PwC's accounting podcast

The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework forms the basis of climate-related rules within each of the major ESG disclosure proposals released this year. The UK is the first jurisdiction to mandate reporting under the TCFD for listed companies. This requirement was effective for 2021, meaning these reports were available for the first time in 2022.  Heather Horn sat down with Mark O’Sullivan, PwC UK’s Head of Corporate Reporting, and Hilary Eastman, Director of Investor Engagement at PwC, to discuss PwC’s observations on our review of the first 50 companies that reported under this mandate, as well as investor perspectives related to the filings.In this episode, our guests discuss:3:23 - Overview of our review of TCFD reporting in the UK10:06 - What we know about investor views on the importance of climate risk management17:08 - The areas investors want to understand, including the relevance of climate risk to the business, and the related financial impacts26:03 - Key challenges faced by companies when reporting under the TCFD framework31:40 - How companies in different industries approached the disclosures42:24 - The areas cited in reviews by the UK’s Financial Reporting Council (FRC) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)47:09 - Advice for companies contemplating how best to prepare for future ESG disclosuresWant to learn more about developments in ESG and TCFD? Read PwC UK’s report, The green shoots of TCFD reporting, along with our previous podcast on leveraging TCFD for climate-related disclosures. Also see the FRC’s and FCA’s reports on their reviews of TCFD disclosures, as well as the FRC’s lab report on net zero disclosures.Hilary Eastman leads global investor engagement at PwC and has extensive experience advising on ESG reporting strategy. She manages the firm’s relationships with the investment community in the UK and globally. In her role, Hilary works with investors and analysts to get their views on a variety of corporate reporting and governance matters to help companies improve their reporting to the capital markets.Mark O’Sullivan is PwC UK’s Head of Corporate Reporting. He has more than 15 years of experience advising leading organizations on current and best practices in reporting and the implementation of new reporting strategies to meet the needs of the capital markets. Mark also oversees PwC’s annual review of corporate reporting practices in the FTSE 350.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 our Toolkit podcast series, we are taking a deep dive into one accounting topic each month that goes beyond the basics and into areas that require judgment. This month, we are covering fixed assets – from acquisitions and capitalization to disposals.Jay Seliber, PwC National Office partner, is back in the guest seat to share insights on the capitalization of assets with our host, Heather Horn.In this episode, you will hear about:4:39 - The first three capitalization stages: (1) preliminary exploration, (2) pre-acquisition, and (3) construction, and the types of costs that can be capitalized in each13:42 - Capitalized interest - key considerations on timing and capitalization rate20:10 - The fourth stage of capitalization: placing an asset in-service and the accounting for related costs 22:59 - The accounting for major maintenance 29:30 - Asset depreciation methods and key judgments in reassessing useful life 35:25 - Final reminders when capitalizing and depreciating fixed assetsWant to learn more? Listen to our previous podcast in this series on asset acquisitions and read about the capitalization of costs in our PP&E and other assets guide. Aircraft major maintenance is discussed in the AICPA’s Airlines guide. Jay Seliber is a partner in PwC’s National Office. He leverages over 30 years of experience to help clients with their most complex accounting matters, particularly in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, revenue recognition, stock compensation, earnings per share, employee benefits, restructurings, impairments, and financing transactions. Jay is presently PwC's representative on the FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force.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.

