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In our Talking ESG podcast series, we give an end-to-end look at what it takes to build effective ESG reporting in today’s environment. From investor to stakeholder expectations, from global frameworks to data, process, and controls—there’s something in it for everyone.This week Heather Horn sat down with Brigham McNaughton, a managing director in PwC’s ESG practice, to discuss a topic that’s top of mind for many preparers: data quality and the processes needed to produce investment-grade ESG reporting.Topics include:1:43 - What is the current state of data quality? As ESG reporting becomes more prevalent, the ability to produce quality data has become a necessity. Brigham gives listeners an overview of the questions companies face and how they can go about taking stock of the maturity level of their processes.8:45 - The challenges of ESG disclosures. Brigham and Heather discuss some of the challenges of ESG reporting and how to move forward when you can’t get to the right data.  For companies that are at an early stage of process maturity, it is often more efficient to address data quality on the front end before deciding what to report.17:46 - What are some best practices? Brigham shares some practices he has observed while working with various companies, including what the leaders in this space are doing. He covers how to identify a team, set up processes, and even appropriate governance.30:48 - What departments should be involved? There are many ways to advance the quality of data in ESG reporting. Brigham explains which departments often have a hand in helping move the needle on data quality.41:19 - Key takeaways. Brigham and Heather discuss some practical advice for listeners as they begin or continue to evolve their ESG processes. Want to learn more?Listen to our previous podcasts in this series, Talking ESG: Evolving your reporting for impact, Talking ESG: How SEC proposals may shape future reporting, and Talking ESG: How new EU rules may impact your reporting.Brigham McNaughton is a managing director in PwC’s ESG practice. He has served global clients in a range of industries including utilities, automotive, and financial services, advising on core ESG strategy development and stakeholder engagement. Brigham has worked closely with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) on a variety of reporting initiatives.Heather Horn is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office and leader of the thought leadership group, 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, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. 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 each episode of our What’s trending in SEC comments series, our guests bring you the latest themes in comment letters from the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance for the most common topical areas of financial reporting.This week we focus on non-GAAP measures. Kyle Moffatt, a partner in PwC’s National Office, joined Heather Horn to break down some of the questions raised in these comments, giving you a deeper understanding of the SEC staff’s expectations, as well as context and insights into the non-GAAP rules.Topics include:1:35 - Background on non-GAAP measures. Disclosing non-GAAP measures is a common way companies supplement their financial statement disclosures to further tell the story of their businesses. Kyle gives some helpful background and examples of some commonly utilized measures.8:57 - Presenting non-GAAP measures. There can be pitfalls associated with these alternative measures. Kyle and Heather discuss what issuers should keep in mind when deciding how to present them.22:30 - What types of comments are companies receiving? Kyle discusses the main themes of the SEC staff’s non-GAAP comments. Common questions relate to prominence relative to GAAP metrics, the reconciliation of each non-GAAP metric to GAAP, and the appropriateness of adjustments, among others.27:43 - Key takeaways and reminders. We close with some future areas to pay attention to and helpful advice for year-end reporting. Heather tries to stump Kyle with some niche accounting and pop culture questions.Want to learn more?Listen to our previous comment letter podcasts on MD&A, Debt, warrants, and equity, Revenue, Goodwill, Inventory and cost of sales, and Segment reportingListen to What you missed at the 2021 AICPA ConferenceIn the loop: To GAAP or to non-GAAP COVID-19: What you should knowSee our overview of SEC Comment Letter TrendsStaff Accounting Bulletin Topic 11 BSEC Non-GAAP Financial Measures: Questions and Answers of General ApplicabilityKyle Moffatt is a partner in PwC's National Office where he consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. He joined PwC in April 2020 after spending almost 20 years with the SEC.Transcripts available upon rDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

