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222

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Oct 2026

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EN-US

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Listen in as PwC specialists discuss today’s most compelling accounting, reporting, and business issues. Whether financial reporting or sustainability reporting, each episode is packed with insights you won't find anywhere else.

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November 5, 202637 min

PCAOB landscape—What companies and auditors should know

New leadership and strategic priorities are shaping the PCAOB's approach to audit oversight. We discuss updates to audit firm quality control requirements, developments in standard setting and AI in auditing, and efforts to modernize inspections—and what these changes could mean for companies, audit committees, and auditors. 5:50 – New PCAOB leadership and priorities 14:04 – PCAOB strategy and stakeholder engagement 17:30 – Standard setting—independence, fraud, and NOCLAR 22:48 – AI and technology in auditing 27:35 – Modernizing PCAOB inspections Additional resources Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop. About our guest Brian Croteau is the US Chief Auditor. He oversees the establishment and maintenance of PwC’s audit policies and practices, leads efforts to directly support PwC’s audit quality objectives, and plays a key role in the monitoring and assessment of audit quality. He also leads the firm’s efforts related to its relationship with the PCAOB, including supporting all aspects of the PCAOB’s inspection process. Brian currently serves as a member of the PCAOB’s Standards and Emerging Issues Advisory Group (SEIAG) and the SEIAG’s Emerging Issues in Auditing subcommittee. Prior to rejoining PwC, he served as the Deputy Chief Accountant of the Professional Practice Group within the Office of the Chief Accountant at the SEC where he played a key role in the SEC’s oversight of the activities of the PCAOB, managed the resolution of auditor independence issues and ethical matters, and monitored audit and independence standard setting internationally. About our guest host Diana Stoltzfus is a partner in PwC’s National Office who helps to shape PwC’s perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. She is also one of the firm’s technical experts on sustainability reporting. Prior to rejoining PwC, she served as the Deputy Chief Accountant of the Professional Practice Group within the Office of the Chief Accountant at the SEC. Transcripts Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com . Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

October 29, 202620 min

Sustainability now—Real-world perspectives on business value

How are companies putting sustainability into practice to create business value? Nicole Vadori, Head of Enterprise Sustainability at TD Bank Group, shares her perspectives and experiences on integrating sustainability into business priorities, building stakeholder trust, and identifying risks and opportunities. Drawing on examples from her experience, we explore the role of sustainable finance, double materiality assessments, and sustainability capabilities in addressing emerging issues such as responsible AI. Key topics and timestamps 1:27 — From corporate values to business value 6:11 — Building stakeholder trust through responsible business practices 9:30 — Aligning sustainability priorities with business strategy 12:03 — Using double materiality to identify risks and opportunities 14:12 — Putting sustainable finance into practice 167:11 — Applying sustainability capabilities to emerging risks, including responsible AI Additional resources 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. About our guest Nicole Vadori is Vice President and Head of Enterprise Sustainability at TD Bank Group, where she focuses on integrating sustainability into the business to support growth and resilience. As a Professional Engineer, Nicole’s experience spans environmental strategy, sustainable finance, climate-related risk, and the transition to a lower-carbon economy. About our guest host Diana Stoltzfus is a partner in PwC’s National Office who helps to shape PwC’s perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. She is also one of the firm’s technical experts on sustainability reporting. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the OCA’s Professional Practices Group. Transcripts Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com . Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

