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The concept of a circular economy emphasizes reducing, reusing, repairing, and recycling to minimize waste and maximize resource use in the context of a planet with finite resources. And as you’ll hear in this episode, circularity is increasingly becoming a business issue, both a challenge and opportunity, that interacts with multiple sustainability topics.

This week, Heather Horn is joined by Tom Beagent, a partner in PwC UK’s Global Sustainability and Climate Change practice, to discuss the circular economy, a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear economy model.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 3:02 - The concept of a circular economy and its importance in the context of finite resources
• 7:52 - The relationship between a circular economy, net zero emissions, and biodiversity
• 9:07 - The scale of change required, and the steps involved to transition to a circular economy
• 13:18 - Examples of industries and products that would benefit the most from transitioning to a circular economy
• 19:18 - Consumer practices that fit within a circular economy
• 24:21 - Why regulators are stepping in to mandate change
• 26:40 - The business opportunities that arise from solving problems related to waste and resource use
• 28:34 - The challenge of changing consumer behavior and perceptions of abundance
• 31:58 - Reporting under the EU's ESRS E5 standard and insights from the related data

Looking 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.

Tom Beagent is a partner in PwC UK’s Global Sustainability and Climate Change practice, specializing in integrating natural and social capital analysis into decision making for sustainable growth. With over 20 years’ experience delivering sustainable business projects, he also co-developed PwC’s Total Impact Measurement and Management methodologies (TIMM), which allows organizations to measure and value the social, environmental, economic, and fiscal impacts resulting from their operations, as well as their extended value chains.

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.

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We kick off our miniseries on accounting for financing transactions with a focus on share repurchases. We provide an overview of the different methods and reasons companies may repurchase their own shares as well as the accounting implications. Spoiler alert – the type of arrangement really matters as it dictates the accounting.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 3:38 – An overview of the different methods and reasons companies repurchase shares
• 11:43 – Accounting implications depending on the method of repurchase:
  • 11:55 – Spot repurchases
  • 15:07 – 10B5-1 plans
  • 16:26 – Forward repurchases
  • 18:56 – Prepaid repurchases
  • 20:30 – Tender offers
  • 24:08 – Accelerated share repurchases
• 30:40 – Accounting for treasury stock

For more information on these topics, read chapter 9 of our Financing transactions guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.

John Horan is a managing director in PwC’s National Office where he assists clients with complex accounting issues in the areas of foreign currency, liabilities and equity, earnings per share, and derivatives and hedging. John specializes in large capital transactions and initial public offerings.

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.

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While the SEC has stayed its climate disclosure rule for now, our team is still fielding many questions as preparers work toward complying with global sustainability reporting regulations. In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with PwC National Office partners Kevin Vaughn, Diana Stoltzfus, and Valerie Wieman to break down some frequently asked questions on the SEC climate-related disclosures rules.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 2:05 - The implications of the SEC staying the new climate disclosure rules, and how the rules fit into an environment with multiple reporting frameworks
• 5:17 - The continued applicability of previously issued interpretive guidance on climate-related disclosures
• 7:05 - The scope of the SEC’s new climate disclosure rules
• 10:11 - Impacts of the disclosure rules to management certifications and internal controls
• 11:20 - Frequently asked questions from SEC filers about:
  • 11:25 - Scenario analysis
  • 13:53 - Materiality
  • 15:31 - Targets and goals
  • 21:10 - Renewable energy certificates and carbon offsets
  • 23:51 - Financial statement impacts
  • 30:26 - Severe weather events and other natural conditions
• 33:56 - Advice and action steps for preparers

Looking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards. Also, refer to the SEC staff’s Dear Issuer Letter for sample comments on a company’s climate-related disclosures.

Kevin Vaughn is a partner in PwC’s National Office. Prior to joining PwC, Kevin was senior associate chief accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where he spent almost 20 years focusing on complex financial reporting and technical accounting issues.

Valerie Wieman is a PwC National Office partner with over 30 years of experience. She helps lead the creation, development, and publication of our brand-defining thought leadership, with a focus on domestic and international sustainability requirements.

Diana Stoltzfus is a partner in the National Office. Diana helps to shape PwC’s perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings, and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. 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 Professional Practices Group within the OCA.

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.

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This episode provides an overview of new FASB income tax guidance requiring disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as income taxes paid. The FASB’s updates are intended to benefit investors by providing more detailed income tax disclosures that may be useful in making capital allocation decisions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 0:20 - Background on and an overview of the new guidance
• 6:50 - Disaggregated rate reconciliation disclosures
• 26:16 - Disaggregated income taxes paid disclosures
• 33:15 - Other changes to existing income tax disclosures
• 35:18 - Effective dates and transition

For more information, read our publication, FASB issues guidance on income tax disclosures. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.

