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 Nadja Picard, PwC’s Global Reporting Leader, and Andreas Ohl, PwC National office partner, to discuss ESG reporting with a focus on the European Commission’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive or CSRD, and how it may impact companies outside the EU (including US companies that do business in Europe).Topics include:5:04 - What is CSRD? The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive or CSRD was proposed by the European Commission this year and introduces potential big changes for companies with operations in Europe. Heather and Nadja talk through the impact of the directive and why it will impact more than just EU companies.13:27 - What are the requirements? Nadja and Andreas provide insight on the CSRD proposal, including the requirements that certain companies disclose information on the way they operate and manage social and environmental challenges.28:08 - Advice for listeners. Complying with CSRD requirements goes beyond reporting. Companies may have articulated a net zero strategy, but often have not laid out in detail how they plan to get there and what processes they have to track their progress. An early draft of how climate related disclosures may look like under the CSRD requires  transparency on exactly that. Nadja and Andreas give listeners practical advice on how to prepare.42:59 - Blind spots? Nadja and Andreas discuss areas that companies are prone to overlook as they think about their ESG reporting. Some tend to focus on one topic, instead of addressing ESG holistically.Want to learn more?Listen to our previous podcasts in this series, Talking ESG: Taking reporting from theory to action and Talking ESG: How investor views may impact your reportingNadja Picard is PwC’s Global Reporting Leader. In this role she leads PwC’s global initiative to help clients transform their corporate reporting to meet investor and stakeholder demands for trusted and assured reporting beyond financial reporting. Nadja also advises companies on the accounting, corporate reporting, and investor relations requirements in advance of capital markets transactions, especially IPOs. Andreas Ohl is a partner in PwC&apos;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&apos;s in-process R&D guide, and has served as a member of the FASB&apos;s Valuation Resource Group.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.

PwC's accounting podcast series

Talking ESG: How new EU rules may impact your reporting

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&apos;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.

Revenue: What’s trending in SEC comments

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 expectations, to global frameworks, to data, process, and controls—there’s something in it for everyone.This week Heather Horn sat down with Hilary Eastman, Director of Investor Engagement at PwC, to digest the results of the 2021 Global investor ESG survey.Topics include:1:47 - Overview. Hilary gives the background of the inaugural ESG investor survey, the goals of the survey, and who the respondents were.7:04 - High level findings and focus areas. Hilary and Heather walk our listeners through the highlights of the investor survey results and the areas where finance and controllership teams should be focused.19:25 - What about return on investment? With all of this focus on company investment in ESG, Hilary takes us through what the findings reveal about return on investment and whether investors are willing to accept a lower rate of return from companies having a beneficial impact on society and the environment.26:53 - Where are investors looking for information? Hilary and Heather discuss the variety of sources investors can use to gather ESG-related information on companies. Additionally Hilary gives the investor perception of the current quality of corporate ESG reporting.37:21 - Key Takeaways. In addition to the survey, PwC’s investor engagement team performed in-depth interviews to gain investor perspectives on how companies can improve their reporting about ESG issues. Hilary takes us through the common themes from these interviews.Hilary Eastman leads global investor engagement at PwC and is an ESG reporting strategy expert, with responsibility for managing 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. 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.

Talking ESG: How investor views may impact your reporting

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&apos;s representative to the FASB&apos;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.

