PwC's accounting podcast - TopPodcast.com

Latest Episodes:

Talking ESG: Role of the C-suite in sustainability reporting Apr 11, 2024

Show notes

While the changing global sustainability reporting landscape may pose challenges for preparers, there continue to be opportunities for companies in every industry to take a holistic approach to disclosure – whether mandatory or voluntary.
In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Marc Siegel, PwC National Office partner, for a discussion of the key focus areas and action steps for C-suite executives as they ready their companies for the future of global sustainability reporting.
In this episode, we discuss:

2:36 - How the market has spoken – and determined that sustainability disclosures are needed, regardless of regulatory actions
4:15 - Challenges of reporting under multiple frameworks
14:50 - How to prioritize gathering information
18:51 - The importance of building stronger disclosure controls and processes as well as having the right people focused on the task
23:02 - Navigating the market’s expectations for sustainability information
28:51 - Challenges resulting from differing time horizons for sustainability and financial reporting, and how to tie these horizons together to communicate a cohesive strategy
32:50 - How companies can tailor climate disclosures given the specific risks the company faces due to climate-related factors
35:43 - Key governance-related behaviors companies are adopting and how they are disclosing these behaviors
38:19 - The importance of starting the readiness process irrespective of ongoing legal challenges

Looking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards. For more information on the SEC climate-related disclosure rules, refer to our publication,SEC adopts climate-related disclosure rules.
Marc Siegel is a PwC National Office partner. He helps boards and executives with transparent articulation of their company’s long term value creation story, throughout investor communication channels within and outside of regulatory filings. Marc completed 14 years of setting reporting standards in both financial accounting and ESG as a member of the FASB and SASB, respectively.
Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

Leases: Brushing up on “day 2” accounting Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

We continue our miniseries on lease accounting. In this episode, we discuss “day 2” lease accounting, focusing on lease remeasurements, subleasing, and lease impairments.
In this episode, you’ll hear a discussion of:

01:18 - Events requiring remeasurement
- 02:17 - Full lease remeasurements
- 06:19 - Partial lease remeasurements
7:47 - Lease term and purchase option remeasurements
13:44 - Lease modification remeasurements
21:34 - Subleasing arrangements
25:58 - A refresher on ROU asset impairments

For more information on modifications and remeasurements of leases, read chapter 5 of our Leases guide. For more on leases, check out the first episode in our miniseries; it covers lease classification. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.
Suzanne Stephani is a director in PwC’s National Office specializing in the statement of cash flows, as well as the application and interpretation of the accounting guidance related to financing and leasing transactions.
Marc Jerusalem is a PwC National Office managing director specializing in leasing. Marc consults with clients on complex lease accounting issues and is a frequent contributor to many related PwC National Office publications.
Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

Talking ESG: Building sustainability reporting capacity Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) under the IFRS Foundation last year released IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, representing a step toward the organization’s goal of achieving a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability disclosures. But implementing such a global baseline effectively goes beyond simply setting standards – it requires a new set of capabilities, infrastructure, knowledge, and talent in economies around the world.
New sustainability reporting requirements in jurisdictions around the world have resulted in the need for companies to take stock of their own capacity to produce high quality sustainability disclosures, as well as the capacity of players in their value chains who will provide inputs to their reporting. In this episode, Heather Horn sat down with Mardi McBrien, Chief of Strategic Affairs & Capacity Building at the IFRS Foundation, to discuss how the IFRS Foundation has been working to build capacity, and how companies can best navigate the overall sustainability reporting environment moving forward.
In this episode, you’ll hear:

2:31 - A refresher on capacity building and its importance in sustainability reporting
4:38 - A discussion of the need for upskilling in various sectors to meet global sustainability reporting standards
8:43 - An overview of the drivers of the IFRS Foundation’s focus on capacity building
17:14 - Advice on implementing new business processes and enhancing communication with suppliers to prepare for new disclosure standards
21:33 - A discussion of the progress made in capacity building and the role of the IFRS Foundation’s partners in this process
29:00 - An overview of the IFRS Foundation’s “three pillar approach” for capacity building
35:19 - Where listeners can go to understand where the ISSB is headed with standard setting and what is next for companies preparing to report

Looking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards.
Mardi McBrien is the Chief of Strategic Affairs & Capacity Building at the IFRS Foundation responsible for sustainability reporting. In this role she has played an active part in setting up the ISSB. Prior to the IFRS Foundation, Mardi spent over a decade leading the global ESG standard setter, the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB), in developing quality disclosure standards and thought leadership on environmental and social issues.
Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

