Pwc's Cfodirect Podcast

In this episode, we explore the FASB’s latest hedge accounting guidance and what the changes mean for a company’s risk management strategies. We also preview what’s ahead for hedging on the FASB’s standard setting agenda.In this episode, we discuss:0:46 – Overview of recent hedge accounting updates4:24 – New choose-your-rate debt hedge accounting model10:09 – Updates affecting purchases and sales of nonfinancial assets21:09 – What’s ahead on the FASB’s hedge accounting agenda30:23 – Adoption considerations and transition opportunitiesFor more information, read our In depth, FASB issues hedge accounting improvements, and check out our Derivatives and hedging guide for additional background on existing guidance.Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop. About our guestsChip Currie is a partner in PwC’s National office with 30 years of experience assisting companies in resolving complex business and accounting issues. He concentrates on

A video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.com.In this episode, we explore the latest on potential GHG Protocol revisions, including revisiting proposed changes to the Scope 3 Standard and how key decisions are taking shape in the process. We discuss updates to organizational boundaries, materiality thresholds, and new scope 3 categories plus the potential implications of the newly released land sector and removals standard. In this episode, we discuss:1:43 – Key updates on the Corporate Standard and Scope 3 Standard revision process12:19 – The introduction of Category 16 (Other value chain emissions) and related challenges17:09 – Minimum boundaries and expanding expectations for value chain emissions21:15 – Scope 3 data quality, disaggregation, and disclosure proposals26:01 – Scope 3 category 15 (Investments) and alignment with PCAF methodologies30:21 – Clarifying scope 3 category 10 (Processing of sold products) and category 11 (Use of sold products)36:21 – A

The US tariff landscape shifted again following the Supreme Court’s decision invalidating tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In this episode, we discuss what the ruling means for importers, including potential refunds, accounting and financial reporting considerations, compliance challenges, and the continued use of other tariff authorities. In this episode, we discuss:1:29 The current tariff landscape and the Supreme Court’s IEEPA ruling6:57 Practical steps companies can take now8:56 Accounting for potential tariff refunds13:11 Operational, administrative, and compliance challenges17:42 Downstream accounting impacts for customers and suppliers20:50 New Section 122 tariffs and other tariff authorities still in effect25:27 Tariff mitigation strategies, including drawback and supply chain planningFor more, read our In depth, Accounting implications of tariffs. Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in

A video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.com.The GHG Protocol’s proposed updates to its guidance on scope 2 emissions introduce significant changes, including hourly matching, revised market-based accounting rules, and more granular emissions data requirements. In this episode, we break down the key proposals, PwC’s perspective on feasibility and interoperability, and what companies should be considering as the guidance evolves. In this episode, we discuss: 1:45 – Overview of the Scope 2 consultation and the themes of proposed updates and views14:04 – Data availability challenges: hourly utility data gaps and lack of granular emission factors20:08 – Geographic market restrictions and renewable procurement impacts31:00 – International Organization for Standardization relationship, timeline shifts, and what companies can do now For more on the GHG Protocol, see our publications: PwC shares feedback on GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance amendments GHG Protocol announ

A video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.com.Energy demand is rising at a pace few anticipated, driven by AI, data centers, electrification, and industrial growth. In this episode, host Heather Horn speaks with Gayle Miller, Head of Strategic Investor Engagement for Brookfield’s Global Client Group and Senior Advisor to its Renewable Power & Transition business, about what an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy looks like in practice—and how investors are evaluating risk, value, and sustainability reporting in this new era of energy security.In this episode, we discuss:3:59 – The forces influencing energy demand to accelerate6:28 – What an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy means in practice12:04 – How utilities, hyperscalers, and investors are working together to secure power16:49 – Grid constraints, demand smoothing, and AI-enabled optimization22:40 – The evolving energy mix: renewables, storage, gas and nuclear36:48 – Cap-and-trade, renewable standards,