October 22, 202640 min

FASB standard setting—Your cheat sheet to what's ahead in GAAP

While relatively few new accounting standards have been issued this year, the FASB has been busy, with several proposals expected before year end and other projects underway. We discuss key projects on the FASB's agenda, potential changes to US GAAP, and why companies should be paying attention during the development phase. We also explore how companies can get involved and provide feedback during the standard setting process. Key topics and timestamps 2:24 – Cash equivalents, stablecoins, and disclosures 5:53 – Equity-linked instrument classification 10:58 – Equity method of accounting 15:52 – Debt modifications and extinguishments 22:06 – Goodwill impairment testing 25:21 – Fair value and contractual sale restrictions 26:00 – Transferable tax credits 27:34 – Business combinations and asset acquisitions 30:42 – Potential changes to the statement of cash flows 32:06 – Data infrastructure investments 33:16 – How companies can engage in FASB standard setting Additional resources Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay informed. About our guests Bret Dooley is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant who leads teams focused on the financial services sectors and accounting for financial instruments. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services, banking, and capital markets industries. In his role, Bret focuses on emerging financial reporting issues related to financial instruments, developing interpretive guidance, and assisting clients in resolving complex accounting matters. Jay Seliber is a partner in PwC’s National office. He leverages over 35 years of experience to help clients with their most complex accounting matters, particularly in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, consolidation, divestitures, revenue recognition, investments, restructurings, impairments, stock compensation, earnings per share, and financing transactions. About our guest host Angela Fergason is PwC’s standard setting leader, managing PwC’s strategy for engaging in accounting standard setting activities. A partner in PwC’s National Office, Angela is an experienced consultant on technical accounting and financial reporting matters, specializing in revenue recognition, employee compensation, and emerging issues impacting the technology industry. Transcripts Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com . Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

October 13, 202627 min

Sustainability now—Connecting strategy to business value

Sustainability strategies are evolving as companies focus on protecting margins, building resilience, and identifying opportunities for growth. We discuss how companies can drive business value by embedding sustainability into business strategy, connecting sustainability initiatives to financial outcomes, and using data to guide business decisions. Key topics and timestamps 1:31 — Embedding sustainability into business strategy 10:06 — Quantifying the financial impacts of sustainability risks and opportunities 14:19 — Climate risk, supply chain resilience, and business strategy 19:38 — Using sustainability information to inform business decisions 22:32 — AI’s sustainability impacts and responsible use For more on sustainability and business strategy, check out our Sustainability News Brief . Looking 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. About our guest Lynne Baber is PwC’s Global Sustainability Leader. She works with the PwC Global Sustainability Leadership Team to deliver PwC’s ambition to be the leading business adviser on sustainability issues, grounded in PwC’s client-centric, business-first approach. She provides support and advice to the PwC network on how to integrate sustainability factors with the broader business to both protect and create value. As well as this strategic advisory role, Lynne is PwC's Global Corporate Sustainability Leader, advancing PwC's own sustainability actions and commitments. About our host Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and 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 Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com . Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

October 6, 202638 min

Software costs and revenue recognition in the age of AI

Software and software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies are navigating accounting questions as AI technologies become part of their products and development processes. We discuss how companies can apply existing accounting guidance to new revenue recognition questions involving software licenses, SaaS, AI-enabled services, and commercial arrangements. Our guests also discuss capitalizing and classifying software development costs. Key topics and timestamps 1:47 — Software licenses versus software-as-a-service 8:36 — AI-enabled services and revenue recognition 15:37 — Reseller arrangements and principal versus agent considerations 19:50 — Customer-vendor arrangements and consideration payable to a customer 23:56 — Minimum spend commitments and performance obligations 28:00 — AI costs and software capitalization Additional resources For more information see our publications: Accounting for the cost of AI tools used in software development Revenue recognition: A Q&A guide for software and SaaS entities Software costs guide Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay informed. About our guests Angela Fergason is a partner in PwC's National Office. Her areas of specialty include revenue recognition, accounting for employee compensation arrangements, and other accounting and reporting issues impacting the technology industry. Angela is also PwC's standard setting leader, managing PwC's participation in the accounting standard setting process. Mike Coleman is a partner in PwC's National Office who specializes in accounting for revenue and software arrangements and has served technology clients for much of his career. In addition, Mike has represented the firm on the AICPA Software Task Force. About our guest host Pat Durbin is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience consulting with our clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters, including issues related to revenue, compensation, income taxes, and inventory under both US GAAP and IFRS. Transcripts Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com . Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

