
PwC's accounting podcast
Listen in as PwC specialists discuss today’s most compelling accounting, reporting, and business issues. Whether financial reporting or sustainability reporting, each episode is packed with insights you won't find anywhere else.
Latest episodes

Sep 24, 2024 • 46min
Foreign currency accounting – Remeasurement and translation
We continue our miniseries on foreign currency accounting with an episode on foreign currency remeasurement and translation. Foreign currency measurement is the process by which an entity expresses transactions whose terms are denominated in a foreign currency in its functional currency. Foreign currency translation is the process of expressing a foreign entity’s functional currency financial statements in the reporting currency. In this episode, we discuss: 03:09 – An overview of the accounting for foreign currency remeasurement and translation05:56 – Measurement of foreign currency transactions09:56 – Exchange rate considerations22:26 – Translating financial statement of foreign entities 29:00 – Releasing cumulative translation adjustments (CTA)For more information see chapters 4 and 5 of our Foreign currency guide. Also, check out our other episode in this miniseries, Foreign currency accounting – Determining functional currency. 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 areas of foreign currency, liabilities and equity, earnings per share, and derivatives and hedging. John specializes in large capital transactions and initial public offerings.Ross Drucker is a partner in PwC’s National Office where he assists clients with financial instrument accounting, including derivatives and hedging transactions, foreign currency, and structured capital markets transactions. He recently returned to PwC following two years working at the SEC in the Office of the Chief Accountant, focusing on financial instrument transactions as well as cryptocurrency.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.

Sep 19, 2024 • 34min
Talking GHG: Reporting requirements for greenhouse gas emissions
This week we introduce a miniseries on the building blocks of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting. To kick off the miniseries, host Heather Horn is joined by Marcin Olewinski, an Assurance partner, and Kelsey Pizza, a senior manager in PwC’s National Office, to give an overview of the process and zero in on the first step, understanding reporting requirements. They highlight the GHG Protocol's foundational role and its similarities and differences with other standards.In this episode, they discuss:02:22 – Background on the building blocks of GHG emissions reporting04:30 – The history of the GHG Protocol and how it’s used today19:16 – How the GHG Protocol interacts with other frameworks, including the European Sustainability Reporting Standards and IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards 31:08 – Advice for companies for understanding GHG reporting requirements and interoperabilityFor more information on GHG emissions reporting, including the five-step process outlined in today’s episode, check out Chapter 7: Greenhouse gas emissions reporting in PwC’s global Sustainability reporting guide.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.Kelsey Pizza is a senior manager in PwC’s National Office. She provides advice on technical accounting issues and monitors developments in financial reporting and standard setting. Kelsey helps develop PwC thought leadership, with a particular focus on sustainability reporting, clean and renewable energy accounting matters, and other topics affecting the utilities & sustainable energy sector.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.

Sep 17, 2024 • 48min
Foreign currency accounting – Determining functional currency
We kick off our miniseries on foreign currency accounting with an episode on determining functional currency, which is the currency of the primary economic environment in which a distinct and separable operation operates.In this episode, we discuss:03:52 – Identifying distinct and separable operations19:01 – Determining functional currency25:45 – Common pitfalls in evaluating functional currency 37:37 – Changes in functional currency40:19 – Highly inflationary economiesFor more information, see chapter 3 of our Foreign currency 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.John Horan is a managing director in PwC’s National Office where he assists clients with complex accounting issues in the areas of foreign currency, liabilities and equity, earnings per share, and derivatives and hedging. John specializes in large capital transactions and initial public offerings.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.

Sep 10, 2024 • 38min
Stock-based compensation – 5 things for private companies to know
We continue our miniseries on stock-based compensation awards with a focus on 5 important things for private companies to know. This is an area for which the accounting tends to be more complicated for nonpublic companies. In this episode, we discuss:3:12 – Measurement of liability-classified awards5:59 – Secondary market transactions16:39 – Profit sharing arrangements22:44 – Equity restructurings31:25 – Recourse and nonrecourse loansFor more information, see chapter 6 of our Stock-based compensation guide. Also, check out our other episode in this miniseries, Stock-based compensation - 5 things to know about modifications. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.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.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 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.

Sep 3, 2024 • 28min
Stock-based compensation - 5 things to know about modifications
We kick off our miniseries on stock-based compensation with a focus on 5 important things to know when accounting for modifications to stock-based compensation awards.In this episode, we discuss:2:40 – How to determine whether a change in terms or conditions should be accounted for as a modification5:00 – The stock-based compensation modification framework8:29 – Four types of modifications related to vesting conditions18:39 – Modifications that change classification22:15 – Modifications of performance conditionsFor more information, see chapter 4 of our Stock-based compensation guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.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.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 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.

Aug 27, 2024 • 36min
Accounting for internal-use software costs
We continue our miniseries on software costs. They are accounted for using two different models depending on whether the software is used internally or externally. In this episode, we discuss the internal-use model applicable to software developed or obtained to meet the reporting entities’ internal needs.In this episode, we discuss:3:24 – The scope of internal-use software10:29 – The three stages of software development14:07 – Cloud computing arrangements17:50 – Practical challenges in applying this model25:05 – An overview and update on the FASB's current software costs projectFor more information, see chapter 3 of our Software costs guide. Also, check out our other episode in this miniseries, Accounting for the cost of externally marketed software. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.Mike Coleman is a partner in PwC's National Office who specializes in accounting for revenue and software arrangements and has served technology clients for much of his career. In addition, Mike has represented the firm on the AICPA Software Task Force.Pat Durbin is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office. He has over 30 years of experience consulting with our clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters, including issues related to revenue, compensation, income taxes, and inventory under both US GAAP and IFRS.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 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.

