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Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.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 knowledge of climate during board selection processes and the level of expertise required27:39 - How boards are performing their responsibilities with respect to climate information33:55 - Working through the challenges of presenting sustainability information to the board given tight timelines and other reporting responsibilities39:25 - Best practices for governance over sustainability matters at the board and management levelsLooking 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. Stephen Parker is a partner in PwC’s Governance Insights Center, which strives to strengthen the connection between directors, executive teams, and investors by helping them navigate the evolving governance landscape. With more than 30 years of experience, Stephen has advised boards of directors on a variety of complex financial reporting matters. Stephen’s client service experience includes energy and utility companies, financial services companies, and nonprofits.Matt DiGuiseppe is a managing director in PwC’s Governance Insights Center, which helps stakeholders navigate the evolving governance landscape. Matt has participated in numerous industry groups and was the founding chairperson of the Investor Stewardship Group (ISG), which advanced a set of corporate governance and stewardship principles for the US market.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.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 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.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 sustainability and financial reporting, and how to tie these horizons together to communicate a cohesive strategy32:50 - How companies can tailor climate disclosures given the specific risks the company faces due to climate-related factors35:43 - Key governance-related behaviors companies are adopting and how they are disclosing these behaviors38:19 - The importance of starting the readiness process irrespective of ongoing legal challengesLooking 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.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 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.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 reporting4:38 - A discussion of the need for upskilling in various sectors to meet global sustainability reporting standards8:43 - An overview of the drivers of the IFRS Foundation’s focus on capacity building17:14 - Advice on implementing new business processes and enhancing communication with suppliers to prepare for new disclosure standards21:33 - A discussion of the progress made in capacity building and the role of the IFRS Foundation’s partners in this process29:00 - An overview of the IFRS Foundation’s “three pillar approach” for capacity building35:19 - Where listeners can go to understand where the ISSB is headed with standard setting and what is next for companies preparing to reportLooking 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.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 classification5:15 - A discussion of how to determine if a lease should be classified as finance or operating including:6:35 - Lease commencement date considerations10:20 - Whether a lease contains a single asset or multiple assets14:41 - Whether the lease term is a major part of the economic life of the asset22:55 - The lease payment criterion, including a breakdown of lease payments and the appropriate discounting methodology41:56 - Highlights of other classification criteria such as title transfer, purchase options, and alternative useFor 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. 

Alan McGill, PwC’s Global Sustainability Reporting, Measurements, and Assurance Leader, discusses the complexities of sustainability regulatory landscapes, market responses, and challenges faced by companies in complying with new reporting requirements. He emphasizes the importance of using sustainability data for business innovation, showcasing examples of companies preparing for reporting and managing multi-jurisdictional frameworks efficiently. The podcast also explores how new regulations drive sustainable operations and opportunities for innovation.

PwC's accounting experts Matt Sabatini and Alexander Martin discuss asset acquisition accounting, distinguishing it from business combinations. They cover topics like identifying assets, contingent consideration arrangements, transaction costs impact, noncontrolling interests, and cost allocation. The discussion provides insights into the complexities of asset acquisitions and the unique accounting framework involved.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.The SEC’s new climate-related disclosures rules include new required disclosures on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting and assurance will be required.In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Marcin Olewinski, a Trust Solutions partner, to unpack the key GHG emissions reporting requirements in the SEC’s new rules and to share insights for companies navigating the intersection among regulatory reporting requirements globally.In this episode, you’ll hear:2:20 - An overview of GHG emissions reporting requirements under the new SEC rules7:30 - A discussion of the materiality qualifier for GHG emissions reporting and judgments involved in assessing materiality of nonfinancial information14:30 - Insights on the notable changes between the proposed and final rules as well as a breakdown of the key requirements, including:15:05 - Considerations for navigating the requirements for electing and reporting organizational boundaries19:50 - A discussion of the requirements on operational boundaries and considerations for classifying direct and indirect emissions21:41 - Insights on measurement of GHG emissions, including considerations for disclosing inputs, assumptions, and calculation methodologies33:58 - An overview of filing requirements, including timing and assurance considerations 36:23 - Final advice for companies preparing to adopt the new SEC rules and seeking to navigate interoperability with other regulatory requirementsLooking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Tune into to our prior podcast for a primer on GHG emissions reporting. Additionally, 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 specific to the SEC’s climate disclosure rules, read our In brief summary and comprehensive In depth publications. Note: On March 15, 2024, the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit temporarily stayed the rules. Next steps, including the timing and location of a potential hearing, are unclear.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.The SEC’s final climate rule may be the headline news; however, companies shouldn’t lose sight of other requirements impacting first quarter reporting. As we kick off a new year, use our “cheat sheet” summary to keep track of new accounting guidance effective in 2024. In addition, Pillar Two tax legislation is now effective in several jurisdictions around the world and we discuss the implications. Marking a significant milestone in sustainability reporting, the SEC voted on March 6 to finalize its long-awaited climate disclosure rules. In regulatory developments we provide details and the resources you need to get up to speed on the final requirements. The SEC’s rule is just one of the sustainability reporting requirements that may impact you. This quarter we launched the first chapter of our new global Sustainability Reporting Guidance – use it as a one-stop shop for guidance on the major required sustainability reporting frameworks around the globe. After issuing three significant new standards in the fourth quarter of 2023, the FASB continues to make progress on the remaining projects on its technical agenda. We provide a preview of what to expect in standard setting in 2024. In this edition of The quarter close, we highlight these and other relevant accounting and reporting topics you should consider as you close out the first quarter of 2024. Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.