Pwc's Cfodirect Podcast

AI infrastructure investment is accelerating as growing demand for data centers drives the need for expanded power generation, construction capacity, and critical equipment. We discuss the challenges companies face in bringing these projects online, including power availability, supply chain and workforce constraints, permitting, financing, and community considerations. We also explore how companies are adapting through new partnerships and delivery models and what these developments mean for business strategy, capital investment, and risk management.Key topics and timestamps3:40 — AI infrastructure investment and growing demand7:18 — Power and supply chain constraints14:46 — What it takes to build data centers19:45 — New partnerships and delivery models32:16 — Site selection and workforce challenges39:39 — Community impacts and considerations44:41 — Financing and investment risks51:39 — What infrastructure constraints mean for businessesAdditional resourcesFor more, explore these related resources:The full-s

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 priorities14:04 – PCAOB strategy and stakeholder engagement17:30 – Standard setting—independence, fraud, and NOCLAR22:48 – AI and technology in auditing27:35 – Modernizing PCAOB inspectionsAdditional resourcesFollow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop. About our guestBrian 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

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 timestamps1:27 — From corporate values to business value6:11 — Building stakeholder trust through responsible business practices9:30 — Aligning sustainability priorities with business strategy12:03 — Using double materiality to identify risks and opportunities14:12 — Putting sustainable finance into practice167:11 — Applying sustainability capabilities to emerging risks, including responsible AIAdditional resourcesFollow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly

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 timestamps2:24 – Cash equivalents, stablecoins, and disclosures5:53 – Equity-linked instrument classification10:58 – Equity method of accounting15:52 – Debt modifications and extinguishments22:06 – Goodwill impairment testing25:21 – Fair value and contractual sale restrictions26:00 – Transferable tax credits27:34 – Business combinations and asset acquisitions30:42 – Potential changes to the statement of cash flows32:06 – Data infrastructure investments33:16 – How companies can engage in FASB standard settingAdditional resourcesFollow this podcast on your favorite podc

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 timestamps1:31 — Embedding sustainability into business strategy10:06 — Quantifying the financial impacts of sustainability risks and opportunities14:19 — Climate risk, supply chain resilience, and business strategy19:38 — Using sustainability information to inform business decisions22:32 — AI’s sustainability impacts and responsible useFor 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 guestLynne Baber is PwC’s Global Sustainabilit

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 timestamps1:47 — Software licenses versus software-as-a-service8:36 — AI-enabled services and revenue recognition15:37 — Reseller arrangements and principal versus agent considerations19:50 — Customer-vendor arrangements and consideration payable to a customer23:56 — Minimum spend commitments and performance obligations28:00 — AI costs and software capitalizationAdditional resourcesFor more information see our publication, Revenue recognition: A Q&A guide for software and SaaS entities and our Software costs guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite p

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 timestamps1:45 — 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 oversight34:04 — Turning geopolitical risk into opportunityFor more details on geopolitics and infrastructure, check out these other publications:Climate Week 2026 recap: Key takeaways from the conversations happening on the groundManaging geopolitical risk in a more turbulent world — 7 things t

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 timestamps2:54 — Audit committee priorities5:15 — 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 aheadAdditional ResourcesFor more on supporting effective audit committee oversight, check out these PwC publications:Board oversight of AI transformationOverseeing the external auditorsFinancial reporting oversightFor more conversations like this one, join our Quarterly accounting webcast. Each quart

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 timestamps1:11 — Calculating the AETR and interim tax provision3:54 — Forecasting ordinary income and tax expense6:31 — Defining ordinary income8:36 — Identifying discrete items 15:10 — AETR and discrete impacts19:06 — Exceptions to the AETR approach24:34 — Interim tax disclosuresAdditional resourcesThis 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 guestsKeith Rymer is a partner in PwC’s

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 timestamps1:32 — Why tariffs matter to finance teams3:56 — IEEPA tariff refunds6:32 — Accounting for tariff refunds14:22 — Sections 232 and 30119:43 — How tariff stacking works26:32 — US-Canada trade developments30:55 — Heightened tariff enforcement37:13 — Year-end reportingAdditional resourcesFor 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 guestSharon Martin is a principal with PwC’s Customs and International Trade practice with extensive experience advising clients on b

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 timestamps2:28 – The purpose of consolidated financial statements and the guiding frameworks6:20 – General consolidation presentation and disclosure principles8:28 – 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 status14:51 – A primary beneficiary of a VIE16:47 – An entity with variable interests in VIEs for which it is not the primary beneficiary21:05 – Presentation and disclosure for VOEsAdditional resourcesT

We’re continuing our refresher series on consolidation accounting. In this episode, learn how to determine which party, if any, should consolidate a variable interest entity (VIE). We explore key considerations for identifying a VIE’s primary beneficiary, including assessing power over the entity’s most significant activities, evaluating economic exposure, and considering related-party interests.This episode is part of our new Back to basics series, where throughout the year, we’ll revisit core accounting topics. It is the third of four episodes on consolidation. In our first episode, Back to basics: Consolidation—Getting started, we laid the foundation for consolidation accounting. In the second episode, Back to basics: Consolidation-Identifying a VIE, we took a deeper look at how to determine whether an entity is a VIE. Stay tuned for our fourth and final episode on consolidation presentation and disclosure considerations.Looking for more guidance on consolidation accounting? See PwC’s Consolidation guide.