Aug 20, 2024 • 40min
Accounting for the cost of externally marketed software
We kick off our miniseries on software costs. They are accounted for using two different models depending on whether the software is used internally or externally. In this episode we focus on the external use model applicable to software to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed as a separate product or embedded within a product or process.In this episode, we discuss:3:20 – How to determine whether the internal use or externally-marketed software models apply 10:08 – An overview of the externally marketed software model (ASC 985-20)11:25 – When technological feasibility of software is established19:55 – The types of costs capitalized under the model for externally marketed software22:40 – Practical challenges in applying the externally marketed software model27:55 – Applying the guidance to Artificial Intelligence (AI) 31:10 – An update on the FASB’s software costs projectFor more information, see chapter 2 of our Software costs guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes. Mike Coleman is a partner in PwC's National Office who specializes in accounting for revenue and software arrangements and has served technology clients for much of his career. In addition, Mike has represented the firm on the AICPA Software Task Force.Pat Durbin is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office. He has over 30 years of experience consulting with our clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters, including issues related to revenue, compensation, income taxes, and inventory under both US GAAP and IFRS.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 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.

Aug 13, 2024 • 38min
Global elections: What impacts can companies expect?
Named the year of global elections, 2024 will see more than 50 countries with over half of the world’s population exercise their right to vote. On today’s episode, host Heather Horn reunites with Craig Stronberg from PwC Intelligence to discuss the depth of the 2024 elections – not just in the US but worldwide – and the downstream impacts they could have, including what companies need to consider when making business decisions. Hear what Craig has to say companies should be focused on now as the international spotlight shifts towards the United States. In this episode, they discuss: 01:46 – The significance of the year of global consequential election 04:15– The impacts of recent European elections 08:31 – Global elections beyond Europe that could have notable outcomes, including Mexico and Bangladesh 14:16–What a company should know about a country when assessing market entry on both a macro and tactical level, including the history of transitions of power 17:03 – The interplay of the global elections and how the US election is a catalyst 33:10 – What companies can do now in advance of the upcoming US election Craig Stronberg, a senior director in PwC Intelligence, develops forward-looking analysis on macroeconomic, geopolitical, and global issues to help leaders solve complex business problems. Prior to PwC, Craig had a nearly 20-year career in national security affair s where his areas of focus included global risk, cyber, counterterrorism and counterintelligence. 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.

Aug 6, 2024 • 49min
SEC reporting roundup
This episode is your one-stop shop covering the latest reporting and rulemaking developments at the SEC. With almost 40 years of combined experience at the SEC, our guests, National Office partners Kyle Moffatt and Kevin Vaughn, share their insights on all things SEC.In this episode, we discuss:2:10 – Potential impacts of a change in presidential administration5:40 – The SEC's rulemaking agenda7:28 – Recent court actions impacting the SEC21:10 – Non-GAAP measures29:00 – Cybersecurity37:24 – Artificial intelligence41:33 – Other SEC focus areas46:36 – 90 years of history at the SECFor more information on topics discussed during the podcast see our publications To GAAP or to non-GAAP, SEC adopts cybersecurity disclosure rules, and SEC comment letter trends. For more on the SEC’s 90 year history, follow the SEC on LinkedIn. Also, for more of our episodes follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app.Kyle 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.Kevin Vaughn is a partner in PwC’s National Office. Prior to joining PwC, Kevin was senior associate chief accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where he spent almost 20 years focusing on complex financial reporting and technical accounting 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 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.

Aug 1, 2024 • 40min
Talking ESG: Inflation Reduction Act – act now, anticipate tomorrow
There continues to be a significant amount of activity at a high velocity as it relates to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). In this episode, host Heather Horn welcomes back Matt Haskins, principal in PwC's Washington National Tax Services group, who focuses on renewable energy transactions, to discuss the latest IRA developments and what is on the horizon in this election year and beyond. Find out where companies should be focusing their efforts now and how to prepare for any changes that may come. Spoiler alert – stay the course.In this episode, they discuss:3:30– With even more IRA developments, what companies should focus on now, including transferability of tax credits 6:48 – Meeting the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements to unlock the full value of the IRA10:57 – Additional IRS guidance on domestic content requirements13:56 – The latest developments on Section 48C credits19:00 – Changes to expect after Election Day31:25 – Impact of the US Supreme Court overturning the Chevron doctrine37:55 – Advice for companies navigating changes in the IRALooking for more on renewable energy credits?Talking ESG: Taking advantage of Inflation Reduction Act incentivesIn depth: Accounting for Inflation Reduction Act energy incentivesObligations, next steps from clean electricity guidanceApplications open for $6 billion in energy creditsCertainty, relief in new energy credit rules For more information on the US Supreme Court overruling the Chevron doctrine: Potential tax implications of the US Supreme Court overruling the Chevron doctrineMatt Haskins is a principal in PwC’s Washington National Tax Services group, focusing on renewable energy financing and M&A transactions. In addition to writing and speaking on issues in the renewable energy industry, Matt has co-chaired the energy and environmental taxes working group for the US Council on International Business and served as a delegate for key energy initiatives of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.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.