PwC's accounting podcast

Every Tuesday in August, Bret Dooley is taking over the podcast to share insights on financial instruments hot topics. In each episode, Bret will discuss 5 things you need to know in 25 minutes.To kick off the series, Bret shares insights on accounting for investment securities, a topic of recent headlines. He breaks down the complexities of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities, and touches on foreign currency bonds.In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:2:05 - Key reminders for identifying and accounting for debt securities6:32 - Accounting for held-to-maturity (HTM) securities and the long-term implications of HTM designation12:30 - Tips on accounting for unrealized losses on available-for-sale (AFS) securities17:18 - An overview of accounting for foreign currency bonds19:25 - Complexities in the application of the measurement alternative model for equity securities For more information, read chapters 2, 3, and 8 of our Loans and investments guide. Bret Dooley is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National office and 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 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.

Every Tuesday in July, Jay Seliber is taking over the podcast to share insights on business combinations, which are often significant events in a company’s life cycle. Jay takes us on a journey through a deal, beginning with the complexities of the overall acquisition accounting model, then diving into some of the more complex areas—identifying the accounting acquirer, accounting for contingent consideration, and reporting with the SEC.To continue the series, Heather and Jay are joined by Chip Currie, another partner in PwC’s National Office, to share insights on the intersection between contingent consideration and acquisition accounting, as well as the key decision points in the multi-step accounting model.In this episode, you’ll hear:2:25 - An overview of the accounting framework for contingent consideration arrangements from the buyer’s perspective, including:7:01 - The criteria for meeting the definition of contingent consideration12:04 - An assessment of whether the arrangement is part of the purchase price16:03 - A discussion of common pitfalls in the performing the assessment23:19 - An analysis of the accounting for contingent consideration arrangements classified as compensation expense24:25 - A discussion of the multi-step analysis of contingent consideration arrangements that is not classified as compensation expense, including:24:38 - Liability-classified contingent consideration and applying the liability versus equity accounting model29:59 - Equity-classified contingent consideration and applying the derivative accounting model 41:56 - An overview of the impact of contingent consideration on earnings per share and the statement of cash flows 48:40 - Final advice for clients dealing contingent consideration in a business combinationFor more information, read chapters 2 and 3 of our Business combinations guide, chapter 5 of our Financing guide, and chapters 6 and 7 of our Financial statement presentation guide. Additionally, check out a prior podcast in this miniseries. 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.Chip Currie is a Partner in PwC’s National Office with over 25 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 service clients on treasury-related matters.Transcripts available upon rDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) issued final IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards on June 26, 2023. While IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards are not yet required in any jurisdiction, multiple jurisdictions around the world have already signaled their intent to adopt the new standards, with additional jurisdictions expected to do so now that the standards are final.What can companies find inside the new Sustainability Disclosure Standards? This week, Heather Horn was joined by Katie Woods, PwC UK director, to discuss the expected breadth of adoption internationally and the important considerations in advance of adoption.In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:1:48 - The final IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards: IFRS S1 and IFRS S27:06 - The current status of adoption of the Sustainability Disclosure Standards in international territories11:43 - The interconnectivity between IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and IFRS Accounting Standards19:12 - Key changes between the exposure drafts and the final standards26:42 - Factors to consider when identifying and disclosing sustainability risks and opportunities38:35 - Final advice for companies looking to prepare for adoption of these standardsLooking for more information on the ISSB and ESG reporting? Check out our podcast with ISSB Vice-Chair Sue Lloyd on the launch of the final ISSB standards. For more on the final standards, read our In brief. Katie Woods is a Director in PwC's Global Accounting Consulting Services group and advises on ESG and international accounting standards. Katie specializes in the new and emerging ESG reporting frameworks, working across the PwC Network. Katie is a frequent speaker on a range of ESG and accounting topics at national and international seminars.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.

