PwC's accounting podcast

As the first wave of companies report under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), PwC analyzed corporate sustainability statements. In this week’s podcast, host Heather Horn welcomes back Nadja Picard, PwC’s Global Reporting Leader, to dive into the key findings from more than 250 published reports. They explore emerging trends, surprising gaps, and what these insights mean for companies yet to report. In this episode, we discuss: 01:47 – Overview of PwC’s analysis of 250+ CSRD reports 04:29 – Key findings: variability in disclosures and early trends 08:49 – Most common material topics and sector-specific patterns 18:35 – Entity-specific disclosures: cybersecurity, AI, and tax 24:44 – Climate reporting practices and assurance observations 33:26 – Practical guidance for companies preparing to report under CSRD For more on PwC’s analysis of 250 corporate sustainability statements, see our publication In search of sustainable value: The CSRD journey begins. Looking for more on the investor survey referenced in today’s podcast? Check out PwC’s 2024 Global Investor Survey and PwC’s global investor survey: What’s top of mind for 2025? About our guest Nadja Picard is PwC’s Global Reporting Leader. In this role, she leads PwC’s global initiative to help clients transform their corporate reporting to meet investor and stakeholder demands for trusted and assured reporting beyond financial reporting. Nadja also advises companies on the accounting, corporate reporting, and investor relations requirements in advance of capital markets transactions, especially IPOs.   About our host Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and 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 episode, we continue our miniseries on financial statement presentation and disclosure with a focus on derivatives and hedging. Derivatives and hedging are topics applicable to many companies, but the accounting and related presentation and disclosures can be complex. This episode breaks down the requirements with practical insights and guidance.In this episode, we discuss: 1:10 – An overview of derivatives and hedging, including common examples 3:34 – Balance sheet presentation 9:03 – Income statement presentation 11:42 – Cash flow statement classification 15:19 – Key disclosure requirements  For more information, see chapter 19 of our Financial statement presentation guide and our Derivatives and hedging guide. You can also listen to the other episodes in this miniseries: Reporting reset – Presentation fundamentals Reporting reset – Fair value disclosures Reporting reset – Consolidation disclosures Reporting reset – Stock-based compensation Reporting reset – Loans, receivables, and investments Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest thought leadership. About our guest Bret Dooley is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant 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. About our host Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and 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 video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.com.We're excited to continue our video podcast series on the foundations of sustainability reporting. Now watch along with our sustainability specialists as they discuss the latest on sustainability.With the first wave of companies reporting under the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), we address some practical implementation questions about GHG emissions reporting and provide practical examples to help companies apply the ESRS requirements.In this episode, we discuss:2:45 – Organizational boundary guidance under the GHG Protocol versus ESRS, including insights on some challenges companies are facing5:27 – Reporting emissions from leased assets13:13 – Reporting emissions associated with investment entities18:33 – Scope 3 measurement and minimum boundaries44:02 – Determining relevant scope 3 categories50:25 – Complexities when disclosing targetsLooking for more on GHG emissions reporting?*Refer to our publication on the EU Omnibus proposals to amend certain of the reporting requirements, including some that may be mentioned in this episode (this episode was recorded prior to the release of the Omnibus)Watch or listen in to last week’s video podcast, Sustainability now: GHG measurement made manageableCheck out our GHG miniseries, Talking GHG, along with other Sustainability now episodesRead Chapter 7 of PwC’s Sustainability reporting guide, Greenhouse gas emissions reportingFollow our series and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loopAbout our guestMarcin Olewinski is a PwC Assurance practice partner, with over 20 years of experience bringing valued perspectives and insights to large clients in the energy sector. Additionally, he’s focused extensively within PwC’s National Office on greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability reporting and leads PwC’s global technical working group focused on GHG.About our hostHeather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and 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.comDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

