PwC's accounting podcast

In our Finance 2025 podcast series, we give listeners insight into the future of finance and the evolutionary road to get there. We’re asking: what will the modern finance organization look like in the year 2025?

This week, Heather Horn was joined by Satyen Popat, partner in PwC’s finance transformation practice, to discuss the key practices of a leading enterprise planning management (EPM) function, and how a well-designed process can deliver sustainable growth not only through data-driven assessments, but also by integrating the perspectives of multiple functions from across the business.

In this episode, you will hear about:

• 5:05 - Challenges companies face as they start financial planning in an uncertain environment
• 20:40 - What a leading FP&A organization looks like, and how the strongest planning models integrate multiple functions of the business
• 27:55 - Practices for data management success when faced with escalating volumes of information
• 32:14 - The evolution of human capital requirements for effective planning functions
• 34:40 - The view from the top - questions that CFOs and business leaders are asking in the planning process
• 39:33 - At a glance: the future of FP&A

Want to learn more? Listen to previous podcasts in the Finance 2025 series where we discuss other key elements of transformation, including the importance of having people at the top of your transformation agenda, how to realize the promise of automation, and some of the latest trends in ERP transformation.

Satyen Popat is a partner in PwC’s finance transformation practice with over 15 years of experience in shared services, acquisition integration, and finance systems, including enterprise performance management and ERP strategy. He focuses on serving the technology sector and is part of PwC’s cloud and digital team.

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.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].

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

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

Last year saw a historic volume of M&A transactions, and the trend has continued thus far in 2022, but will it continue? 

This week, host Heather Horn was joined by John Potter and Chris Rhodes, partners in PwC’s Deals practice, to discuss current trends in the deals environment that are enabling companies to unlock value through transactions.

In this episode, you will hear:

• 4:58 - How inflation, capital flows, and changing business models are impacting the deals market
• 12:48 - How SPACs are innovating in 2022 in order to deploy capital
• 15:18 - Approaching ESG as part of a holistic deal assessment
• 19:32 - How talent and labor shortages are transforming the M&A landscape
• 26:12 - Key strategies and considerations for CFOs to keep in mind as they look to maximize the benefits of a deal
• 39:33 - In a nutshell: how to realize the value potential that is latent in acquisitions, divestitures, and capital raising

Want to learn more? Watch a replay of the 2022 deals outlook webcast, take a quiz to find your dealmaking identity, and go deeper on how ESG can add value in M&A.

John Potter is a partner in PwC’s Deals practice with over 26 years of experience assisting companies in resolving complex business and accounting issues. He provides advice to corporate and private equity clients through M&As, divestitures, and joint ventures. He focuses on deal strategy, due diligence, deal terms and negotiation, integration, valuation, accounting and financial reporting, and risk management.

Chris Rhodes is a partner in PwC's Deals practice with over 13 years of experience. He provides commercial structuring, valuation, and accounting advice for a variety of transactions under both US GAAP and IFRS. He concentrates on delivering strategic transactions such as acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures, along with capital raising, capital restructuring, and other financial engineering, including risk management. 

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 nearly 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].

In our Finance 2025 podcast series, we give listeners insight into the future of finance and the evolutionary road to get there. We’re asking: what will the modern finance organization look like in the year 2025?

This week Heather Horn was joined by Jeff Mandler and Blake Cooper, partners in PwC’s finance transformation practice, to discuss how to leverage the latest technology to implement enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in a holistic way that delivers growth capability across the business.

In this episode, you will find:

• 04:15 - The factors influencing companies to take a holistic, cross-functional approach toward ERP transformation
• 10:59 - The timelines of an ERP implementation and how smart companies leverage people and technology when changing pivotal elements of their infrastructure
• 16:23 - How technological advancement has accelerated the adoption of ERP systems that enable the company’s strategy and decision-making
• 26:33 - The importance of contemplating risk management in connection with an ERP transformation
• 34:48 - Looking ahead to the future of ERP
• 39:12 - Key takeaways on a successful ERP transformation

Want to learn more? 

• Check out PwC’s Tech Effect, a digital resource for busy leaders.
• Listen to our previous podcasts in the series:
  • Finance 2025: Transformation made practical
  • Finance 2025: Transforming with a people-first mindset
  • Finance 2025: How to unlock the promise of automation.
  • Finance 2025: Optimizing the close-to-report window

Jeff Mandler is a partner in PwC’s finance transformation practice with over 22 years of experience in large-scale transformations enabled by ERP. He focuses on serving the technology sector and is involved with addressing emerging accounting matters as part of PwC’s cloud and digital team.

Blake Cooper is a partner in PwC’s finance transformation practice with over 21 years of experience, focused on transformation initiatives for the energy, power, and utilities sector and utilizing his expertise in core finance process improvement and enterprise performance management.

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.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].

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

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

This week Heather Horn was joined by Bret Dooley, Angela Fergason, and Jay Seliber, partners in PwC’s National Office, to discuss the FASB’s recently released guidance that is effective in 2022.