Lease classification – Finance or operating lease? Apr 02, 2024

Show notes

This first episode in a miniseries on lease accounting focuses on lease classification. We provide an overview of the differences between finance and operating leases and discuss the criteria for classifying leases.
In this episode, you’ll hear:

3:30 - An overview of the key differences between finance and operating leases, including expense recognition and cash flow classification
5:15 - A discussion of how to determine if a lease should be classified as finance or operating including:
- 6:35 - Lease commencement date considerations
- 10:20 - Whether a lease contains a single asset or multiple assets
- 14:41 - Whether the lease term is a major part of the economic life of the asset
- 22:55 - The lease payment criterion, including a breakdown of lease payments and the appropriate discounting methodology
- 41:56 - Highlights of other classification criteria such as title transfer, purchase options, and alternative use

For more information, read chapter 3 of our Leases guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.
Suzanne Stephani is a director in PwC’s National Office specializing in the statement of cash flows, as well as the application and interpretation of the accounting guidance related to financing and leasing transactions.
Marc Jerusalem is a PwC National Office managing director specializing in leasing. Marc consults with clients on complex lease accounting issues and is a frequent contributor to many related PwC National Office publications.
Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

Asset acquisition accounting Mar 26, 2024

Show notes

We wrap up our miniseries exploring accounting for property, plant, and equipment with a discussion of asset acquisitions. In this episode Host Heather Horn is joined by PwC National Office partners Matt Sabatini and Alexander Martin who team up to share their knowledge and insights on this topic.
In this episode, you’ll hear:

04:41 – A discussion of how to determine whether a transaction is an asset acquisition or a business combination
24:26 – An explanation of the asset acquisition accounting framework
- 32:58 – The complexities of contingent consideration arrangements
- 39:32 – How transaction costs impact initial measurement
- 42:09 – Noncontrolling interests
- 47:36 – Considerations when identifying the assets acquired
- 50:15 – How to allocate cost to assets acquired

For more information, read chapter 2 of our Property, plant, equipment and other assets 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, corporate reorganizations, recapitalizations, joint ventures, and other investments.
Alexander Martin is a partner in PwC's National Office with over a decade of deals experience, helping clients solve complex accounting, financial reporting, and other business issues that arise from transaction-driven events such as mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and capital raises.
Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

Long-lived assets held for sale Mar 19, 2024

Show notes

We continue our miniseries exploring accounting for property, plant, and equipment. In this second episode we discuss the treatment of long-lived assets that are held for sale, from impairment to accounting for the sale of non-financial assets. Host Heather Horn is once again joined by Beth Paul, Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office, to walk through specific considerations and complexities on this topic.
In this episode, you’ll hear:

00:22 – An overview of the impairment model for long-lived assets that are held for sale
02:05 – How to identify disposal groups
03:50 – A discussion of the order of impairment testing under the held for sale model
04:46 – What to consider when measuring impairment at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell
11:25 – A walkthrough of the accounting implications of AOCI and noncontrolling interest (NCI) in the held for sale model
16:05 – An explanation of differences between the sale of a business and the sale of an asset
18:00 - A discussion of accounting for the sale of nonfinancial assets

For more information, read chapter 5 of our Property, plant, equipment and other assets guide or listen to another podcast with further insights on this topic,Fixed asset toolkit: Assets held for sale. 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 segment reporting.
Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

Impairment of long-lived assets held and used Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

Got property, plant, and equipment? We’ve got you covered with a miniseries that explores the key judgments and complexities on the topic. We kick off with the impairment of long-lived assets that are held and used. Host Heather Horn is joined by Beth Paul, Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office, to break down what is important.
In this episode, you’ll hear:

00:28 - An overview of long-lived asset impairments and how asset classes are relevant
03:17 - A refresher on how to identify asset groups for the impairment analysis
- 10:28 - When changes to asset groups are necessary and the implications
11:48 - How to determine if there is an impairment triggering event
14:57 - A discussion on the impairment recoverability test
- 17:18 - A explanation of key considerations for the recoverability test, including which cash flows and periods to include
24:18 - How to measure and allocate an impairment loss

For more information, read chapter 5 of our Property, plant, equipment and other assets guide or listen to another podcast with further insights on this topic, Impairment toolkit: Long-lived assets. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app to have other episodes in the series pushed to you.
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 segment reporting.
Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

A primer on GHG emissions reporting Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