Jennifer Spang is the PwC National Office income tax accounting leader, specializing in tax accounting under US GAAP and IFRS. She has over 30 years of experience helping companies in a variety of industries navigate complex tax accounting matters.

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.

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Companies subject to multiple sustainability reporting regulations are sorting through how best to meet each framework’s requirements in an effective and efficient manner. In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Valerie Wieman, PwC National Office Partner, to discuss the concepts of interoperability and equivalence across global sustainability reporting frameworks as well as the importance of a data-driven assessment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 2:31 - Defining the concepts of interoperability and equivalence
• 3:29 - What a “data first” approach means when it comes to preparing for compliance
• 4:51 - Overview of interoperability and equivalence in the major frameworks
• 14:00 - Timing considerations across frameworks
• 19:18 - Differences in scope and materiality among frameworks
• 24:59 - Attestation and assurance requirements across frameworks
• 31:29 - Getting started on compliance and how best to leverage interoperability opportunities

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 for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards.

Valerie Wieman is a PwC National Office partner with over 30 years of experience. She helps lead the creation, development, and publication of our brand-defining thought leadership, with a focus on domestic and international sustainability requirements.

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.

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The final episode in our lease accounting miniseries focuses on embedded leases. Although it may not be explicitly stated, your contract may contain a lease that needs to be accounted for. We cover some of the key considerations and common difficulties.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 1:35 - Embedded leases, including examples
• 7:43 - The model used to identify an embedded lease
  • 08:56 - Identified asset considerations
  • 16:52 - Control considerations
• 30:18 - Identification of lease versus non-lease components and allocation of consideration

For more information on these topics, read chapter 2 of our Leases guide. Also, check out other episodes in our miniseries covering Lease classification, "Day 2" lease accounting, and lessee accounting for real estate leases. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.

Marc Jerusalem is a PwC National Office managing director specializing in leasing. Marc consults with clients on complex lease accounting issues and is a frequent contributor to many related PwC National Office publications.

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.

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A critical step in getting ready for new sustainability reporting requirements is building a comprehensive governance framework. In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Stephen Parker and Matt DiGuiseppe of PwC’s Governance Insights Center to discuss the new regulatory environment and what it means for board members looking to discharge their oversight responsibilities effectively and management looking to get the board ready.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 2:21 - Reactions to new sustainability reporting frameworks from senior management and boards
• 6:13 - Strategies for managing the “noise” around new rules and how best to proceed despite uncertainty
• 10:43 - The need to upskill board members so that they are capable of performing their fiduciary responsibility related to oversight of sustainability processes and disclosures
• 18:43 - How management can best help the board prioritize its time given the increase in its responsibilities
• 23:15 - Whether the market has begun to consider a board candidate’s knowledge of climate during board selection processes and the level of expertise required
• 27:39 - How boards are performing their responsibilities with respect to climate information
• 33:55 - Working through the challenges of presenting sustainability information to the board given tight timelines and other reporting responsibilities
• 39:25 - Best practices for governance over sustainability matters at the board and management levels

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 for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards.

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 includes energy and utility companies, financial services companies, and nonprofits.

Matt DiGuiseppe is a managing director in PwC’s Governance Insights Center, which helps stakeholders navigate the evolving governance landscape. Matt has participated in numerous industry groups and was the founding chairperson of the Investor Stewardship Group (ISG), which advanced a set of corporate governance and stewardship principles for the US market.

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.

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In this next episode in our miniseries on lease accounting, we focus on lessee accounting for real estate leases. From lease incentives to build-to-suit arrangements and more, we cover some of the key areas that lessees should consider in accounting for real estate leases.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 03:25 - Lease incentives
• 08:23 - Distinguishing between lessee and lessor assets
• 11:28 - Accounting for lessee assets
• 13:50 - Accounting for lessor assets
• 17:20 - Determination of the lease commencement date
• 19:06 - Multiple units of account in a lease
• 21:51 - Build-to-suit arrangements

For more information on these topics, read chapters 3, 6, and 8 of our Leases guide. Also, check out other episodes in our miniseries covering lease classification and “day 2” lease accounting. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for more episodes.

Suzanne Stephani is a director in PwC’s National Office specializing in the statement of cash flows, as well as the application and interpretation of the accounting guidance related to financing and leasing transactions.

Marc Jerusalem is a PwC National Office managing director specializing in leasing. Marc consults with clients on complex lease accounting issues and is a frequent contributor to many related PwC National Office publications.

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.