We continue our back-to-basics series on financial statement presentation and disclosure with a focus on loans, receivables, and investments – accounts that affect nearly every business. In this episode, we walk through the key presentation and disclosure requirements and examine recent guidance updates for creditors accounting for certain loan modifications.In this episode, we discuss:2:05 – Key considerations for loans and receivables, including:3:08 – Presentation in the balance sheet and income statement7:20 – Disclosure requirements8:35 – New guidance (ASU 2022-02) on creditors’ accounting for certain loan modifications 13:30 – Key considerations for investments, including:14:05 – Presentation in the balance sheet and income statement18:22 – Disclosure requirementsFor more information, see chapter 9 of our Financial statement presentation guide and our Loans and investments guide. You can also listen to the other episodes in this miniseries:Reporting reset – Presentation fundamentalsReporting reset – Fair value disclosuresReporting reset – Consolidation disclosuresReporting reset – Stock-based compensationBe sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest thought leadership.About our guestCatherine Espino is a partner in PwC’s National Office with 20 years of experience serving large financial institutions, broker-dealers, as well as smaller subsidiaries and private companies. Catherine focuses on advising companies within the financial services and non-financial services sectors on significant and complex accounting issues.About our guest hostKyle Moffatt is PwC’s Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.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 video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.com. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting is central to sustainability disclosures—and measuring those emissions accurately is critical to transparent reporting. In this episode, we walk through PwC’s five-step process for GHG reporting, with a deep dive into measurement approaches across scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. In this episode, we discuss: 1:40 – PwC’s 5-step process for GHG emissions reporting  6:43 – Scope 1 emissions: direct and indirect measurement methodologies 13:56 –Scope 2 emissions: market-based versus location-based methods 33:17 – Scope 3 emissions: minimum boundaries and measurement approaches for upstream and downstream emissions 50:24 – Key takeaways on measuring emissions based on practical experience  Looking for more on GHG emissions reporting? Check out our GHG miniseries, Talking GHG, along with other Sustainability now episodes Read Chapter 7 of PwC’s Sustainability reporting guide, Greenhouse gas emissions reporting  Follow our series and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop  About our guest  Marcin Olewinski is a PwC Assurance practice partner, with over 20 years of experience bringing valued perspectives and insights to large clients in the energy sector. Additionally, he’s focused extensively within PwC’s National Office on greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability reporting and leads PwC’s global technical working group focused on GHG.  About our host  Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and 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 back-to-basics series on financial statement presentation and disclosure with an episode focused on stock-based compensation. This episode breaks down the key presentation and disclosure principles and how stock-based compensation is reflected in each of the financial statements.In this episode, we discuss:0:55 – Stock-based compensation presentation in the:1:09 – Balance sheet9:36 – Income statement11:34 – Statement of cash flows18:29 – Statement of stockholders’ equity20:58 – Key stock-based compensation disclosure requirementsFor more information, see chapter 15 of our Financial statement presentation guide and our Stock-based compensation guide. You can also listen to the other episodes in this miniseries: Reporting reset – Presentation fundamentals Reporting reset – Fair value disclosures Reporting reset – Consolidation disclosuresBe sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest thought leadership.About our guest Ken Stoler is a partner in PwC’s National Office who specializes in financial reporting and plan design issues related to equity compensation arrangements, retirement and healthcare plans, and other benefits. He has helped companies navigate their employee compensation issues during IPOs, spin offs, acquisitions, and other major transactions or events. About our host Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and 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 video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.com.We're excited to continue our video podcast series on the foundations of sustainability reporting. Now watch along with our sustainability specialists as they discuss the latest on sustainability.In this episode, we explore the foundational concepts that underpin sustainability reporting. From qualitative characteristics and connectivity with financial statements to measurement approaches and general disclosure requirements, we break down what preparers need to know under both the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards.In this episode, we discuss:1:52 – An overview of the foundations of sustainability reporting3:10 – The qualitative characteristics of sustainability reporting under ESRS and ISSB standards15:29 – Connectivity with the financial statements 18:12 – Three steps to develop quantitative measurements29:31 – General disclosure requirements under ESRS and ISSB standardsLooking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting?Read Chapter 5 of PwC’s Sustainability reporting guide, Foundations of sustainability reportingFollow our series and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loopAbout our guestDiana Stoltzfus