Get a refresher on consolidation accounting with a deeper look at how to determine whether an entity is a variable interest entity (VIE). We cover key considerations, including understanding the entity’s purpose and design, identifying variable interests and equity at risk, and evaluating the characteristics used to determine whether an entity is a VIE.This episode is part of our new Back to basics series, where throughout the year, we’ll revisit core accounting topics. It is the second of four episodes on consolidation. In our first episode, Back to basics: Consolidation—Getting started, we laid the foundation for consolidation accounting. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes covering how to determine which party, if any, should consolidate a VIE, followed by an episode on presentation and disclosure considerations.Looking for more guidance on consolidation accounting? See PwC’s Consolidation guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in t

Get a refresher on consolidation accounting, including an overview of the consolidation framework, the variable interest entity (VIE) and voting interest entity (VOE) models, and key scope considerations. This episode is part of our new Back to Basics series that revisits core accounting topics.This episode lays the foundation for our next three Back to basics episodes on consolidation. We’ll take a deeper look at identifying a VIE, determining which party, if any, should consolidate it, and consolidation presentation and disclosure. Stay tuned as the remaining episodes are released over the next two weeks.Looking for more guidance on consolidation accounting? See PwC’s Consolidation guide. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestsMatt 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.

Environmental credits accounting is changing with the introduction of ASC 818. New FASB guidance establishes a consistent accounting model for environmental credits and related obligations, addressing recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure. This episode explores key aspects of the new standard, ASC 818, including the intent-based recognition model, accounting for voluntary versus compliance credits, environmental credit obligations, and considerations for adoption.For more, see our publication Environmental credits accounting: FASB issues new standard and chapter 7 of PwC’s Property, plant, equipment and other assets guide.Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestsMichael Pratt is a partner in PwC's National Office, working on sustainability methodology and thought leadership. His background is in the power and utility sector where he works with companies helping to shape the evolution of how we produce and

GHG Protocol updates are reshaping the outlook for GHG reporting, including a move toward a consolidated corporate standard, with an exposure draft expected in 2027 and a final standard planned for 2028. This episode covers the updated roadmap and developments related to scope 2, scope 3, book-and-claim market instruments, the Land Sector and Removals Standard, and California SB 253, as well as steps companies can take now as these requirements and proposals continue to evolve.For more on GHG emissions reporting, see chapter 7 of our Sustainability reporting guide and the GHG Protocol’s GHG Protocol Corporate Suite of Standards and Guidance Update Process for the latest proposals and working group materials. For more information on California’s SB 253, see our publication, California SB 253—CARB rulemaking for 2027 and beyond.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 gue

New cybersecurity audit requirements under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) establish a recurring, independent assessment of certain organizations’ cybersecurity programs, with the first audit period beginning January 1, 2027. We discuss which organizations may be subject to the requirements, key considerations on audit scope and independence, and how existing cybersecurity, risk, and assurance activities can support readiness.For more on California’s cybersecurity audit requirements, see our publication Privacy becomes a cybersecurity imperative under California’s audit rule.Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay informed.About our guestsMark Cornish is a partner at PwC who provides assurance and consulting services to global and regional clients within the financial services industry. He is recognized for his experience in complex third-party assurance reporting, internal controls, and risk and compliance matters. His areas of expertise incl

Certain non-EU groups may not be in scope of ESRS but will need to comply with new EU reporting standards that are under development now (draft ESRS-40a). Reporting will begin with financial year 2028 for reporting in 2029. This episode examines the proposed scope and reporting choices in the draft 40a standards, including the focus on material impacts and the option to limit certain disclosures to EU-related impacts. We also share insights on steps companies can take now as the standards are being developed.For more on the proposed EFRS-40a standards, see our publication ESRS-40a—EFRAG proposes standards for non-EU groups.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 guestDiana 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

The revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS (2026)) introduce significant revisions, simplifications, clarifications, and new reporting reliefs for companies reporting—or preparing to report—under the CSRD. This episode discusses the European Commission’s July 2026 revisions, including changes to the materiality assessment, more flexibility to entities in relation to GHG emissions reporting, anticipated financial effects, and phase-in provisions. It also explains the reporting choices and reliefs available.For more on the revised ESRS, see our publication ESRS (2026)—a deep dive into the revised standards.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 guestsKatie Woods is a senior director in PwC's Global Corporate Reporting Services - Sustainability group advising on sustainability and international accounting standards. Katie specializes in the new an

SEC reporting and regulatory developments continue to move quickly. Proposals addressing semiannual reporting, filer status, and registered offerings could significantly affect public company reporting, internal control requirements, and capital-raising transactions, with further SEC rulemaking still expected. We provide an overview of these developments and where they stand, including investor and preparer reactions. We also examine current SEC staff comment letter trends arising from filing reviews.For a deeper dive into the SEC’s semiannual reporting proposal, listen to our previous podcast episode, SEC semiannual reporting proposal: Cutting quarters, not corners, or read our publication, SEC proposes optional semiannual reporting framework. For more information on other SEC rulemaking discussed in this episode, see SEC proposes major filer status overhaul and SEC registered offering reform: capital raising impacts.Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to s