Human capital: Your largest asset may not be on balance sheet

Text us your thoughts on this episode Every Tuesday in February, Andreas Ohl, PwC’s Global ESG Technical Leader, will be taking over the podcast and talking all about a company’s most valuable intangible asset, human capital. He will discuss what it is and why it matters, how it’s treated in financial and ESG reporting, and how its value is reflected in deals.  In this episode, Heather Horn and Andreas discuss the current financial reporting landscape when it comes to human capital. 

In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:1:35 - How human capital is largely shown as an expense in the external financial statements6:15 - Insights on how internal reporting can help companies measure the return on their investment in human capital11:55 - The disconnect that may exist between a company’s market value and book value 15:58 - Why this intangible asset is generally not on the balance sheet today28:20 - What companies and standard setters can do to give better insights into the value of human capitalListen to the earlier episode in this series on the impact of recent demographic trends on the investment in human capital, and stay tuned for more episodes in the series. Also read our point of view publication on making intangibles count.  Andreas Ohl is a partner in PwC's National Office focused on thought leadership, standard setting, and mergers and acquisitions under US GAAP and IFRS. In addition to his US responsibilities, he leads the sustainability topic team for the PwC global network. Andreas is chairman of the Business Valuation Standards Board at the International Valuation Standards Council, is a member of the working group that authored the AICPA's in-process R&D; guide, and has served as a member of the FASB's Valuation Resource Group.

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 [email protected].