On February 24, the Council of the European Union officially adopted the ‘Omnibus’ directive. Key aspects of the ‘Omnibus’ directive include changes to the scope of entities subject to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) as well as guidance on simplified European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), sector guidance, assurance standards, and value chain reporting. This approval and other recent milestones in the EU legislative process and standard setting efforts are shaping the next phase of sustainability reporting. In this episode, we provide an update on the Omnibus package and discuss the latest developments in the proposed revisions to the ESRS. We explore what is expected to be finalized soon, where there is still opportunity for change, and the key implications for companies preparing for upcoming reporting requirements. In this episode, we discuss:2:48 – Updated scope and timing requirements for EU and non-EU en

California’s climate disclosure laws are entering a critical phase as key compliance deadlines approach. SB 253 (the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act) requires companies to report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, while SB 261 (Greenhouse gases: climate-related financial risk) mandates disclosure of climate-related financial risks aligned with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) or an equivalent framework. Although SB 261 is currently on hold due to litigation, companies should continue preparing. In this episode, we break down the latest developments from the California Air and Resources Board (CARB), what companies need to report in 2026, and how to prepare amid ongoing regulatory and legal uncertainty.  In this episode, we discuss the latest developments from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), 2026 reporting requirements, and how to navigate ongoing regulatory and legal uncertainty. In this episode, we break down the l

A video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.com.It’s that time of year, with many focused on year-end reporting. After wrapping up our Year-end toolkit series, we revisit another set of conversations that are especially relevant right now. We’re re-releasing the kickoff episode from our SEC now series.This first episode sets the stage with an overview of current developments shaping SEC reporting. Our guests unpack recent leadership changes, the evolving rulemaking agenda, reporting themes, and key trends in SEC comment letters.In this episode, we discuss:1:59 – SEC leadership updates7:28 – Rulemaking agenda and expected priorities14:25 – Rulemaking challenges: staff capacity and shutdown constraints16:57 – SEC comment letter themes and focus areasFor more on this topic listen to the other episodes in our SEC now and Inside SEC reporting series.Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.

It’s that time of year, with many focused on year-end reporting. After wrapping up our Year-end toolkit series last week, we revisit another set of conversations that are especially relevant right now. We’re re-releasing the kickoff episode from last year’s Reporting reset series.This first episode sets the stage for the series by covering foundational reporting principles, key disclosure considerations, notable differences between public and private company financial statements, and accounting changes and error corrections. Links are provided to other episodes in this presentation and disclosure series.In this episode, we discuss:1:25 – Foundational GAAP and SEC requirements for financial statement presentation3:09 – Determining appropriate reporting periods5:25 – Balance sheet presentation: classification, required disclosures, and best practices11:44 – Income statement presentation: structure and key considerations21:31 – Accounting changes, estimates, and error corrections29:53 – Subsequent events: recogn

We continue our year-end toolkit series with insights on key areas of the year-end accounting and reporting process. Today’s episode focuses on the finance team’s engagement with the audit committee, which faces a packed agenda and expanding oversight responsibilities. We explore how management can strengthen collaboration with those charged with governance, streamline reporting, and address emerging issues such as AI, enterprise risk management, and transformation initiatives.In this episode, we discuss:1:18 – Strengthening management/audit committee communication and collaboration10:10 – Key year-end issues finance teams should be prepared to address15:02 – Oversight of AI: risks, opportunities, and controls21:33 – Enhancing enterprise risk oversight27:35 – Navigating the evolving cyber risk landscape in the age of AI36:05 – Elevating proxy disclosuresFor more, watch the replay of our Year-end audit committee webcast and read our publication, Your year-end audit committee guide.In case you missed it, check