is a partner in the National Office who helps to shape PwC’s perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings, and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the Professional Practices Group within the OCA.About our hostHeather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and 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 back-to-basics series on financial statement presentation with an episode focused on consolidation disclosures. These disclosures can be complex, covering both consolidated entities – such as variable interest entities (VIEs) and voting interest entities (VOEs) – as well as variable interests in VIEs that are not consolidated. This episode breaks down the relevant frameworks, presentation principles, and disclosure requirements.In this episode, we discuss:2:00 – The purpose of consolidated financial statements and the guiding frameworks5:50 – General consolidation presentation and disclosure principles8:00 – Principles and objectives for the presentation and disclosure of variable interests in VIEs, including from the perspective of:12:22 – A holder of variable interests in a VIE, regardless of primary beneficiary status14:21 – A primary beneficiary of a VIE16:17 – An entity with variable interests in VIEs for which it is not the primary beneficiary20:35 – Presentation and disclosure considerations for VOEsFor more information, see chapter 18 of our Financial statement presentation guide and our Consolidation guide. You can also listen to the other episodes in this miniseries:Reporting reset – Presentation fundamentalsReporting reset – Fair value disclosuresAbout our guestsAlexander Martin is a partner in PwC's Deals practice who specializes in helping clients solve complex accounting, financial reporting, and business issues arising from deals, structured transactions, and other transformational events. With over 15 years of experience, Alexander has deep expertise in US GAAP and SEC reporting, gained through his roles as an advisor in PwC's Deals practice, a regulator at the SEC, and most recently as a partner in PwC's National Office.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.About our guest hostDiana Stoltzfus is a partner in the National Office who helps to shape PwC’s perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings, and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the Professional Practices Group within the OCA.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 video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.com.We're excited to continue our video podcast series on the foundations of sustainability reporting. Now watch along with our sustainability specialists as they discuss the latest on sustainability.Despite the ever-changing landscape, materiality remains the cornerstone of sustainability reporting – and it’s here to stay. In this episode, we discuss how materiality is defined and applied under both the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and International Sustainability Standards Board’s (ISSB) standards, highlighting key similarities and differences.In this episode, we discuss:2:13 – Understanding double materiality and impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) in the ESRS framework19:15 – Considering long-term horizons, cumulative effects, and uncertainty under ESRS26:39 – Disclosure of relevant IROs under ESRS, including the importance of stakeholders 34:21 – The concept of materiality under ISSB standards40:23 – ISSB risks and opportunitiesIdentifying impacts, risks, and opportunities as well as performing a double materiality assessment are fundamental areas of reporting in accordance with ESRS that are not expected to be impacted by the European Commission’s “Omnibus” proposals at this time. For information on how the “Omnibus” proposals could impact reporting, check out PwC’s publication.About our guestDiana Stoltzfus is a partner in the National Office who helps to shape PwC’s perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings, and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the Professional Practices Group within the OCA.About our hostHeather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and 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 back-to-basics series on financial statement presentation with an episode focused on fair value disclosures. Fair value measurements are used across many areas of financial reporting—and the related disclosure requirements can be extensive. From recurring versus nonrecurring measurement disclosures to those relating to fair value hierarchy, we highlight key considerations. In this episode, we discuss:1:09 – General fair value disclosure requirements8:13 – Fair value hierarchy disclosures14:52 – Disclosures of unobservable inputs and valuation techniques17:04 – Concentrations of credit risk and market risk disclosures18:35 – Fair value disclosures for instruments not measured at fair value19:48 – Applying the fair value option27:52 – SEC comment letter trendsFor more information, see chapter 20 of our Financial statement presentation guide and our Fair value guide. You can also listen to the first episode in this series, Reporting reset – Presentation fundamentals. Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to for the latest thought leadership. About our guestBret Dooley is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant 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.About our hostHeather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and 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.