Full disclosure: Commitments and contingencies

In our Talking ESG podcast series, we will give an end-to-end look at what it takes to build effective ESG reporting in today’s environment. From investor expectations, to global frameworks, to data, process, and controls—there’s something in it for everyone.In this week’s episode, Heather Horn sat down with Casey Herman, PwC’s US ESG leader, to talk through the current landscape of ESG reporting and how an in-depth understanding of your business’s purpose, strategy, and stakeholders can empower your messaging.Topics include:3:51 - What is the current state of ESG? Companies will likely have to make changes to their businesses to meet their ESG-related commitments. Casey lays out what stakeholders are looking for and how you can tie these expectations into your strategy.7:45 - Complexities of ESG reporting. Stakeholders are beginning to put pressure on companies to report more on ESG. Casey walks us through the challenges that companies are facing and some potential solutions.22:36 - How is finance getting involved? As companies begin migrating their ESG reporting into the finance function, Casey explains some of the core competencies they should be looking to develop.29:38 - How to get up to speed. Heather and Casey discuss some of the ways the finance teams can move from theory to action on ESG reporting, and close with advice on how companies can stay ahead of the curve in the face of rapid developments.Want to learn more?Check out our ESG: What finance teams need to know webcast, and hear more from Casey in his earlier podcast Forecast 2021: The “E” in ESG, spotlight on achieving net zero.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&apos;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 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.

Talking ESG: Taking reporting from theory to action

With the ever changing landscape of accounting practice, the FASB and IASB periodically request feedback from stakeholders to assist the boards prioritizing their standard-setting efforts. This week, Andreas Ohl, a partner in PwC’s National Office, and Gary Berchowitz, a partner in PwC’s global IFRS technical accounting group, join our host Heather Horn to help unpack what respondents were focused on in each respective consultation.Topics include:2:15 - What is the process? Andreas and Gary explain the FASB and IASB agenda consultations and how these processes ultimately feed into standard setting.7:45 - Where did the FASB respondent’s focus? Andreas provides insight from the responses to the FASB’s agenda consultation. Notably he summarizes thoughts on digital assets, intangibles, ESG in the financial statements, and government grants.26:45 - What about the IASB? Gary and Heather discuss where he thinks the IASB may land after their agenda consultation. Gary provides his perspective on  cash flow statement disclosures, going concern, and variable payments to acquire intangible assets.31:02 - Wrap up and timeline. We close by walking through what comes next in this process for the FASB and IASB and how this feedback will influence their agendas.Andreas Ohl is a partner in PwC&apos;s National Office focused on 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&apos;s in-process R&D guide, and has served as a member of the FASB&apos;s Valuation Resource Group.Gary Berchowitz is a partner in PwC’s Global Accounting Consultancy Department. Gary brings more than 17 years of financial accounting experience, working to drive quality and connectivity throughout the PwC network and help local teams solve complex accounting issues in a practical way. Gary contributes to the firm’s global view on a variety of financial reporting matters.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.

You’re talking, the FASB and IASB are listening

With the ever changing landscape of accounting practice, the FASB and IASB periodically request feedback from stakeholders to assist the boards prioritizing their standard-setting efforts. This week, Andreas Ohl, a partner in PwC’s National Office, and Gary Berchowitz, a partner in PwC’s global IFRS technical accounting group, join our host Heather Horn to help unpack what respondents were focused on in each respective consultations.Topics include:2:15 - What is the process? Andreas and Gary explain the FASB and IASB agenda consultations and how these processes ultimately feed into standard setting.7:45 - Where did the FASB respondent’s focus? Andreas provides insight from the responses to the FASB’s agenda consultation. Notably he summarizes thoughts on digital assets, intangibles, ESG in the financial statements, and government grants.26:45 - What about the IASB? Gary and Heather discuss where he thinks the IASB may land after their agenda consultation. Gary provides his perspective on  cash flow statement disclosures, going concern, and variable payments to acquire intangible assets.31:02 - Wrap up and timeline. We close by walking through what comes next in this process for the FASB and IASB and how this feedback will influence their agendas.Andreas Ohl is a partner in PwC&apos;s National Office focused on 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&apos;s in-process R&D guide, and has served as a member of the FASB&apos;s Valuation Resource Group.Gary Berchowitz is a partner in PwC’s Global Accounting Consultancy Department. Gary brings more than 17 years of financial accounting experience, working to drive quality and connectivity throughout the PwC network and help local teams solve complex accounting issues in a practical way. Gary contributes to the firm’s global view on a variety of financial reporting matters.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.

