting entity required to consolidate the VIE. In this episode, we discuss:3:15 – Determining which entity should consolidate the VIE6:07 – The primary beneficiary power criterion17:35 – The primary beneficiary economics criterion 21:17 – Related party impacts on the VIE model26:00 – Ongoing reassessment of the primary beneficiary For more information on this topic, read chapter 5 of our Consolidation guide. Also, for an overview of the consolidation framework, listen to the first two episodes in this miniseries, The consolidation framework – Getting started and The consolidation framework – Identifying a VIE. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for episodes on other topics. Matt Sabatini is a partner in PwC's National Office who helps clients and engagement teams
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Talking ESG: Is your CSRD implementation on track?
13/06/2024 Duration: 37minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.In this podcast, host Heather Horn sits down with Emily Kirsch, a director in PwC's sustainability practice, to discuss how companies are approaching the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) implementation process. The clock is ticking as companies navigate the various phases of the process, including scoping, the double materiality assessment, the gap assessment, and remediation.In this episode, we discuss:2:08 – CSRD implementation process overview and where companies are in the journey2:41 – The importance of scoping and weighing the options for various reporting approaches3:50 – How the double materiality assessment drives reporting requirements5:08 – Key cross-functional workstreams needed and required upskilling7:32 – Applying an integrated approach across multiple ESG frameworks9:16 – Pitfalls and best practices of the double materiality assessment14:50 – Identifying gaps and addressing them a
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The consolidation framework - Identifying a VIE
11/06/2024 Duration: 49minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.We continue our miniseries on consolidation accounting and dive into the evaluation of variable interests and the characteristics of a variable interest entity (VIE).In this episode, we discuss: 1:24 – An overview of the VIE model 3:30 – Determining whether there is a variable interest 11:25 – Identifying “at-risk” equity 15:28 – Evaluating whether an entity is a VIE by assessing the following characteristics exist: 16:00 – Insufficient equity investment at risk 24:27 – Equity lacks decision making rights 34:40 – Equity with nonsubstantive voting rights 37:38 – Lack of obligation to absorb losses or right to receive residual returns 41:45 – A recap of the episode and final thoughts For more information on this topic, read chapters 3 and 4 of our Consolidation guide. Also, for an overview of the consolidation framework, listen to the first episode in this miniseries, The consolidation framework – Getting started. Additio
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Talking ESG: Current state of reporting readiness
06/06/2024 Duration: 38minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.In this episode, Heather sits down with Marie Hache, PwC Sustainability partner, to discuss the practical challenges companies will face in implementing new mandatory sustainability reporting requirements. They cover leading practices including data quality considerations and getting ready for assurance.In this episode, we discuss:1:55 - Marie's background in sustainability and her work with companies on implementing new rules and standards2:29 - How companies are preparing for upcoming sustainability reporting requirements, including double materiality considerations13:23 - Data quality considerations, including performing pre-audits, implementing new systems, and strengthening existing processes18:21 - How companies are working toward adoption taking a joint holistic approach21:28 - Challenges in the transition to enhanced assurance requirements28:43 - How to be prepared for the first years of mandatory reporting3
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The consolidation framework – Getting started
04/06/2024 Duration: 40minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.We kick off our miniseries on consolidation accounting with an overview of the consolidation models and lay the foundation to go deeper into the variable interest entity model in the next two episodes.In this episode, we discuss:02:59 - Background on the two consolidation models12:54 - The overall consolidation framework14:20 - The variable interest entity model20:25 - The voting interest entity model23:13 - Consolidation scope exceptions28:13 - VIE model scope exceptionsFor more information on this topic, read chapter 1 of our Consolidation guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.Matt Sabatini is a partner in PwC's National Office who helps clients and engagement teams navigate the accounting and financial reporting for complex transactions. He specializes in the accounting for M&A, consolidations, corporate reorganizations, recapitalizations, joint ventures, and
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Talking ESG: What's ahead for IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards
30/05/2024 Duration: 29minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.In this podcast, host Heather Horn sits down with Katie Woods, a senior director in PwC's Global Corporate Reporting Services group, to discuss the recent activities of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). They discuss the standards issued by the ISSB to date, recent decisions reached by the board regarding future standard setting activities, updates on jurisdictional activity, and more.In this episode, we discuss:2:16 - Refresher on the issued IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SDS), as well as the Board’s consultation on agenda priorities8:43 - Sustainability reporting in the broader context of global issues, including biodiversity and human capital13:06 - The new interoperability guidance from the ISSB and EFRAG related to climate disclosures19:28 - Updates on jurisdictions looking to adopt IFRS SDS23:47 - The ISSB’s publication of the IFRS SDS digital taxonomy25:14 - The significance
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Deciphering the accounting for equity-linked instruments
28/05/2024 Duration: 53minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.We wrap up our miniseries on accounting for financing transactions with a focus on the accounting for equity-linked instruments.In this episode, we discuss:2:03 - Why companies issue equity-linked instruments7:23 - Determining whether an instrument is freestanding or embedded13:13 - Determining whether an instrument is indexed to the entity’s own stock17:23 - Exercise contingencies19:50 - Settlement adjustments32:36 - Convertible debt instruments39:51 - Equity or liability classificationFor more information on these topics, read chapter 5 of our Financing transactions guide. Also, check out other episodes in our miniseries: Share repurchases – The type of arrangement matters, Accounting for preferred stock from issuance to retirement, and Understanding "mezzanine” equity. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes. John Horan is a managing director in PwC’s National Office where
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Talking ESG: Taking stock of the latest reporting developments
23/05/2024 Duration: 28minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.With the finalization of the SEC’s climate disclosure rules and subsequent stay, along with other developments in the sustainability reporting landscape, the pace of change can seem dizzying. In this podcast, host Heather Horn sits down with Kyle Moffat, PwC National Office partner, and Casey Herman, PwC Sustainability partner, to take stock of the landscape and consider what companies can and should be doing now to navigate the uncertainty and prepare for future compliance.In this episode, we discuss:2:24 - Status of the SEC’s climate disclosure rules and actions taken by the Commission since the rules were finalized in March5:57 - The uncertainties and potential outcomes related to the rules11:06 – Other climate disclosure frameworks and compliance requirements that will move forward regardless of the SEC rules13:25 - The increased awareness of climate risks at the board level and the importance of accuracy in climate
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Understanding "mezzanine” equity
21/05/2024 Duration: 42minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.Next up in our miniseries on accounting for financing transactions is mezzanine equity. When an instrument is presented as mezzanine equity, it is not permanent equity or a liability. We explain what that means and provide an overview of how to account for it as well as the financial statement impacts.In this episode, we discuss:1:56 - Background and the associated SEC guidance on mezzanine equity3:52 - When mezzanine equity presentation is appropriate 27:20 - Measurement36:20 - Extinguishment38:13 - EPS impactsFor more information on these topics, read chapter 7 of our Financing transactions guide. Also, check out other episodes in our miniseries covering Accounting for preferred stock from issuance to retirement and Share repurchases – The type of arrangement matters. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.Chip Currie is a partner in PwC’s National office with nearly 30 years o
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Talking ESG: Taking advantage of Inflation Reduction Act incentives
16/05/2024 Duration: 52minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.While the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was enacted into law in 2022, the Department of the Treasury continues to provide guidance to taxpayers on how to utilize the provisions of the law. Such guidance has been issued with increasing volume in recent months. In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Matt Haskins, principal in PwC's Washington National Tax Services office who focuses on renewable energy transactions, to discuss the latest IRA guidance and the implications for businesses.In this episode, we discuss:2:18 - Highlights of recent updates regarding the IRA and a look ahead at the political landscape7:14 - Clarifications on the prevailing wage and apprenticeship and domestic content requirements (and an update on additional guidance released by the IRS related to the Domestic Content Bonus Credit)20:52 - Updates on the transferable tax credit market and activities28:25 - Final regulations on transf
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Accounting for preferred stock from issuance to retirement
14/05/2024 Duration: 44minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.We continue our miniseries on accounting for financing transactions with a focus on preferred shares. In this episode we provide an overview and walk through the key judgments in accounting for different types of preferred stock.In this episode, we discuss:2:01 - An overview of preferred stock, common features, and reasons companies may issue it over other forms of financing9:40 - The accounting model for preferred stock14:30 - Classification, recognition, and measurement of preferred stock30:55 - Dividends33:34 - Extinguishment or modification accountingFor more information on these topics, read chapter 7 of our Financing transactions guide. Also, for more on the EPS implications of preferred stock, listen to our podcast, Presenting earnings per share (EPS). Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.Bret Dooley is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office who leads teams f