The GHG Protocol has been one of the most widely used sustainability reporting frameworks for companies reporting GHG emissions information. With the evolution of the sustainability reporting landscape, including the adoption of regulatory sustainability reporting frameworks both in the United States and globally, the criticality of GHG emissions information and the GHG Protocol is reinforced by its incorporation in the primary sustainability reporting frameworks.
In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Marcin Olewinski, a PwC Trust Solutions partner, to unpack some of the fundamental judgments in GHG emissions reporting as companies prepare for the shift from a voluntary to mandatory reporting environment.
In this episode, you’ll hear:

00:44 - An overview of the prominence of GHG emissions reporting across jurisdictions, including the impact of the evolution in the regulatory landscape
2:24 - A discussion of the key concepts and definitions that are foundational to GHG emissions reporting, including:
- 3:01 - An overview of scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions
- 10:30 - A breakdown of organizational and operational boundaries
- 14:15 - Insights on practical challenges companies face in establishing the reporting boundary and preparing a GHG emissions inventory
16:05 - A refresher on the key differences in organizational boundaries among the sustainability reporting frameworks and advice for companies subject to multiple frameworks
18:50 - Considerations for companies establishing policies, processes, and controls to collect and aggregate data across its own operations and its value chain as a starting point for a GHG emissions inventory that is complete and accurate
27:59 - A discussion of the importance of consistency and reliability of input data as it relates to both activity data and emissions factors, including advice for companies navigating this reporting journey

For more information, read our Navigating the ESG landscapepublication as well as our comment letter to the GHG protocol. Additionally, note that this podcast was recorded prior to issuance of the SEC climate disclosure rules on March 6. Stay tuned for more content specific to the SEC rules. Lastly, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.
Marcin Olewinski is a partner in PwC’s Trust Solutions practice, with over 20 years of experience bringing valued perspectives and insights to large clients in the energy sector. Additionally, he is focused extensively within PwC’s National Office on greenhouse gas and sustainability reporting.
Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

Presenting restricted cash Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

We continue our podcast series focused on financial statement presentation.
In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Bret Dooley, Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office leading our financial instruments team, for a refresher on restricted cash – a focus area due to its impact on liquidity and the recent statement from the SEC Chief Accountant on the cash flow statement. Together, they break down the judgments in identifying and presenting restricted cash.
In this episode, you’ll hear:

2:10 - A refresher on restricted cash, including its not-so-simple definition, its impact on liquidity ratios, and its relevance in the current economic environment
9:30 - A discussion of the various types of restrictions imposed on cash and its impact on the classification and reporting of restricted cash, including:
- 10:35 - Distinguishing between self-imposed and legal restrictions
- 15:02 - Contractual restrictions
- 19:39 - Cash collected or remitted on behalf of others
24:45 - How to consider the types of restrictions imposed on cash equivalents
27:28 - Final reporting reminders for companies dealing with restricted cash or cash equivalents

For more information, read chapter 6 of our Financial statement presentationguide or listen to another podcast on the statement of cash flows, 2023 Year-end toolkit: Conquering the statement of cash flows. 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 focused on the financial services sectors and accounting for financial instruments. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services, banking, and capital markets industries. Bret focuses on emerging financial reporting issues related to financial instruments, developing interpretive guidance, and assisting clients in resolving complex accounting matters.
Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

Presenting the balance sheet – to net or not to net Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

We continue our month of podcasts focused on financial statement presentation.
In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Bret Dooley, Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office leading our financial instruments team, for a refresher on a topic that is fundamental to financial reporting for its impact on financial statement ratios – balance sheet offsetting. Together, they break down the complexities involved in determining whether and how to offset balance sheet amounts.
In this episode, you’ll hear:

1:30 – A refresher on balance sheet offsetting, including its purpose and significance to financial statement users
6:15 – A discussion of the general accounting framework, including the four conditions to determine whether a right of setoff exists
15:33 – An explanation of the different offsetting arrangements for derivatives
19:11 – A breakdown of the six criteria for balance sheet offsetting of reverse repurchase and repurchase agreements
22:59 – Final accounting reminders for companies navigating balance sheet offsetting

For more information, read chapters 19 and 22 of our Financial statement presentation guide. 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 focused on the financial services sectors and accounting for financial instruments. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services, banking, and capital markets industries. Bret focuses on emerging financial reporting issues related to financial instruments, developing interpretive guidance, and assisting clients in resolving complex accounting matters.
Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.
Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

PwC’s accounting podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected