PwC's accounting podcast

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. Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

In this episode, Heather sits down with Marie Hache, PwC Sustainability partner, to discuss the practical challenges companies will face in implementing new mandatory sustainability reporting requirements. They cover leading practices including data quality considerations and getting ready for assurance.In this episode, we discuss:1:55 - Marie's background in sustainability and her work with companies on implementing new rules and standards2:29 - How companies are preparing for upcoming sustainability reporting requirements, including double materiality considerations13:23 - Data quality considerations, including performing pre-audits, implementing new systems, and strengthening existing processes18:21 - How companies are working toward adoption taking a joint holistic approach21:28 - Challenges in the transition to enhanced assurance requirements28:43 - How to be prepared for the first years of mandatory reporting33:45 - How companies can achieve consistency across different reporting requirementsLooking 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. Marie Hache is a partner in the Sustainability Services team at PwC with experience working with companies across multiple sectors including services, pharma, retail, technology, hospitality, utilities, and manufacturing. She helps clients reliably and transparently communicate on ESG topics to meet stakeholder expectations.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 podcast delves into consolidation accounting, focusing on the variable interest entity model and voting interest entity model. They discuss consolidation scope exceptions, including VIE model scope exceptions. The hosts provide insights on complexities, historical evolution, and disparities in consolidation frameworks under US GAAP and IFRS. Special emphasis is placed on understanding scope exceptions in VIE accounting and finding the balance in preparation for the consolidation framework.

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. Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

With the finalization of the SEC’s climate disclosure rules and subsequent stay, along with other developments in the sustainability reporting landscape, the pace of change can seem dizzying. In this podcast, host Heather Horn sits down with Kyle Moffat, PwC National Office partner, and Casey Herman, PwC Sustainability partner, to take stock of the landscape and consider what companies can and should be doing now to navigate the uncertainty and prepare for future compliance.In this episode, we discuss:2:24 - Status of the SEC’s climate disclosure rules and actions taken by the Commission since the rules were finalized in March5:57 - The uncertainties and potential outcomes related to the rules11:06 – Other climate disclosure frameworks and compliance requirements that will move forward regardless of the SEC rules13:25 - The increased awareness of climate risks at the board level and the importance of accuracy in climate reporting16:05 - The continued commitment of companies to their sustainability goals despite regulatory uncertainties18:10 - Why companies continue to set sustainability goals and evaluate climate risks25:15 - What companies should focus on next in today’s complex regulatory environmentLooking 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. Also, listen to our deep dive on the SEC climate rules here.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.Casey Herman is a PwC Sustainability partner, leading a firmwide, cross functional team that assists companies with important ESG and sustainability matters. His team’s work spans from accurately reporting ESG data and progress to designing and implementing sustainable business strategies. Casey has more than 35 years of experience providing trust and consulting services to energy and utility companies. 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.

Next up in our miniseries on accounting for financing transactions is mezzanine equity. When an instrument is presented as mezzanine equity, it is not permanent equity or a liability. We explain what that means and provide an overview of how to account for it as well as the financial statement impacts.In this episode, we discuss:1:56 - Background and the associated SEC guidance on mezzanine equity3:52 - When mezzanine equity presentation is appropriate 27:20 - Measurement36:20 - Extinguishment38:13 - EPS impactsFor more information on these topics, read chapter 7 of our Financing transactions guide. Also, check out other episodes in our miniseries covering Accounting for preferred stock from issuance to retirement and Share repurchases – The type of arrangement matters. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.Chip Currie is a partner in PwC’s National office with nearly 30 years of experience assisting companies in resolving complex business and accounting issues. He concentrates on the accounting for financial instruments under both current and emerging standards and works with many of the firm's largest financial services clients and a number of non-financial services clients on treasury-related 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. Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

While the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was enacted into law in 2022, the Department of the Treasury continues to provide guidance to taxpayers on how to utilize the provisions of the law. Such guidance has been issued with increasing volume in recent months. In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Matt Haskins, principal in PwC's Washington National Tax Services office who focuses on renewable energy transactions, to discuss the latest IRA guidance and the implications for businesses.In this episode, we discuss:2:18 - Highlights of recent updates regarding the IRA and a look ahead at the political landscape7:14 - Clarifications on the prevailing wage and apprenticeship and domestic content requirements (and an update on additional guidance released by the IRS related to the Domestic Content Bonus Credit)20:52 - Updates on the transferable tax credit market and activities28:25 - Final regulations on transferability of energy credits32:21 - The latest news on “green” hydrogen requirements42:55 - Guidance on sustainable aviation fuel and its potential impact on the aviation industry45:41 - Final electric vehicle regulations and their implications for the automotive industry49:30 - Advice for companies looking to maximize the benefit of the IRALooking 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. Matt Haskins is a principal in PwC’s Washington National Tax Services, 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 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.