In this episode you’ll hear them discuss:

• 3:25 - CECL applicability for private companies and lessons learned from adoption by public companies
• 5:34 - ASU 2020-06 related to debt and equity instruments that contain conversion features
• 9:15 - ASU 2021-04 related to certain modifications of freestanding equity-classified written call options
• 15:32 - ASU 2021-05 related to lessor classification of certain sales-type leases that result in a “day one” loss
• 20:05 - ASU 2021-10 related to disclosures by business entities about government assistance
• 29:01 - ASU 2021-08 related to contract assets and contract liabilities acquired in a business combination
• 36:17 - ASU 2017-04 related to simplifying the test for goodwill impairment
• 41:19 - New FASB guidance that can be adopted early in 2022

Bret Dooley is a partner in PwC’s National Office with over 25 years of experience specializing in the financial services, banking, and capital markets industries. He focuses on emerging financial reporting issues relating to financial instruments, developing interpretive guidance, and assisting clients in resolving complex accounting matters.

Angela Fergason is a partner in PwC'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.

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 to the FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].

In our Finance 2025 podcast series, we give listeners a look at the future of finance and the evolutionary road to get there. We’re asking: what will the modern finance organization look like in the year 2025?

This week Heather Horn sat down with Debra Skorupka, a partner in PwC’s finance transformation practice, to discuss what companies with the shortest windows of time between the balance sheet date and filing of reports do differently that allows them to achieve quality results.

In this episode, you’ll find:

• 3:52 - Trends transforming the dynamics of the close process
• 6:58 - How to break down the close process into components that can be optimized individually and holistically
• 13:28 - Real-time close and continuous close: the possibilities beyond the traditional one-time close
• 17:52 - The role of qualitative and quantitative reporting through the lens of the company’s overall strategy
• 22:12 - Addressing change management issues resulting from data-driven transformation
• 27:16 - How to jumpstart transformation with minimal effort
• 31:18 - The future of the close and reporting process

Want to learn more?

• Check out PwC’s Tech Effect, a digital resource for busy leaders.
• Listen to our previous podcasts in the series, Finance 2025: Transformation made practical, Finance 2025: Transforming with a people-first mindset, and Finance 2025: How to unlock the promise of automation.

Debra Skorupka is a partner in PwC’s finance transformation practice. With over 18 years of client service experience, she advises on large-scale transformation projects that result from mergers/IPOs and other significant business changes. Debra leads the Finance & Infrastructure practice for the firm’s Technology, Media, and Telecommunications sector. 

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.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].

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

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

The first and most significant tranche of LIBOR tenors was retired as of December 31, 2021, officially marking the beginning of the end for the benchmark reference rate that in recent years became the focus of banking reform efforts by regulatory bodies around the globe.

This week Heather Horn was joined by Justin Keane and Nick Milone, partners in PwC’s Financial Markets practice, and Chip Currie, PwC National Office partner, to discuss the latest market and regulatory developments in the LIBOR transition as well as the related accounting guidance that was issued to facilitate the transition for preparers.

In this episode you’ll hear them cover:

• 1:15 - An update on market transition efforts to date, expectations for the next year, and an overview of why overnight funds rates are becoming the primary reference rates
• 8:35 - US regulatory and market developments with respect to USD LIBOR
• 13:25 - Credit-sensitive rates and whether a widely accepted benchmark will emerge
• 17:52 - Important focus areas for companies as LIBOR continues to sunset, as well as impediments and best practices in transition workstreams
• 26:30 - What accounting teams should be watching out for as their companies modify contracts and take other steps to facilitate the transition
• 35:55 - The SEC staff’s statement from December 7, 2021 on LIBOR transition and the importance of updating investors on related progress

Want to learn more? 

• Listen to our previous podcast on reference rate reform, Bidding farewell to LIBOR: What you need to know.
• Download PwC’s Reference Rate Reform guide.

Justin Keane is a partner in PwC’s Financial Markets practice. He has over 20 years of experience helping clients resolve issues related to pricing and risk management for derivatives and complex financial instruments across PwC’s leading multinational clients.

Nick Milone is a partner in PwC’s Financial Markets practice where he advises companies on current financial instruments issues and the application of accounting standards. Prior to this role, Nick was a Practice Fellow on the financial instruments team at the FASB, where he helped lead the hedge accounting and recognition and measurement projects.

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.

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.

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Inflation is not a new economic feature, but it has become more pronounced in recent months, causing central banks and businesses alike to carefully evaluate the path forward through a landscape of supply chain issues, labor shortages, and an ongoing global pandemic. This week Heather Horn sat down with David Shebay, PwC Consulting Solutions partner, to discuss the factors that remain in companies’ control in the midst of the ongoing uncertainty driven by inflation.

