PwC's accounting podcast

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.In June 2024, PwC released its 2024 Global Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) survey, which covers a variety of topics on the current state of companies’ CSRD implementation. In this week’s podcast, host Heather Horn welcomes back Nadja Picard, PwC’s Global Reporting Leader, to dive into the results of the survey conducted in April 2024, including company readiness, data availability, and the use of technology in reporting.In this episode, we discuss:01:55 - Purpose of the 2024 global CSRD survey and demographics of survey participants04:57 - Summary of key topics included in the survey 06:35 - Summary of key insights gained from the survey11:18 - How companies are approaching double materiality16:59 - The two main challenges companies say they are experiencing19:43 - How companies are using tools and technology24:25 - The most surprising result of the survey – companies’ positive perspectives on the benefits of sustainability reporting 28:16 - Takeaways for conversations with key stakeholders35:14 - The key role of senior management36:50 - The importance of setting up data processes and systems to comply with various reporting requirements39:54 - What we will learn from first-time CSRD reportersLooking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards. 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.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 episode covers the latest developments in the world of crypto assets from the current landscape to the regulatory environment to the accounting. In this episode, we discuss: 4:13 – An overview of the market8:42 – US legislative activity related to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin 12114:30 – Use cases for crypto assets and related technology19:15 – Accounting for crypto assets and recent guidance from the FASB31:15 – Key disclosure requirements36:07 – SEC guidance related to lending arrangements and custodians of crypto assets For more information on this topic, read our Crypto assets guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes. Kevin Jackson is a partner in PwC’s Capital Markets Accounting Advisory Services practice who assists clients with complex accounting and financial reporting issues. Kevin is also a member of the AICPA's Digital Assets Working Group, which provides interpretive guidance on how to account for digital assets. 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.PwC provides a summary of the latest accounting, financial reporting, and regulatory updates to support your quarterly reporting.We begin this edition of The quarter close with a mid-year check-in on SEC comment letter trends. Spoiler alert: non-GAAP financial measures continue to draw the most comments from the SEC staff. We also highlight key considerations for service or supply arrangements that may have embedded leases. In sustainability reporting news, the SEC stayed its climate disclosure rules in light of pending litigation. However, beyond the SEC’s rules, companies may be subject to a range of sustainability reporting obligations. We keep you informed on the latest developments. This quarter we spotlight recent international standard-setting activities, including a new IFRS standard that redefines financial performance reporting. Although US GAAP reporters are not subject to IFRS standards, you’ll want to stay updated on the changes, which could influence the views of stakeholders in the US. In addition, we summarize the FASB’s latest decisions on its project on software costs. 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 second quarter of 2024.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 conclude our miniseries on consolidation accounting with an episode on identifying the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the reporting entity required to consolidate the VIE. In this episode, we discuss:3:15 – Determining which entity should consolidate the VIE6:07 – The primary beneficiary power criterion17:35 – The primary beneficiary economics criterion 21:17 – Related party impacts on the VIE model26:00 – Ongoing reassessment of the primary beneficiary For more information on this topic, read chapter 5 of our Consolidation guide. Also, for an overview of the consolidation framework, listen to the first two episodes in this miniseries, The consolidation framework – Getting started and The consolidation framework – Identifying a VIE. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for episodes on other topics. 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 PwC's Deals practice 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.In this podcast, host Heather Horn sits down with Emily Kirsch, a director in PwC's sustainability practice, to discuss how companies are approaching the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) implementation process. The clock is ticking as companies navigate the various phases of the process, including scoping, the double materiality assessment, the gap assessment, and remediation.In this episode, we discuss:2:08  – CSRD implementation process overview and where companies are in the journey2:41 – The importance of scoping and weighing the options for various reporting approaches3:50 – How the double materiality assessment drives reporting requirements5:08 – Key cross-functional workstreams needed and required upskilling7:32 – Applying an integrated approach across multiple ESG frameworks9:16 – Pitfalls and best practices of the double materiality assessment14:50 – Identifying gaps and addressing them as part of the remediation process18:12 – Assessing the timeline for mandatory and voluntary reporting22:13 – Difficulty in collecting data, including the availability of data at a disaggregated level23:56 – A narrow lead time requiring consistent communication company wide26:17 – Common challenges companies are experiencing during CSRD implementation35:25 – Keys to successes throughout the CSRD implementation processLooking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards.Emily Kirsch is a director in PwC's sustainability practice focused on sustainability reporting and standard setting in the EU. She advises both public and private companies in navigating complex emerging sustainability reporting requirements and implementing new reporting regulations during periods of change in an organization.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 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 app for episodes on other topics. 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 PwC's Deals practice 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. 

Marie Hache, PwC Sustainability partner, discusses challenges companies face in new sustainability reporting rules. Topics include data quality, assurance readiness, and achieving consistency across reporting requirements. Insights on implementing new systems and preparing for mandatory reporting.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.We 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 PwC's Deals practice 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.In 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 the IFRS Foundation26:53 - Highlights and areas of focus related to the ISSB’s future activitiesLooking 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. Katie Woods is a senior director in PwC's Global Corporate Reporting Services - sustainability group advising on ESG and international accounting standards. Katie specializes in the new and emerging ESG reporting frameworks working across the PwC network. She has over 30 years of experience working with a broad range of companies. Katie speaks regularly on a range of ESG and accounting topics.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 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 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.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 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.