In our Talking ESG podcast series, we give an end-to-end look at what it takes to build effective ESG reporting in today’s environment. From investor to stakeholder expectations, from global frameworks to data, process, and controls—there’s something in it for everyone.This week Heather Horn sat down with Steve Bochanski, PwC’s Climate Risk Modeling leader, to discuss ESG reporting with a focus on the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and how it may affect your company.Topics include:6:09 - What is the TCFD? The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures was established to focus on providing stakeholders with information about climate-related risks. Heather and Steve talk through the background of the TCFD and how it’s different from other ESG reporting frameworks.10:48 - Making a risk assessment. Most listeners will be familiar with the physical risks associated with climate change, and many companies already have processes in place to address them. But there’s also transition risk, which is less well-understood. Steve and Heather discuss how to get started assessing both of these risk categories and how correctly identifying risks upfront can improve your reporting.19:54 - Who is adopting the TCFD recommendations? The Task Force has structured its guidance for broad adoption across industries. Steve walks listeners through the steps involved in adoption and who should be involved from the organization.28:29 - Stakeholders and data quality. Most organizations have done more work than they think in their focus on conventional risk assessment processes that can be useful in a TCFD disclosure. Steve explains how companies can use these processes to accelerate their climate reporting process. Steve and Heather also talk through the importance of data quality.36:57 - Advice for listeners. Steve and Heather discuss some practical advice for companies that have adopted or are planning to adopt aspects of the TCFD framework. Steve provides his perspective on what the future holds for climate-related disclosures.Want to learn more?Listen to our previous podcasts in this series, Talking ESG: How SEC proposals may shape future reporting, Talking ESG: A focus on the Global Reporting Initiative, and Talking ESG: How new EU rules may impact your reporting.Steve Bochanski leads PwC's US Climate Risk Modeling team, comprising actuaries, financial engineers, and climate scientists, and other actuarial activities in the ESG space. He also leads PwC’s Actuary of the Future initiative globally, focusing on actuarial modernization, upskilling, and corporate risk modeling beyond the insurance sector.  Heather Horn is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office and leader of the thought leadership group, 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, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. Transcripts available upon request for individuals wDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

In each episode of our What’s trending in SEC comments series, our guests bring you the latest themes in comment letters from the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance for the most common topical areas of the financial statements.This week we focus on debt, warrants, and equity. Tom Barbieri, a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office, and John Horan, Managing Director in PwC’s National Office, joined Heather Horn to break down some of the questions raised in these comments, giving you a deeper understanding of the SEC staff’s expectations, as well as context and insights into the GAAP requirements.Topics include:1:46 - What types of comments are companies getting? Tom and John discuss the main themes of comments. Common questions relate to SPAC warrants and earnouts, debt modifications, preferred stock, embedded derivatives, and EPS.4:51 - SPAC warrants and earnouts. Accounting for SPAC warrants and earnouts can be complicated. John and Heather discuss the types of questions the SEC is asking on this topic and some best practices for determining the appropriate accounting.17:34 - Debt modifications and extinguishments. Accounting for a troubled debt restructuring, debt modifications, or extinguishment can be complex. Tom and Heather discuss some tips for getting disclosures about these transactions right the first time.23:51 - Preferred stock. John and Heather talk about the SEC staff’s interest in particular topical areas when asking about preferred stock. 31:05 - Embedded derivatives. Tom and Heather discuss accounting for embedded conversion features and other redemption provisions, and the importance of providing the right level of context for these in your disclosures.33:51 - Earnings per share. EPS has continued to be an ongoing area of focus for the SEC staff. John explains some of the areas that might give rise to a comment.40:03 - Key takeaways and reminders. We close with some future areas to pay attention to and helpful advice for issuers to address these issues heading into year end. Heather tries to stump Tom and John with some niche accounting questions.Want to learn more?Listen to our previous comment letter podcasts: Revenue: What’s trending in SEC comments, Goodwill: What’s trending in SEC comments, and Inventory and cost of sales: What’s trending in SEC comments, Segment reporting: What’s trending in SEC commentsFinancial statement presentation guide: Chapter 5: Stockholders’ Equity, Chapter 12: Debt, Chapter 19: Derivatives and HedgingTranscripts available upon request for indiDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

This week we have a special episode focused on the FASB’s new guidance related to contract assets and contract liabilities (i.e., deferred revenue) acquired in a business combination (ASU 2021-08). Host Heather Horn is joined by Andreas Ohl and Jay Seliber, PwC National Office partners, to talk about key changes and considerations in the new rules, and the timing of adoption. Topics include:1:19 - Background. Jay and Andreas begin by discussing the scope of the newly-issued guidance, and the reasons why the rules are changing. 6:45 - Overview of application. Jay and Andreas provide more specifics on the application of the new guidance, including some important changes from existing GAAP, and why the amounts to record under the new standard won’t in some cases just be a carryover of the target’s balances.19:43 - A reminder about valuations. Jay and Andreas explain how valuations of intangible and other assets will - and won’t - be affected by the new guidance.22:23 - Key impact areas. Jay and Andreas take us through some of the most significant ways the new standard is expected to impact companies in the periods after a business combination.28:26 - Effective date and transition. What’s the timing and method of adoption? Jay and Andreas wrap up with an overview of the effective date and transition aspects of the new guidance, along with key elements to carefully consider before simply jumping into the new standard. Heather tries to stump Jay and Andreas with some niche accounting questions.Want to learn more? Read our In depth: Accounting for acquired contract assets and contract liabilities.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. 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.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 to 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, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. 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 each episode of our What’s trending in SEC comments series, our guests bring you the latest themes in comment letters from the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance for the most common topical areas of the financial statements.This week we focus on goodwill. Jay Seliber, PwC National Office Partner, joined Heather Horn to break down some of the questions raised in these comments, giving you a deeper understanding of the SEC staff’s expectations, as well as context and insights into the GAAP requirements.Topics include:1:40 - What types of comments are companies getting? Jay and Heather discuss the main themes of comments. Common questions relate to the determination of reporting units, the timing of goodwill impairments, and disclosures of impairments and at-risk goodwill.4:30 - Reporting units. Jay gives an overview of comments that issuers have received about their determination of reporting units and how to avoid some common pitfalls.10:41 - What about the timing of goodwill impairments? Impairment tests require a significant amount of judgment. Jay and Heather discuss how to navigate this complex area and some tips for identifying impairment indicators early to head off questions over timing.15:04 - Disclosures of impairments and at-risk reporting units. Jay and Heather discuss how to appropriately foreshadow at-risk reporting units, as well as a few often-overlooked disclosures that may solicit comments.23:58 - Key takeaways and reminders. Jay closes with helpful advice for issuers when responding to an SEC comment letter. Heather tries to stump Jay with some niche accounting questions.Want to learn more?Listen to our previous comment letter podcast Revenue: What’s trending in SEC commentsRead section 8.9, Goodwill, in our Financial Statement Presentation guideSee our overview of SEC Comment Letter TrendsJay 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 to 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, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. 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 each episode of our What’s trending in SEC comments series, our guests bring you the latest themes in comment letters from the Division of Corporation Finance for the most common topical areas of the financial statements.This week we focus on revenue. Angela Fergason, PwC National Office partner, joined Heather Horn to break down the questions raised in SEC comments, giving you a deeper understanding of the SEC staff’s expectations and context and insights into the GAAP requirements.Topics include:1:20 - What types of comments are companies getting? Angela and Heather discuss the different types of comments and give some examples of when each has come up. Common questions relate to completeness of disclosures, consistency with other disclosures, and requests for supporting analysis. And one hint for preparers: don’t use boilerplate language!10:46 - Top elements of revenue guidance sourcing comments. Angela gives five topics where comments have been more prevalent: disaggregated revenue, determining the transaction price, identifying performance obligations, principal vs. agent, and timing of revenue recognition.21:14 - What’s ahead? Angela shares what might be around the corner as attention is increasing for certain comments, including separately reporting certain categories of revenue in compliance with S-X Rule 5-03(b). 23:34 - Perspectives on responding. Angela closes with two pieces of advice for issuers when responding to an SEC comment letter. Heather tries to stump Angela with some niche accounting questions.Want to learn more? Listen to Angela’s other podcast episodes on revenue, including Full disclosure: Revenue, Identifying performance obligations: PwC breaks it down, and Variable consideration: How it impacts your top and bottom line.Angela Fergason is a partner in PwC's National Office with over 20 years of experience who specializes in accounting for revenue and employee compensation arrangements. She is a frequent speaker on accounting and financial reporting topics and is a contributor to many PwC National Office publications, including our accounting guides on revenue and stock-based compensation.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, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. 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.