In this episode you’ll find:

• 2:03 - Inflation scenarios that could happen in 2022
• 8:34 - Overview of the four levers that CFOs can pull in an inflationary environment
• 10:48 - Cost control strategies and how to weigh supplier pricing dynamics
• 13:47 - Considering raising prices? How to determine trigger points for price increases and the impact on customer loyalty
• 16:50 - Evaluating whether investment targets are set up to withstand inflationary pressures
• 18:20 - Integrating inflationary considerations into the FP&A cycle

Want to learn more?

• Check out our previous special episode on the business environment in 2022, Geopolitical and economic outlook for 2022.

David Shebay is a partner in PwC’s Consulting Solutions practice, focused on serving clients in the US energy and chemicals sectors. David’s work includes CFO advisory, modern finance, and the intersection of ESG with finance and systems transformation. Prior to joining PwC, David served as CFO of a managed IT services company.

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.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].

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

In each episode of our Year-end toolkit series, you’ll find something relevant to the year-end reporting process.

This week Heather Horn was joined by Michael Mullen, PwC’s US Trust Solutions Quality Management leader, to discuss the SEC’s guidance on financial statement materiality and error evaluations.

In this episode you’ll hear them discuss:

• 1:25 - What’s changed since the SEC staff issued its accounting bulletin (SAB 99) in 1999, and what’s the same
• 8:45 - Some “common sense” qualitative factors that should be considered
• 10:35 - Evaluating the impact of errors on consensus estimates, analyst expectations, and balance sheet-related covenants
• 18:01 - The dynamics of management compensation and involvement of upper management in intentional misstatements
• 21:01 - How to perform a quantitative evaluation, and the differences between a restatement and a revision
• 38:17 - The general presumption of a material weakness in cases of restatement
• 41:02 - Managing the misstatement evaluation process and the recent reminders from the SEC staff

Want to learn more? 

• Listen to our previous podcasts in the Year-end toolkit series, Reminders from PwC’s National Office, Statement of cash flows, and Resolving complex issues.

Michael Mullen is PwC’s US Trust Solutions Quality Management leader. In this role he oversees complex client issues, providing technical insights and expertise in support of overall quality. With over 30 years of client service experience, Michael has led numerous global client engagements.

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.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].

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

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

As the new year begins, management teams continue to look for ways to adeptly navigate changing macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures. This week Heather Horn sat down with Craig Stronberg and Zain Siddiqui, directors in PwC Intelligence, for a discussion about the significant forces expected to shape the business landscape in the year ahead.

In this episode you’ll find:

• 6:05 - How the dynamics of trust and distrust are affecting business
• 9:51 - A historical perspective on current events
• 14:12 - The economic drivers behind supply chain pressure and labor shortages
• 22:56 - The importance of investing in long-term transformation projects
• 26:05 - How the politicization of the consumer base is changing government spending decisions
• 28:56 - Opportunities for businesses in managing the “trust dividend”
• 34:47 - How companies and countries are navigating global tension
• 38:19 - Other topics, including work from home, digital currencies, and long-term supply chain restructuring

Want to learn more?

• Check out our previous podcasts with PwC Intelligence, Forecast 2021: The rise in central bank digital currencies, and 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 provides 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. His focus has been on numerous areas, including counterintelligence, economic espionage, counterterrorism, cyber threats, political-military issues, special operations integration, and support for major events such as the Olympic Games.

Zain Siddiqui, is a senior economist for PwC Intelligence with a specialty in macroeconomics and finance. He advises stakeholders and clients on the business implications of emerging macro and geopolitical vulnerabilities, and helps them shape business strategy. His research has appeared in books on international economic policy and macroeconomic journals.

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.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].

In each episode of our Year-end toolkit series, you’ll find something relevant to the year-end reporting process.

This week Heather Horn was joined by Stephen Parker, a partner in PwC’s Governance Insights Center, to discuss the ways that financial reporting teams can effectively contemplate and manage their audit committee reporting and communications process for year end.

In this episode you’ll hear them discuss:

• 5:24 - The core responsibilities of the audit committee
• 8:06 - The value of highlighting what’s new or changed
• 13:36 - Using dashboards effectively
• 19:02 - Prioritizing the agenda
• 23:02 - The topics top of mind for audit committees
• 26:51 - Audit committees focus on ESG
• 29:38 - Managing the “pre-read” materials
• 35:59 - Keeping current throughout the year
• 40:48 - Dealing with different styles of committee chairs and members
• 45:55 - Final tips to increase director engagement
• 48:36 - Heather tries to stump Stephen with some trivia

Want to learn more? 

• Listen to our previous podcasts in the Year-end toolkit series, Reminders from PwC’s National Office, Statement of cash flows, and Resolving complex issues.

Stephen Parker is a partner in PwC’s Governance Insights Center, which strives to strengthen the connection between directors, executive teams, and investors by helping them navigate the evolving governance landscape. With more than 30 years of experience, Stephen has advised boards of directors on a variety of complex financial reporting matters. Stephen’s client service experience has also included energy and utility companies,  financial services companies, and nonprofits.

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.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].

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