In this week’s episode we are taking a deep dive into current legislative developments, specifically the tax-related changes that may be on the horizon. Rohit Kumar, co-leader of PwC’s Washington National Tax Services practice, joins host Heather Horn to provide his perspective on anticipated developments. Tax leaders are already scenario planning - we break it down so CFOs can do the same.Topics include:2:12 - What’s the lay of the land? Rohit takes us through where things currently stand with negotiations in Washington. Heather and Rohit discuss the infrastructure and reconciliation bills as well as the likelihood of these bills getting signed into law before the end of the year.9:53 - Possible scenarios. Rohit provides a few potential legislative outcomes, touching on the gross spending side of the budget equation as well as revenue raising, such as through changes to the corporate and individual tax rates and credits, among other domestic and international policy alternatives.34:13 - Where should CFOs focus? Rohit and Heather talk about the policy changes CFOs should be focused on - think corporate rate, OECD agreements, and tax based on book income.42:43 - Wrap up and timeline. It’s up to Congress now. Rohit expects that we will know in the next month whether politicians will be able to reach an agreement by the end of the year. We close by walking through this timeline.Want to learn more? PwC podcast: Washington explained: Infrastructure, tax reform, and moreRohit Kumar is co-leader of PwC’s Washington National Tax Services practice. In this role, he advises clients on all aspects of domestic policy, including tax policy. His insights and knowledge enable companies to assess critical policy issues more effectively and to develop legislative strategies to address those issues from both a technical and a political perspective.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.

Tax policy: What’s on the table in Washington?

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&apos;s representative to the FASB&apos;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.

Full disclosure: Segments

In this week&apos;s episode we are exploring the current state of geopolitical forces that are shaping business today. Host Heather Horn sat down with Craig Stronberg, a former historian and current director in PwC Intelligence, and Christina Wobig, a senior manager in PwC Intelligence, to get some insight on the geopolitical landscape, trends, and ways to manage risk.Topics include:1:59 - Geopolitical forces. We begin by setting the stage and covering the trends that warrant heightened CFO focus, including displacement of power around the globe and the effects of inequity.7:27 - Trust and distrust. Can you build trust in today’s geopolitical landscape? Craig stresses the importance of investing in strategic relationships. Christina tells us how trust in business has actually increased over the course of the pandemic.9:41 - Measure, monitor, manage. Geopolitical forces create risk, but companies that look ahead can capture opportunity. Craig and Christina discuss how companies can put a framework into place to do just that.22:29 - The role of culture in companies. Craig discusses ESG principles, specifically the social elements, and how companies are thinking through today’s social issues.24:27 - What’s the new normal? Does normal exist anymore? Christina and Craig discuss how COVID has changed our world, and what areas CFOs should be paying attention to when looking forward to 2022.Want to learn more?  Check out PwC’s latest Trust in Business Survey and listen to Craig’s previous podcast, COVID-19: How looking back will help business move forward. Craig Stronberg leads the Macro Capability for PwC Intelligence, spearheading the team of analysts that provide macroeconomic and geopolitical intelligence to key stakeholders. Named as one of the "100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, Craig had a nearly 20 year career in national security affairs working for and advising numerous agencies and international partners, having been decorated five times. He focused on a variety of areas, including counterintelligence, economic espionage, counterterrorism, cyber threats, political-military issues, special operations integration, and support for major events such as the Olympic Games.Christina Wobig is a senior manager in PwC Intelligence with more than 15 years of experience working in strategy and commercial leadership roles in professional services and industry, including music, pharma, and education technology. She has worked on projects around the globe helping companies navigate geopolitical trends with strategic thinking.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.

Tackling global uncertainty—how will it impact your business?

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&apos;s representative to the FASB&apos;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.

Full disclosure: Business combinations

Our accounting podcast series features PwC specialists discussing today's most compelling accounting, regulatory and financial reporting issues. From the new leases and revenue standards to CECL to LIBOR rate replacement, PwC Partner Heather Horn hosts each episode tackling a single topic and providing listeners with key takeaways to stay informed on these important accounting matters.

hubhopper

PwC's accounting podcast series

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