Our Full disclosure podcast series brings you back to the basics on all things related to financial statement presentation and disclosure, from the top of the financial statements through the footnotes. This week we focus on the presentation and disclosure requirements for commitments and contingencies. Jay Seliber, PwC National Office partner, is back in the guest seat to share helpful insights and key reminders with our host, Heather Horn. Topics include:1:22 - Background. Jay and Heather discuss the scope of the commitments and contingencies guidance, including discussion of guarantees.4:43 - Presentation on the balance sheet and income statement. Jay walks listeners through when commitments need to be recognized. He also covers the contingency model and related presentation, including insurance recoveries. 20:03 - Disclosure requirements. Jay takes us through the disclosure requirements for commitments and contingencies in the financial statements, including some of the areas that require more judgment. 39:42 - Closing remarks. Jay closes with areas of GAAP where disclosures of other types of commitments are required. Heather tries to stump Jay with some niche accounting questions.Want to learn more?  Financial statement presentation guide Chapter 23: Commitments, contingencies, and guaranteesJay 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 to 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, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. 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.

Our Full disclosure podcast series brings you back to the basics on all things related to financial statement presentation and disclosure, from the top of the financial statements through the footnotes. This week we focus on the presentation and disclosure requirements for segments. Jay Seliber, PwC National Office partner, is back in the guest seat to share helpful insights and key reminders with our host, Heather Horn. Topics include:1:15 - Overview of segments. Jay explains the underlying objective of segment reporting and the importance of allowing financial statement users to see the company through the eyes of management.4:45 - Identification of operating segments. Jay defines an operating segment, including how to interpret their key characteristics. He also walks through how to determine your Chief Operating Decision Maker.11:38 - Identification of reportable segments. Next, Jay discusses how to assess which operating segments must be presented as reportable segments in the footnotes, including aggregation criteria and quantitative thresholds.19:43 - Disclosure requirements. Jay takes us through the disclosure requirements for segments in the financial statements, including some of the areas that require more judgment. 32:32 - Closing Remarks. Jay closes with final reminders and a project update from the FASB. Heather tries to stump Jay with some accounting questions.Want to learn more?  Financial statement presentation guide on segment reporting.Q3 2021 Quarterly accounting webcast includes a section on segment reporting comment letter trendsFASB project page: Segment Reporting 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 to 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, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. 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.

Our Full disclosure podcast series brings you back to the basics on all things related to financial statement presentation and disclosure, from the top of the financial statements through the footnotes. This week we focus on the presentation and disclosure requirements for business combinations. Jay Seliber, PwC National Office partner, is back in the guest seat to share some helpful insights with our host, Heather Horn. Topics include:1:15 - Scope of business combinations. Jay explains the applicability of the business combinations guidance to different types of transactions.3:24 - Balance sheet. Jay highlights the presentation rules on the balance sheet and addresses a common question about the classification of contingent consideration.6:30 - Income statement. Jay takes us through the presentation requirements for business combinations on the income statement, including some of the areas that require more judgment - think previously held equity interests, mark-to-market adjustments on contingent consideration, and tax indemnifications. 10:23 - Statement of cash flows. Jay breaks down the cash flow presentation rules for common aspects of business combinations transactions, including debt financing and contingent consideration.18:21 - Disclosure requirements. Jay outlines both GAAP and SEC disclosure requirements on business combinations.41:20 - Key takeaways. Jay closes with final reminders. Heather tries to stump Jay with some accounting history questions.Want to learn more? Read:Chapter 17: Business combinations of our Financial statement presentation guide.In depth, SEC amends disclosure rules for acquired and disposed businessesIn depth, Domestic SPAC mergers - financial reporting and accounting considerationsJay 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 to 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, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. 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.