Pwc's Cfodirect Podcast

Text us your thoughts on this episodeWe 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. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast a

Text us your thoughts on this episodeIn 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 reporting33:45 - How companies can achieve consistency across d

Text us your thoughts on this episodeWe 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 other investments.Alexander Martin is a partner in Pw

Text us your thoughts on this episodeIn 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 of the TCFD framework coming under the umbrella of th

Text us your thoughts on this episodeWe 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 he assists clients with complex accounting issues in

Text us your thoughts on this episodeWith 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 reporting16:05 - The continued commitment of companie

Text us your thoughts on this episodeNext 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 of experience assisting companies in resolving complex

Text us your thoughts on this episodeWhile 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 requirements19:42 - Updates on the transferable tax credit market and activities27:15 - Final regulations on transferability of energy credits31:11 - The latest news on “green” hydrogen requirements41:45 - Guidance on sustainable aviation fuel and its potential impact on

Text us your thoughts on this episodeWe 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 focused on the financial services sectors and accounti

Text us your thoughts on this episodeThe 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 would benefit the most from transitioning to a circu

Send us a Text Message.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 where he assists clients with complex accounting issues in the area

Send us a Text Message.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 - Materiality15:31 - Targets and goals21:10 - Renewable energy cer

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. She has over 30 years of experience helping companies in a variety of industries navigat

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 frameworks31:29 - Getting started on compliance and how best to leverage interoperability opportunitiesLooking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this p

The final episode in our lease accounting miniseries focuses on embedded leases. Although it may not be explicitly stated, your contract may contain a lease that needs to be accounted for. We cover some of the key considerations and common difficulties.In this episode, we discuss:1:35 - Embedded leases, including examples7:43 - The model used to identify an embedded lease08:56 - Identified asset considerations16:52 - Control considerations30:18 - Identification of lease versus non-lease components and allocation of considerationFor more information on these topics, read chapter 2 of our Leases guide. Also, check out other episodes in our miniseries covering Lease classification, "Day 2" lease accounting, and lessee accounting for real estate leases. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.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 contributo

A critical step in getting ready for new sustainability reporting requirements is building a comprehensive governance framework. In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Stephen Parker and Matt DiGuiseppe of PwC’s Governance Insights Center to discuss the new regulatory environment and what it means for board members looking to discharge their oversight responsibilities effectively and management looking to get the board ready.In this episode, we discuss:2:21 - Reactions to new sustainability reporting frameworks from senior management and boards6:13 - Strategies for managing the “noise” around new rules and how best to proceed despite uncertainty10:43 - The need to upskill board members so that they are capable of performing their fiduciary responsibility related to oversight of sustainability processes and disclosures18:43 - How management can best help the board prioritize its time given the increase in its responsibilities23:15 - Whether the market has begun to consider a board candidate’s knowle

In this next episode in our miniseries on lease accounting, we focus on lessee accounting for real estate leases. From lease incentives to build-to-suit arrangements and more, we cover some of the key areas that lessees should consider in accounting for real estate leases. In this episode, we discuss:03:25 - Lease incentives08:23 - Distinguishing between lessee and lessor assets11:28 - Accounting for lessee assets13:50 - Accounting for lessor assets17:20 - Determination of the lease commencement date19:06 - Multiple units of account in a lease21:51 - Build-to-suit arrangementsFor more information on these topics, read chapters 3, 6, and 8 of our Leases guide. Also, check out other episodes in our miniseries covering lease classification and “day 2” lease accounting. 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 g

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 actions4:15 - Challenges of reporting under multiple frameworks14:50 - How to prioritize gathering information18:51 - The importance of building stronger disclosure controls and processes as well as having the right people focused on the task23:02 - Navigating the market’s expectations for sustainability information28:51 - Challenges resulting from differing time horizons for sustaina

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 remeasurement02:17 - Full lease remeasurements06:19 - Partial lease remeasurements7:47 - Lease term and purchase option remeasurements13:44 - Lease modification remeasurements21:34 - Subleasing arrangements25:58 - A refresher on ROU asset impairmentsFor 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 Nati

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 repo