Text us your thoughts on this episode This month, PwC released its 2022 Global Investor Survey, covering a range of topics from investor priorities to the continued focus on ESG. In this week’s special episode, Heather Horn was joined by Hilary Eastman, PwC’s Head of Global Investor Engagement, to unpack the survey’s findings, including key areas of focus of those who invest in US companies.

In this episode, our guests discuss:1:54 - The objectives of the 2022 investor survey and background on the population of investors included7:54 - What investors view as their top priorities in selecting investments11:04 - The top threats investors believe will affect profitability in the near term13:06 - Investor views on companies’ effectiveness in addressing and reporting on their top priorities19:10 - Why ESG continues to be a key area of focus26:58 - The factors that drive investor confidence in sustainability reporting33:42 - Next steps for listeners as they consider the investor survey resultsFor more information on proposed ESG rules, read our In the loop, ESG reporting: Preparing for tomorrow's rules today.

Hilary Eastman leads global investor engagement at PwC and has extensive experience advising on ESG reporting strategy. She manages 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 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.

Talking ESG: What’s inside our 2022 global investor survey

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Text us your thoughts on this episode In this podcast, host Heather Horn sits down with Emily Kirsch, a director in PwC's sustainability practice, to discuss how companies are approaching the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) implementation process. The clock is ticking as companies navigate the various phases of the process, including scoping, the double materiality assessment, the gap assessment, and remediation.

In this episode, we discuss:2:08  – CSRD implementation process overview and where companies are in the journey2:41 – The importance of scoping and weighing the options for various reporting approaches3:50 – How the double materiality assessment drives reporting requirements5:08 – Key cross-functional workstreams needed and required upskilling7:32 – Applying an integrated approach across multiple ESG frameworks9:16 – Pitfalls and best practices of the double materiality assessment14:50 – Identifying gaps and addressing them as part of the remediation process18:12 – Assessing the timeline for mandatory and voluntary reporting22:13 – Difficulty in collecting data, including the availability of data at a disaggregated level23:56 – A narrow lead time requiring consistent communication company wide26:17 – Common challenges companies are experiencing during CSRD implementation35:25 – Keys to successes throughout the CSRD implementation processLooking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards.

Emily Kirsch is a director in PwC's sustainability practice focused on sustainability reporting and standard setting in the EU. She advises both public and private companies in navigating complex emerging sustainability reporting requirements and implementing new reporting regulations during periods of change in an organization.

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Talking ESG: Is your CSRD implementation on track?

Text us your thoughts on this episode We continue our miniseries on consolidation accounting and dive into the evaluation of variable interests and the characteristics of a variable interest entity (VIE).

In this episode, we discuss: 1:24 – An overview of the VIE model 3:30 – Determining whether there is a variable interest 11:25 – Identifying “at-risk” equity 15:28 – Evaluating whether an entity is a VIE by assessing the following characteristics exist: 16:00 – Insufficient equity investment at risk  24:27 – Equity lacks decision making rights 34:40 – Equity with nonsubstantive voting rights 37:38 – Lack of obligation to absorb losses or right to receive residual returns 41:45 – A recap of the episode and final thoughts For more information on this topic, read chapters 3 and 4 of our Consolidation guide. Also, for an overview of the consolidation framework, listen to the first episode in this miniseries, The consolidation framework – Getting started. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for episodes on other topics. 

Matt Sabatini is a partner in PwC's National Office who helps clients and engagement teams navigate the accounting and financial reporting for complex transactions. He specializes in the accounting for M&A;, consolidations, corporate reorganizations, recapitalizations, joint ventures, and other investments. 

Alexander Martin is a partner in PwC's Deals practice with over a decade of deals experience, helping clients solve complex accounting, financial reporting, and other business issues that arise from transaction-driven events such as mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and capital raises. 

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com. 

The consolidation framework - Identifying a VIE

Text us your thoughts on this episode In this episode, Heather sits down with Marie Hache, PwC Sustainability partner, to discuss the practical challenges companies will face in implementing new mandatory sustainability reporting requirements. They cover leading practices including data quality considerations and getting ready for assurance.

In this episode, we discuss:1:55 - Marie's background in sustainability and her work with companies on implementing new rules and standards2:29 - How companies are preparing for upcoming sustainability reporting requirements, including double materiality considerations13:23 - Data quality considerations, including performing pre-audits, implementing new systems, and strengthening existing processes18:21 - How companies are working toward adoption taking a joint holistic approach21:28 - Challenges in the transition to enhanced assurance requirements28:43 - How to be prepared for the first years of mandatory reporting33:45 - How companies can achieve consistency across different reporting requirementsLooking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards. 

Marie Hache is a partner in the Sustainability Services team at PwC with experience working with companies across multiple sectors including services, pharma, retail, technology, hospitality, utilities, and manufacturing. She helps clients reliably and transparently communicate on ESG topics to meet stakeholder expectations.

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Talking ESG: Current state of reporting readiness

Text us your thoughts on this episode We kick off our miniseries on consolidation accounting with an overview of the consolidation models and lay the foundation to go deeper into the variable interest entity model in the next two episodes.

In this episode, we discuss:02:59 - Background on the two consolidation models12:54 - The overall consolidation framework14:20 - The variable interest entity model20:25 - The voting interest entity model23:13 - Consolidation scope exceptions28:13 - VIE model scope exceptionsFor more information on this topic, read chapter 1 of our Consolidation guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.

Matt Sabatini is a partner in PwC's National Office who helps clients and engagement teams navigate the accounting and financial reporting for complex transactions. He specializes in the accounting for M&A;, consolidations, corporate reorganizations, recapitalizations, joint ventures, and other investments.

Alexander Martin is a partner in PwC's Deals practice with over a decade of deals experience, helping clients solve complex accounting, financial reporting, and other business issues that arise from transaction-driven events such as mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and capital raises.

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com. 

The consolidation framework – Getting started

Text us your thoughts on this episode In this podcast, host Heather Horn sits down with Katie Woods, a senior director in PwC's Global Corporate Reporting Services group, to discuss the recent activities of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). They discuss the standards issued by the ISSB to date, recent decisions reached by the board regarding future standard setting activities, updates on jurisdictional activity, and more.

In this episode, we discuss:2:16 - Refresher on the issued IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SDS), as well as the Board’s consultation on agenda priorities8:43 - Sustainability reporting in the broader context of global issues, including biodiversity and human capital13:06 - The new interoperability guidance from the ISSB and EFRAG related to climate disclosures19:28 - Updates on jurisdictions looking to adopt IFRS SDS23:47 - The ISSB’s publication of the IFRS SDS digital taxonomy25:14 - The significance of the TCFD framework coming under the umbrella of the IFRS Foundation26:53 - Highlights and areas of focus related to the ISSB’s future activitiesLooking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards. 

Katie Woods is a senior director in PwC's Global Corporate Reporting Services - sustainability group advising on ESG and international accounting standards. Katie specializes in the new and emerging ESG reporting frameworks working across the PwC network. She has over 30 years of experience working with a broad range of companies. Katie speaks regularly on a range of ESG and accounting topics.

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Talking ESG: What’s inside our 2022 global investor survey

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