Every Tuesday in July, Jay Seliber is taking over the podcast to share insights on business combinations, which are often significant events in a company’s life cycle. Jay takes us on a journey through a deal, beginning with the complexities of the overall acquisition accounting model, then diving into some of the more complex areas— identifying the accounting acquirer, accounting for contingent consideration, and reporting with the SEC. To kick off the series, Jay shares insights on the foundations of acquisition accounting, including key areas of judgment in the model.In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:1:58 - The importance of understanding acquisition accounting, even in times of low deal volume3:50 - The foundational accounting considerations for business combinations, including the determination of which transactions qualify as business combinations, and the implications on the control assessment8:04 - The acquisition method, including how to account for the various forms of consideration exchanged in a transaction12:40 - The complexities involved in step acquisitions and partial acquisitions as well as their impact on the application of acquisition accounting17:46 - Insights on the measurement of assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination21:24 - The measurement and allocation of goodwill acquired in a business combination, including tips for bookkeeping of goodwill29:43 - Reminders related to measurement period and conforming accounting policies38:17 - Final advice for getting prepared and dealing with a live dealFor more information, read our Business combinations guide and listen to our prior podcast on disclosures required in business combinations. Additionally, refer to our In the loop on the impact of acquiring an asset vs. a business.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.

Every Tuesday in June, Angela Fergason is taking over the podcast to share the latest in her areas of specialty — including recent trends in revenue, how to consider whether your company is a principal or agent when recognizing revenue, software costs, and restructurings.To continue the series, Angela shares insights on some accounting implications of workforce restructuring, including the different accounting models available for termination benefits.In this episode, you’ll hear:1:08 - An overview of the various accounting models applicable to workforce restructuring eventsInsights on accounting for:3:55 - One-time involuntary benefits, including severance payments8:54 - Termination benefits under an existing plan14:50 - Voluntary termination benefits and other benefit combinations 20:03 - Modifications of stock-based compensation awards, including both vested and unvested awards28:36 - Extending the exercise period of stock-based compensation awards31:14 - Final advice on accounting for workforce restructuring events, including non-GAAP measures and restructuring chargesFor more information on severance payment arrangements and stock-based compensation awards, read Chapter 8 of our Pensions and employee benefits guide. For more information on modifications of stock-based compensation awards, read Chapter 4 of our Stock-based compensation guide. Additionally, check out our prior podcast on non-GAAP measures.Angela Fergason is a partner and standard setting leader in PwC's National Office who specializes in accounting for revenue and employee compensation arrangements. She also consults on a range of financial reporting issues impacting technology companies. 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.

Every Tuesday in June, Angela Fergason is taking over the podcast to share the latest in her areas of specialty — including recent trends in revenue, how to consider whether your company is a principal or agent when recognizing revenue, software costs, and restructurings.To continue the series, Heather and Angela are joined by Mike Coleman, a partner in PwC’s National Office, to share insights on the challenges in the principal versus agent analysis.In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:1:37 - An overview of the principal versus agent assessment3:52 - Practical examples7:09 - An overview of the two-step assessment of whether the company acts as the principal or agent from the perspective of the intermediary17:22 - An overview of the two-step assessment of whether the company acts as the principal or agent from the perspective of the vendor18:22 - Considerations when accounting for revenue based on the results of the principal versus agent analysis22:35 - Final advice to clients and engagements teams when performing the principal versus agent assessmentFor more information, read chapter 10 of our Revenue guide for principal versus agent considerations.Angela Fergason is a partner and standard setting leader in PwC's National Office who specializes in accounting for revenue and employee compensation arrangements. She also consults on a range of financial reporting issues impacting technology companies. Mike Coleman is a partner in PwC's National Office with over 30 years of experience. Mike specializes in accounting for revenue and software arrangements and has served technology clients for much of his career. In addition, Mike has represented the firm on the AICPA Software Task Force.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.

Angela Fergason, an accounting and revenue expert, shares insights on the latest trends in revenue recognition. Topics discussed include everything as a service arrangements and their complexities, revenue contract modifications, non-cash consideration revenue model, considerations for revenue arrangements with significant financing, and SEC comment letter trends in accounting for revenue.

Every Tuesday in May, Jennifer Spang is taking over the podcast to share the latest on income tax accounting — recent global and US tax policy developments, standard setting activity, and tax accounting considerations related to common transactions, such as business combinations and spinoffs.To continue the series, Heather and Jenn are joined by Matt McCann, a partner in PwC’s National Office, to share insights on the practical challenges that arise in the tax accounting for spinoff transactions.In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:1:30 - What a spinoff transaction is and the SEC filing requirements, including the preparation of carve-out financial statements7:48 - Considerations related to allocating the consolidated income tax provision to the carved-out entity 18:22 - Other practical tax challenges in carve outs including valuation allowance assessments, uncertain tax positions, and tax sharing agreements 28:30 - The importance of robust disclosures when attributes or assertions are expected to change post spin35:52 - Planning for tax complexities post spin and final advice for companies For more information, read our Income taxes and Carve-out financial statements guides. Additionally, check out our prior podcast on taxes in separate company financial statements. Jennifer Spang is PwC’s National Office income tax accounting leader, specializing in tax accounting under US GAAP and IFRS. She has over 25 years of experience helping companies in a variety of industries navigate complex tax accounting matters. Matthew McCann is a partner in PwC's National Office who provides consultation in the areas of revenue recognition and income taxes. He has over 25 years of experience and previously served as the leader of the Consumer & Industrial Products Sector Assurance Practice in North Texas.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.