In our Toolkit podcast series, we are taking a deep dive into one accounting topic each month that goes beyond the basics and into areas that require judgment. This month, we are covering fixed assets – from acquisitions and capitalization to disposals.In this episode, Heather Horn was joined by Beth Paul from PwC’s National Office to discuss the accounting guidance for asset acquisitions, including distinguishing an acquisition of an asset from the acquisition of a business, along with complexities that may be faced when accounting for asset acquisitions.In this episode, you will hear:1:24 - An overview of the asset acquisition and business combination models4:17 - How to use the screen test to identify asset acquisitions 9:21 - How to record asset acquisitions, and related transactions recognized separately18:03 - Complexities faced by the buyer, including contingent consideration24:06 - Key reminders for a seller when accounting for the disposal of an asset26:01 - Final advice for those beginning the asset acquisition processWant to learn more? Listen to our podcast discussing the complexities faced in business combinations and asset acquisitions, and read our chapters on asset acquisitions in our PP&E and other assets guide and how to identify a business using the screen test in our Business combinations guide.Beth Paul is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office responsible for a team of consultants that specialize in business combinations and related areas, such as consolidations, disposals, impairments, and segment reporting. Prior to this role, Beth was the Strategic Thought Leader in PwC’s National office, working closely with firm leadership to determine PwC’s position on emerging trends in auditing, accounting, and financial reporting matters.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.

In our Toolkit podcast series, we take a deep dive into one accounting topic each month that goes beyond the basics and into areas that require judgment. This month, we are covering impairments – a complex topic with a variety of accounting and reporting considerations.In this episode, Heather Horn was joined by PwC National Office partner Andreas Ohl and PwC managing director Adam Smith to dive into goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset impairments, including the impact of current economic conditions on that assessment. In this episode, you will hear them discuss:1:26 - Goodwill from an economic lens7:23 - Measuring goodwill impairment at the appropriate unit of account17:02 - Reminders for assessing triggering events and performing the quantitative test 29:12 - Key challenges seen in practice32:32 - Assessing indefinite-lived intangible assets39:34 - Final advice on assessing goodwill for impairmentWant to learn more? Listen to other episodes in our impairment toolkit series on long-lived assets, inventory and other current assets, and financial instruments, along with previous podcasts on impairment accounting, including accounting for goodwill and other impairments and answers to your impairment valuation questions. For episodes on segments that address the identification of reporting units, check out disclosure requirements for segments, and 5 things to know about segment reporting.Adam Smith is a managing director with over 20 years of experience related to performing valuations of businesses, business interests, intangible assets, and derivatives. Adam’s valuation specialization supports a wide range of purposes, including financial reporting, litigation support, corporate planning and consulting, and mergers and acquisitions.Andreas Ohl is a partner in PwC's National Office focused on thought leadership, standard setting, and mergers and acquisitions under US GAAP and IFRS. In addition to his US responsibilities, he leads the sustainability topic team for the PwC global network. Andreas is chairman of the Business Valuation Standards Board at the International Valuation Standards Council, is a member of the working group that authored the AICPA's in-process R&D guide, and has served as a member of the FASB's Valuation Resource Group.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 our Toolkit podcast series, we take a deep dive into one accounting topic each month that goes beyond the basics and into areas that require judgment. This month, we are covering impairments – a complex topic with a variety of accounting and reporting considerations.In this episode, Heather Horn was joined by PwC National Office partner Matt Sabatini and PwC managing director Adam Smith to discuss another common area for impairment questions: long-lived assets. In this episode, you will hear them discuss:1:20 - An overview of the impairment model for long-lived assets7:53 - How to identify an asset group when performing an impairment test on assets to be held and used11:58 - Types of impairment triggers and the two-step impairment test for assets to be held and used31:42 - Right-of-use asset impairment considerations33:14 - Impairment accounting under the held-for-sale model36:44 - Key reminders for companies assessing the potential impairment of long-lived assetsWant to learn more? Listen to other episodes in our impairment toolkit series on inventory and other current assets and financial instruments, along with previous podcasts on impairment accounting, including accounting for goodwill and other impairments and answers to your impairment valuation questions.Adam Smith is a managing director at PwC with over 20 years of valuation experience. His experience includes performing valuations of businesses, business interests, intangible assets, and derivatives. Adam’s valuation specialization supports a wide range of purposes, including financial reporting, litigation support, corporate planning and consulting, and mergers and acquisitions. Matt Sabatini is a partner in PwC's National Office with over 20 years of experience helping clients and engagement teams navigate the accounting and financial reporting for complex transactions. He specializes in the accounting for M&A, corporate reorganizations, recapitalizations, joint ventures, and other investments.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.