We continue our year-end toolkit series sharing insights on key areas of the year-end accounting and reporting process. In this episode, we focus on the statement of cash flows—an area that remains critical to investors and continues to get focus from regulators. We discuss recent SEC comment letter observations, practical considerations for complex transactions such as debt restructurings, payment processing arrangements, and business combinations; we also highlight reminders and best practices to help companies navigate year-end reporting.In this episode, we discuss:1:05 – Overview of the statement of cash flows and key reminders3:46 – SEC comment letter themes7:52 – Debt restructurings15:21 – Payment processing arrangements20:27 – Business combinations32:56 – FASB project on targeted improvements to the statement of cash flowsFor more on the statement of cash flows, see Chapter 6 of our Financial statement presentation guide.Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our w

As signs of market stabilization emerge, companies are reassessing their deal strategies for 2026. In this episode, we explore IPO and M&A trends, the influence of AI and macroeconomic shifts, and the steps finance teams can take now to be ready for what’s next.In this episode, we discuss:3:35 – Where the deals market stands today 9:38 – Deals outlook for 202617:35 – Expected IPOs and financing trends for 202625:28 – What finance leaders and teams can do now to prepareFor more read our publications, US Capital Markets 2026 Outlook—IPO markets look primed to accelerate in 2026 and The next wave of M&A: Bigger and bolder deals driven by AI and private equity—US Deals 2026 outlook. Also, be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestMike Bellin is a PwC Deals partner who leads PwC’s US Capital Markets practice. Mike advises clients on accessing the debt and equity capital markets by providing clients with technical/pr

In this episode, we share key insights and reminders on navigating materiality judgments. We revisit the fundamentals of SAB 99, explore how to apply both quantitative and qualitative considerations, address identified errors, and more.In this episode, we discuss:3:53 – The framework for assessing materiality and errors in financial statements8:51 – Addressing identified errors15:01 – Reassessing materiality amid economic and other changes19:48 – Trends in reporting errors, including cash flow statement impacts23:09 – Fraud and illegal actsIn case you missed it, check out the previous episode in this year-end miniseries, Year-end toolkit: Accounting and reporting reminders for 2026.Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestMichael Mullen is PwC’s US Assurance Quality Management leader. In this role, he oversees complex client issues, providing technical insights and expertise in support of overall quality. With over 35

This episode explores key accounting and reporting considerations for year-end financial reporting. Technical leaders from our National Office share reminders and timely insights across a range of topics, including tariffs, income taxes, held-for-sale accounting, and other emerging issues–topics that are relevant for all finance teams, even if it’s not year-end close time.In this episode, we discuss:1:52 – AI mega-deal structuring and related accounting and reporting complexities11:30 – Equity method accounting considerations and related disclosures15:58 – Tariffs and trade considerations, including inventory impacts21:38 – Crypto asset accounting models and new FASB guidance25:16 – Accounting and reporting for private credit transactions33:00 – Tax reform developments and income tax accounting40:00 – New ASUs related to derivatives and hedge accounting42:52 – Held-for-sale accounting46:00 – OECD Pillar 2 and global taxFollow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to

In this final episode of our SEC-focused series, we discuss SEC comments on revenue. Revenue is the top line for a reason; it’s closely watched by investors and therefore the SEC staff as well. From performance obligations to disaggregated revenue disclosures, we discuss the issues most frequently raised by the SEC staff and offer advice to preparers for getting it right the first time.In this episode, we discuss:1:34 – An overview of SEC comment letter trends related to revenue6:22 – Performance obligations10:48 – Variable consideration17:07 – Principal versus agent considerations26:00 – Disaggregated revenue disclosuresIn case you missed it, check out the previous episodes in this SEC-focused series:SEC now: MD&A 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: Segments 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: 2025 comment letter trends on transactionsSEC now: Non-GAAP 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: Today’s landscape and recent developmentsFor more on the SEC, listen to our recent episodes:Key takeaways from the AICPA