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Talking ESG: The challenge – and promise – of a circular economy
09/05/2024 Duration: 37minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.The concept of a circular economy emphasizes reducing, reusing, repairing, and recycling to minimize waste and maximize resource use in the context of a planet with finite resources. And as you’ll hear in this episode, circularity is increasingly becoming a business issue, both a challenge and opportunity, that interacts with multiple sustainability topics.This week, Heather Horn is joined by Tom Beagent, a partner in PwC UK’s Global Sustainability and Climate Change practice, to discuss the circular economy, a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear economy model.In this episode, we discuss:3:02 - The concept of a circular economy and its importance in the context of finite resources7:52 - The relationship between a circular economy, net zero emissions, and biodiversity9:07 - The scale of change required, and the steps involved to transition to a circular economy13:18 - Examples of industries and products that
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Share repurchases – The type of arrangement matters
07/05/2024 Duration: 37minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.We kick off our miniseries on accounting for financing transactions with a focus on share repurchases. We provide an overview of the different methods and reasons companies may repurchase their own shares as well as the accounting implications. Spoiler alert – the type of arrangement really matters as it dictates the accounting.In this episode, we discuss:3:38 – An overview of the different methods and reasons companies repurchase shares11:43 – Accounting implications depending on the method of repurchase:11:55 – Spot repurchases15:07 – 10B5-1 plans16:26 – Forward repurchases18:56 – Prepaid repurchases20:30 – Tender offers24:08 – Accelerated share repurchases30:40 – Accounting for treasury stockFor more information on these topics, read chapter 9 of our Financing transactions guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.John Horan is a managing director in PwC’s National Office
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Talking ESG: FAQs on the SEC climate disclosure rules
02/05/2024 Duration: 37minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.While the SEC has stayed its climate disclosure rule for now, our team is still fielding many questions as preparers work toward complying with global sustainability reporting regulations. In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with PwC National Office partners Kevin Vaughn, Diana Stoltzfus, and Valerie Wieman to break down some frequently asked questions on the SEC climate-related disclosures rules. In this episode, we discuss:2:05 - The implications of the SEC staying the new climate disclosure rules, and how the rules fit into an environment with multiple reporting frameworks5:17 - The continued applicability of previously issued interpretive guidance on climate-related disclosures7:05 - The scope of the SEC’s new climate disclosure rules10:11 - Impacts of the disclosure rules to management certifications and internal controls11:20 - Frequently asked questions from SEC filers about:11:25 - Scenario analysis13:53
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New income tax disclosure requirements – getting ready
30/04/2024 Duration: 41minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.This episode provides an overview of new FASB income tax guidance requiring disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as income taxes paid. The FASB’s updates are intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that may be useful in making capital allocation decisions.In this episode, we discuss:0:20 - Background on and an overview of the new guidance6:50 - Disaggregated rate reconciliation disclosures 26:16 - Disaggregated income taxes paid disclosures33:15 - Other changes to existing income tax disclosures35:18 - Effective dates and transitionFor more information, read our publication, FASB issues guidance on income tax disclosures. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.Jennifer Spang is the PwC National Office income tax accounting leader, specializing in tax accounting under US GAAP and IFRS
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Talking ESG: Interoperability across multiple reporting frameworks
25/04/2024 Duration: 37minDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.Companies subject to multiple sustainability reporting regulations are sorting through how best to meet each framework’s requirements in an effective and efficient manner. In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Valerie Wieman, PwC National Office Partner, to discuss the concepts of interoperability and equivalence across global sustainability reporting frameworks as well as the importance of a data-driven assessment.In this episode, we discuss:2:31 - Defining the concepts of interoperability and equivalence3:29 - What a “data first” approach means when it comes to preparing for compliance4:51 - Overview of interoperability and equivalence in the major frameworks14:00 - Timing considerations across frameworks19:18 - Differences in scope and materiality among frameworks24:59 - Attestation and assurance requirements across frameworks31:25 - Getting started on compliance and how best to leverage interoperability o