October 1, 202640 min

Infrastructure resilience amid geopolitical shifts and AI growth

Geopolitical shifts are reshaping infrastructure decisions as companies navigate growing demand for AI and data centers, energy constraints, global supply chain dependencies, and climate-related pressures. We discuss how these interconnected forces are creating strategic vulnerabilities and critical dependencies—and how companies can build resilience while identifying opportunities in an evolving global environment. Key topics and timestamps 1:45 — Geopolitics and infrastructure strategy 6:29 — AI, data centers, and global dependencies 11:12 — Power grid challenges and energy demand 17:59 — Identifying strategic vulnerabilities 22:47 — Balancing sustainability and energy security 29:16 — A framework for board-level risk oversight 34:04 — Turning geopolitical risk into opportunity For more details on geopolitics and infrastructure, check out these other publications: Climate Week 2026 recap: Key takeaways from the conversations happening on the ground Managing geopolitical risk in a more turbulent world — 7 things to consider 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. About our guest Craig Stronberg is the Senior Director of PwC Intelligence. He works for PwC leaders, enabling decision confidence about how geopolitics impacts business strategy and investment. He leads the geopolitical capability for PwC Intelligence, spearheading a team of analysts that provide global intelligence to key stakeholders. In addition, he is the primary geopolitical risk advisor to PwC leadership and the PwC board of directors. About our host Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and 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 Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com . Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

September 29, 202619 min

Finance teams and audit committees: Building a stronger dialogue

Finance and management teams play an important role in helping audit committees stay informed, focused, and prepared in a fast-changing business environment. We discuss how management can better support audit committee oversight through timely information, thoughtful scenario analysis, effective pre-read materials, and more forward-looking discussions—including as boards consider evolving areas such as AI, cybersecurity, geopolitical uncertainty, and regulatory change. Key topics and timestamps 2:54 — Audit committee priorities 5:15 — Scenario planning and analysis 7:01 — Effective pre-reads and meeting materials 10:10 — AI oversight and governance 13:15 — Key risks on the agenda 17:48 — Board priorities for what’s ahead Additional Resources For more on supporting effective audit committee oversight, check out these PwC publications: Board oversight of AI transformation Overseeing the external auditors Financial reporting oversight For more conversations like this one, join our Quarterly accounting webcast . Each quarter we bring together PwC specialists and prominent external guests to share diverse perspectives on the latest developments in accounting and reporting, along with timely insights to help you prepare for the reporting cycle ahead. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay informed. About our guest Laura Hay serves on the boards of MetLife [NYSE: MET], Everest Group [NYSE: EG], and Hippo Holdings [NYSE: HIPO]. She chairs the audit committees of MetLife and Everest and contributes to Audit, Risk & Finance, Tech/Cyber and Nominating & Governance Committees between the three boards. She previously served on the board of KPMG US, chairing its Compensation/Pension and Nominating Committees and contributing to Risk and Audit/Finance. About our guest host Kathy Nieland is a partner in PwC’s Governance Insights Center, where she leads governance practices for directors serving on audit committees. She has over 30 years of experience in providing assurance and advisory services to PwC clients. Her current roles also include oversight of PwC’s largest global industrial and services audit clients. Client service experience includes serving Global SEC registrants in the chemicals, manufacturing, engineering and construction, energy services, clean technology, metals, retail, and services industries. Transcripts Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com . Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

September 22, 202629 min

Back to basics: Interim tax provisions

Interim income tax accounting can be complex, but it starts with a foundational concept: estimating the annual effective tax rate (AETR). In this episode, we continue our back-to-basics series with a look at the AETR calculation, including ordinary income, discrete items, when the usual AETR approach may not apply, and interim disclosures. Key topics and timestamps 1:11 — Calculating the AETR and interim tax provision 3:54 — Forecasting ordinary income and tax expense 6:31 — Defining ordinary income 8:36 — Identifying discrete items 15:10 — AETR and discrete impacts 19:06 — Exceptions to the AETR approach 24:34 — Interim tax disclosures Additional resources This episode is part of our Back to basics series in [M(1] which we revisit core accounting topics. For more information on interim income tax provisions, see Chapter 16 of PwC’s Income taxes guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay informed. About our guests Keith Rymer is a partner in PwC’s National Office, with over 30 years of experience having advised clients in various industries on federal, international, and multi-state tax complexities that he leverages to navigate complex tax accounting matters. Kassie Bauman is a managing director in PwC’s National Office, with over 25 years of experience in both auditing and consulting on complex accounting matters. She is a subject matter specialist in accounting for income taxes under both US GAAP and IFRS. About our guest host Pat Durbin is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience consulting with our clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters, including issues related to revenue, compensation, income taxes, and inventory under both US GAAP and IFRS. Transcripts Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com . Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