With so much focus on the SEC’s climate disclosure proposal in the US this year, climate has taken the attention of many preparers – and for good reason. However, another topic, natural resources and biodiversity, is coming to the forefront as governments and companies begin to understand the size of the problem, both in terms of its potential impact on business and the potential impact of business on biodiversity. But with many competing priorities, how do companies also contemplate nature issues in their strategy?This week, Heather Horn was joined by guests at the forefront of the nature space:Will Evison, director in PwC UK’s Global Sustainability, Climate, and Nature Strategy practiceEva Zabey, CEO of Business for NatureJulie Moorad, Senior Manager of Climate Action at SalesforceOur panel shares their insights on ways companies are strategizing and integrating the topic of nature into their operating models.In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:1:42 - Synergies between climate initiatives and nature positive policies15:11 - Transforming your nature strategy to manage risk and create value27:32 - The interrelationships among natural capital, business operations, and the broader economy37:45 - The importance of starting a nature positive path now even though strategies may evolve in the long term43:03 - The importance of building capacity in nature strategy and reporting46:44 - Final advice for companies wanting to integrate nature positive strategies into everyday operationsInterested in more background on measuring and reporting nature and biodiversity? Listen to our previous podcast in the “Becoming nature positive” series, and check out PwC’s global nature hub here.Will Evison is a director in PwC UK’s Global Sustainability, Climate, and Nature Strategy practice, specializing in integrating natural and social capital analysis into decision making. With over 18 years’ experience delivering climate and nature-related projects with businesses, investment firms and public sector organizations across more than 20 countries, he also led the development of PwC’s Total Impact Measurement and Management methodologies (TIMM), and now manages PwC’s global TIMM center of excellence. These methodologies utilize predictive analytics, health economics, and wellbeing techniques to model outcomes.Eva Zabey is the CEO of Business for Nature, which is a global business-led coalition aiming to reverse nature loss and restore the planet’s natural systems on which economies, wellbeing and prosperity depend. Previously, she led natural capital projects at the World Business Council for Sustainable Development for 15 years.Julie Moorad is a Senior Manager of Global Climate Action for Salesforce. Her team leads Salesforce’s international sustainability strategy, Europe, Middle East, and Africa sustainability program and developing our nature strategy, and implements nature positive policies that drive economic value firmwide and for their customers.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.

Every Tuesday in May, Jennifer Spang is taking over the podcast to share the latest on income tax accounting — recent global and US tax policy developments, standard setting activity, and tax accounting considerations related to common transactions, such as business combinations and spin-offs.To continue the series, Heather and Jenn are joined by Kassie Bauman, a managing director in PwC’s National Office, to share their insights on income tax accounting for business combinations.In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:2:01 - An overview of the applicable guidance and a summary of steps to take when assessing tax considerations of a business combination7:13 - The importance of the tax status of the entities involved and distinguishing between taxable and non-taxable transactions 20:53 - Identifying and measuring temporary tax differences related to business combinations23:36 - Deferred taxes associated with goodwill and considerations on the valuation allowance assessment34:26 - Other common tax accounting considerations in business combinations including the measurement period, uncertain tax positions, and indemnifications 37:32 - Final thoughts, including deal economics considering tax For more information, read our Business combinations and Income taxes guides, and check out a prior podcast on accounting for business combinations. Jennifer Spang is PwC’s National Office income tax accounting leader, specializing in tax accounting under US GAAP and IFRS. She has over 25 years of experience helping companies in a variety of industries navigate complex tax accounting matters. Kassie Bauman is a managing director in PwC's National Office who consults on tax accounting under US GAAP and IFRS. Kassie has more than 20 years of auditing and accounting experience addressing complex technical accounting 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.