In our Toolkit podcast series, we take a deep dive into one accounting topic each month that goes beyond the basics and into areas that require judgment. This month, we are covering impairments – a complex topic with a variety of accounting and reporting considerations.In this episode, Heather Horn was joined by Bret Dooley, a partner in the National Office, and Shannon Detling, a partner in the Financial Markets practice, to discuss key considerations when working through the impairment accounting framework for financial instruments. In this episode, you will hear them discuss:0:38 - An overview of the impairment model for equity and available-for-sale debt securities6:07 - How current market conditions are impacting impairment assessments11:15 - Highlights of the current expected credit losses (CECL) model for amortized cost assets17:12 - Effect of macroeconomic trends when determining credit losses under CECL29:03 - Consideration of risks and relevant controls in the credit loss estimation process33:16 - Credit outlook for the future based on current trends38:12 - Key reminders for companies thinking through the impairment model for financial instrumentsWant to learn more? Refer to the first episode in our impairment toolkit series on inventory and other current assets, along with previous podcasts on impairment accounting, including accounting for goodwill and other impairments and answers to your impairment valuation questions. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes in the coming weeks.Bret Dooley is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office and the financial instruments accounting leader. He has over 25 years of experience specializing in the financial services, banking, and capital markets industries. Bret focuses on emerging financial reporting issues relating to financial instruments, developing interpretive guidance, and assisting clients in resolving complex accounting matters.Shannon Detling is a Partner within PwC’s Financial Markets group, specializing in financial instruments, financial risk management, and financing transactions. He has extensive knowledge of capital markets, changing regulation and policy, and evolving market conditions. Shannon advises clients on how to achieve their objectives and assists them in execution from strategy through to operations, valuation, and reporting, including design, implementation, and integration of systems, processes, and controls.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.

In our Toolkit podcast series, we take a deep dive into one accounting topic each month that goes beyond the basics and into areas that require judgment. This month, we are covering impairments – a complex topic with a variety of accounting and reporting considerations.In this episode, Heather Horn was joined by PwC partner Pat Durbin to discuss key considerations when working through the impairment accounting framework, including a focus on impairment considerations for inventory and other current assets. In this episode, you will hear them discuss:1:05 - An overview of current macroeconomic factors that contribute to the impairment of assets5:32 - An introduction to the impairment framework12:01 - Impairment triggers for non-financial assets, including examples seen in practice22:38 - Sector-specific considerations to keep in mind25:10 - The inventory impairment model31:53 - Impairment accounting for other current assets38:43 - Key reminders as companies think through the impairment modelWant to learn more? Refer to our previous podcasts on impairment accounting, including accounting for goodwill and other impairments and answers to your impairment valuation questions. Stay tuned for more insightful episodes in the coming weeks.Pat Durbin is a Deputy Chief Accountant, leading the revenue and liabilities division 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 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.

In our Toolkit podcast series, we take a deep dive into one accounting topic each month that goes beyond the basics and into areas that require judgment. This month, we are covering stock-based compensation – a complex subject with a variety of accounting and reporting considerations.In this episode, Heather Horn was joined by PwC partners Gina Klein and Jay Seliber to discuss the complexities of stock-based compensation accounting arising from merger and acquisition activity. In this episode, you will hear them discuss:1:49 - Key business issues associated with stock-based awards in a transaction  6:14 - Accounting considerations for awards from the sale of a business11:03 - Modifying awards in response to a planned change in control20:36 - Considerations for vesting conditions tied to the closing of a transaction 24:05 - Transactions where the buyer replaces the seller’s awards29:24 - Other common examples of award structuring as part of M&A activity40:25 - Key points when accounting for stock-based awards during transactionsWant to learn more? Refer to previous episodes in our Compensation toolkit series on challenges for private company awards, making sense of stock award modifications, equity or liability classification, and unraveling complex vesting conditions. Also refer to our Stock-based compensation guide for more helpful information.Gina Klein is a partner leading PwC’s HR Accounting Advisory practice in Workforce Transformation where she works with companies to address the financial reporting, design, and operational issues associated with employee compensation, including stock compensation, pension plans, and other employee benefit arrangements. Gina has also spent time in PwC’s National Office, advising clients on complex accounting matters related to employee compensation under both IFRS and US GAAP.Jay Seliber is a partner in PwC’s National Office. He leverages over 30 years of experience to help clients with their most complex accounting matters, particularly in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, revenue recognition, stock compensation, earnings per share, employee benefits, restructurings, impairments, and financing transactions. Jay is presently PwC's representative on the FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force.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@Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