September 17, 202643 min

Navigating tariff uncertainty: Refunds, enforcement, and accounting

Tariffs levied by the US government continue to evolve, creating significant implications for finance and accounting teams, from accounting for tariff refunds and staying ahead of rising enforcement activity to financial reporting and internal controls. This episode explores recent tariff developments and what a finance team should have on its radar ahead of year-end reporting season. Key topics and timestamps 1:32 — Why tariffs matter to finance teams 3:56 — IEEPA tariff refunds 6:32 — Accounting for tariff refunds 14:22 — Sections 232 and 301 19:43 — How tariff stacking works 26:32 — US-Canada trade developments 30:55 — Heightened tariff enforcement 37:13 — Year-end reporting Additional resources For more, read our in depth, Accounting implications of tariffs . Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay informed. About our guest Sharon Martin is a principal with PwC’s Customs and International Trade practice with extensive experience advising clients on both trade compliance and strategic planning related projects. Sharon has worked with clients in a variety of industries providing strategic advice on customs advisory, risk mitigation, and duty planning. About our guest host Pat Durbin is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience consulting with our clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters, including issues related to revenue, compensation, income taxes, and inventory under both US GAAP and IFRS. Transcripts Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com . Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.

September 8, 202627 min

Back to basics: Consolidation–Presentation and disclosure

To close out our four-part Back to basics discussion on consolidation accounting, we turn to presentation and disclosure. In this episode, we discuss how consolidated entities are reflected in the financial statements, the disclosure requirements for both variable interest entities (VIEs) and voting interest entities (VOEs), and what a company may need to disclose when it holds an interest in a VIE but does not consolidate it. Key topics and timestamps 2:28 – The purpose of consolidated financial statements and the guiding frameworks 6:20 – General consolidation presentation and disclosure principles 8:28 – Principles and objectives for the presentation and disclosure of variable interests in VIEs, including from the perspective of: 12:51 – A holder of variable interests in a VIE, regardless of primary beneficiary status 14:51 – A primary beneficiary of a VIE 16:47 – An entity with variable interests in VIEs for which it is not the primary beneficiary 21:05 – Presentation and disclosure for VOEs Additional resources This episode is part of our Back to basics series, where throughout the year we’ll revisit core accounting topics. This is the fourth and final episode focused on consolidation. In the first three episodes, we covered the foundations of consolidation accounting, how to determine whether an entity is a VIE, and how to identify which party, if any, should consolidate a VIE. Back to basics: Consolidation–Getting started Back to basics: Consolidation–Identifying a VIE Back to basics: Consolidation–Determining the primary beneficiary Looking for more guidance on consolidation accounting? See PwC’s Consolidation guide. For more on consolidation presentation and disclosure, see chapter 18 of our Financial statement presentation guide. Also, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop. About our guests Alexander Martin is a partner in PwC's Deals practice who specializes in helping clients solve complex accounting, financial reporting, and business issues arising from deals, structured transactions, and other transformational events. With over 15 years of experience, Alexander has deep expertise in US GAAP and SEC reporting, gained through his roles as an advisor in PwC's Deals practice, a regulator at the SEC, and most recently as a partner in PwC's National Office. Matt Sabatini is a deputy chief accountant 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. About our guest host Diana Stoltzfus is a partner in PwC’s National Office who helps to shape PwC’s perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. She is also one of the firm’s technical experts on sustainability reporting. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the OCA’s Professional Practices Group. Transcripts Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com . Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.