We continue our SEC-focused series with a discussion of management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A), a topic that remains a consistent focus in SEC staff comment letters. In this episode, we explore the latest trends, common themes, and areas of emphasis—including results of operations, liquidity, and critical accounting estimates—and share practical considerations as companies prepare year-end filings.In this episode, we discuss:1:31 – An overview of SEC comment letter trends related to MD&A6:43 – The results of operations25:16 – Liquidity and capital resources28:30 – Critical accounting estimates35:24 – Final reminders and best practices related to MD&AIn case you missed it, check out the previous episodes in this SEC-focused series:SEC now: Segments 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: 2025 comment letter trends on transactionsSEC now: Non-GAAP 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: Today’s landscape and recent developmentsFor more on the SEC, listen to our recent episodes:Key takeaways from the AICP

In this episode, we debrief the 2025 AICPA Conference in Washington, DC, highlighting key takeaways including perspectives from SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and other regulatory leaders. Topics include the SEC’s rulemaking priorities for 2026, trends in capital formation, and emerging issues such as AI and cryptocurrency. We also explore practical reminders for year-end reporting and insights into international standard setting collaboration.In this episode, we discuss:6:42 – SEC Chair keynote: “Making IPOs great again”12:51 – Emerging issues: AI, crypto, and international standard setting25:08 – SEC shutdown impacts and capital markets backlog32:06 – Rulemaking outlook and year-end reminders47:08 – PCAOB oversight, inspections, and audit standard-setting themesFor more, read our In depth, 2025 AICPA & CIMA Conference: Current SEC and PCAOB Developments.Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestsKevin Vaughn is a PwC N

We continue our SEC-focused series with a discussion of segment disclosures, reporting trends, and early comment letter themes emerging from the adoption of the new standard. In this episode, we explore common staff observations, including the role of the Chief Operating Decision Maker, or CODM; significant expense disclosures; and interplay with non-GAAP measures.In this episode, we discuss:1:46 – Why segment disclosures remain a top SEC focus8:04 – Early comment themes under the new standard15:14 – Multiple profit measures and non-GAAP considerations28:14 – How the SEC evaluates a company’s segment structure35:28 – Ongoing reassessment of impacts to segmentsIn case you missed it, check out the previous episodes in this SEC-focused series:SEC now: 2025 comment letter trends on transactionsSEC now: Non-GAAP 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: Today’s landscape and recent developmentsBe sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our

A video of this podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, or PwC’s website at viewpoint.pwc.comThe GHG Protocol has released its long-awaited proposed updates to the Scope 2 Guidance. In this episode, we highlight the key changes in the exposure draft, including proposed revisions to location-based and market-based reporting, hourly matching, emission factor hierarchies, and more. We also explore what these developments could mean for companies and how stakeholders can participate in the revision process.In this episode, we discuss:2:49 – Redefining the purpose for location-based and market-based reporting5:33 – The importance of the decision-making criteria6:56 – New emission factor hierarchy for location-based reporting14:30 – Shift toward hourly matching in the market-based method21:53 – Deliverability criteria and implications for renewable energy credits26:19 – Residual mix and fossil-only defaults for unclaimed energy32:45 – How companies can share feedback and next steps for the Scope 2 guidanceFor mor

We continue our SEC-focused series with a discussion on transaction-related matters, including IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, spinoffs, and divestitures. Our guests share insights into the SEC preclearance process and common SEC comment letter themes. Getting ahead of these issues can help avoid delays that may significantly impact deal timing and disclosures.In this episode, we discuss:3:56 – Overview of 2025 IPO and M&A market activity7:08 – SEC preclearance process and common issues19:59 – Typical transaction filing review comment letter themes32:49 – Final takeaways on anticipating and addressing SEC commentsFor more information:Going for a spin: Accounting and reporting for spinoffsFinancial statement presentation guideBusiness combinations guideIn case you missed it, check out the previous episodes in this SEC-focused series: SEC now: Today’s landscape and recent developmentsSEC now: Non-GAAP 2025 comment letter trendsFor more on the SEC, listen to our recent episode on frequency of reporting, SEC