In our Toolkit podcast series, we take a deep dive into one accounting topic each month that goes beyond the basics and into areas that require judgment. This month, we are covering stock-based compensation – a complex subject with a variety of accounting and reporting considerations.In this episode, Heather Horn was joined by PwC National Office partners Jay Seliber and Ken Stoler to discuss private company-specific accounting considerations for stock compensation.In this episode, you will hear them discuss:1:30 - Key differences between public and private companies when accounting for equity-classified stock awards 9:03 - Private company accounting considerations for liability-classified stock awards13:38 - An overview of profits interest awards commonly seen at private companies21:20 - Equity restructurings and key points to keep in mind33:08 - Accounting for loans given to employees to purchase stock50:18 - Where to find more information on stock compensation for private companiesWant to learn more? Refer to previous episodes in our Compensation toolkit series on making sense of stock award modifications, equity or liability classification and unraveling complex vesting conditions. Also refer to our Stock-based compensation guide for more helpful information.Jay Seliber is a partner in PwC’s National Office. He leverages over 30 years of experience to help clients with their most complex accounting matters, particularly in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, revenue recognition, stock compensation, earnings per share, employee benefits, restructurings, impairments, and financing transactions. Jay is presently PwC's representative on the FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force.Ken Stoler is a partner in PwC’s National Office with over 25 years of experience. Ken specializes in financial reporting and plan design issues related to equity compensation arrangements, retirement and healthcare plans, and other benefits, helping companies navigate their employee compensation issues during an IPO, spin off, acquisition, or other major transaction or event. 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 Inflation Reduction Act (the Act), signed into law on August 16, includes a number of green initiatives and incentives – but what are they, and how will they impact businesses? In this special episode, host Heather Horn was joined by Casey Herman and Matt Haskins, specialists in PwC’s ESG groups, to discuss the ESG initiatives that companies will have to consider as part of the Act.In this episode, you will hear them discuss:2:25 - Background on the Act, and how it is structured to prioritize incentives rather than penalties for green innovation7:58 - An overview of the major areas of credits in the law16:09 - Perspective on the breadth of impact of the Act to the overall economy19:32 - How electricity storage technology is needed to enable broader adoption of renewable electricity26:33 - Examples of how companies in a variety of industries could be impacted by the Act35:34 - The expected impacts of the Act in reducing greenhouse gas emissions36:27 - Opportunities for entities not directly involved in generating tax credits to benefit from the Act42:12 - Looking at the social incentives in the Act, and how these unlock additional credit dollars48:24 - Constraints that companies will face as they work to take advantage of the incentives in the ActFor more information about developments in ESG, listen to our previous podcast that provides insights into the ESG disclosures that matter to investors. Also refer to the text or audio version of our In the loop, The SEC wants me to disclose what?Matt Haskins is a principal in PwC’s Washington National Tax Services, where he leads the firm's Cleantech tax practice, 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.Casey Herman is PwC’s US ESG Leader. Casey has over 35 years of experience leading and working on the audits of many significant, complex clients and is a member of the Edison Electric Institute's Wall Street Advisory Group, the Electric Power Research Institutes Advisory Council, and the NYU Stern Business School Center for Sustainable Business Advisory Council.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.