Accounting Matters
140 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 62 ratingsAccounting Matters lives up to its title, covering vital accounting topics that actually matter to professionals in the accounting trenches. We start with a new topic and definition every episode, then highlight and discuss the key areas, from evaluation to reporting. Accounting Matters is hosted by public accounting veterans Adam Olsen & Nicole Harger from advisory firm Embark.
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Episodes
To Fair Value or Not to Fair Value? That Is the Question.
October 24, 2022 07:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBYou didn’t think we were done with fair value after our “Fair & Square – Accounting for Fair Value Measurements” episode, did you? Au Contraire, Mon Frere. Now, Embarkers Adam Olsen, Zac Smith, and Matt Schwartz are cranking it up to 11 by bringing ASC 825 and accounting for fair value options into the mix. So get comfy because some primo insights and best practices are heading your way. For more information on fair value and related topics: ASC 825–Financial Instruments ASC 820–...
Accounting for Temporary Equity – Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
October 11, 2022 15:00 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBWhile temporary – or mezzanine – equity isn’t exactly fodder for salacious headlines, it’s still an important topic for SEC registrants (and certain private businesses). But what exactly is it? And what does the guidance in ASC 480 say about these ‘tweener redeemables? That’s exactly what Embarkers Adam Olsen, Zac Smith, and Michael Landers discuss in this episode of our Accounting Matters podcast. So join us! For more information on accounting for temporary equity and related topi...
It’s a Liability, It’s Equity, It’s ASC 480 (Part 2)
September 27, 2022 07:00 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBWrapping up our two-part discussion on ASC 480 and debt vs. equity capitalization, Embarkers Adam Olsen, Zac Smith, and Nicole Harger roll up their sleeves for an in-depth conversation on the three distinct instrument classes in the guidance. Have questions about redeemable financial instruments, repurchase obligations, or obligations to issue a variable number of shares? Then you came to the right place! So dig in! For more information on ASC 480 and related topics: ASC 480–Disti...
It’s a Liability, It’s Equity, It’s ASC 480 (Part 1)
September 12, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 29.8 MBJoin Embarkers Adam Olsen, Zac Smith, and Julie Avellanet for a peek into the complicated, often error-prone world of ASC 480 and reporting on debt vs. equity capitalization. We’ll break down the many moving parts involved, what the guidance specifically addresses, and discuss ASC 480’s general requirements. Whether you’re a go-getter startup or a grizzled veteran of an organization, ASC 480 is relevant, essential, and complex. So pull up a seat and join in on the convo! For more i...
The Scoop on Valuations, Pt. 1: ASC 805 and You
August 29, 2022 06:00 - 25 minutes - 20.8 MBJoin Embarkers Adam Olsen, Will Carroll, and John Erickson as they dive into ASC 805 and all things business combinations. Want to learn how business combos differ from asset transactions? Or are you looking for some useful insights and tips on points like consideration, allocation, reconciliation, and implications to stay aware of? Then find a quiet spot and turn up the volume because they’re heading your way! For more information on valuation, business combinations, and related t...
Fair & Square – Accounting for Fair Value Measurements
August 15, 2022 07:00 - 38 minutes - 36.6 MBJoin Embarkers Adam Olsen and Matt Schwartz for a discussion on fair value measurements in this episode of Accounting Matters. Sure, it doesn’t often make headlines, but fair value is oh-so important to the balance sheet, financial reporting as a whole, and the accurate, transparent information investors need. If you’re looking for insights, maybe even some best practices, on accounting for fair value measurements, you’ve come to the right place. For more information on accounting ...
Accounting for Profit Interest Awards 2: Navigating the GAAP Highway
August 01, 2022 07:00 - 22 minutes - 17.7 MBJoin Embarkers Adam Olsen, Zac Smith, and Nicole Harger for this second episode of the Accounting Matters podcast on accounting for profit interest awards. This go around, we take a look at the differences between the relevant guidance – ASC 710 and 718 – where and when each might apply, as well as a few best practices for good measure. For more information on accounting for profit interest awards and compensation: Best Practices for Choosing & Maintaining a Stock Comp Plan ASC 7...
Accounting for Profit Interest Awards: Ensure Your Good Deed Goes Unpunished
July 18, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 21.5 MBIn this episode of Accounting Matters, Embarkers Adam Olsen, Zac Smith, and Nicole Harger discuss accounting for profit interest awards, what GAAP has to say about them, and why they’re gaining in popularity these days. Done right and profit interest awards can be a win-win. Done wrong and they’re an accounting standards migraine waiting to happen…so listen closely! For more information on accounting for profit interest awards and compensation: Best Practices for Choosing & Mainta...
Accounting for Stock Warrants – Not As Scary As You Might Think
June 27, 2022 07:00 - 36 minutes - 41.8 MBJoin us for a demystifying episode of the Accounting Matters podcast as Embarkers Adam Olsen, Zac Smith, and Julie Avellanet take a closer look at accounting for stock warrants. Yes, warrants can be a bit confusing at first glance, even for veteran accountants. But as you’ll find out, their bark is usually worse than their bite. For more information on warrants and equity accounting: ASC 718: Compensation–Stock Compensation Equity Accounting Transaction Considerations and Other C...
Embark’s ESG Series: Social & Governance
May 23, 2022 07:00 - 34 minutes - 40.6 MBThe S&G sides of ESG – social & governance – might not get the same headlines as that E, but wield just as mighty a sword as their environmental cousin. So join Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, Robby Sundberg, Fabian Garavito, and Caroline Willet for a closer look at these less-heralded but oh-so-important parts of your organization’s ESG strategy. For more information on ESG: Why ESG Is So Important to Your Organization's Future SEC: Modernization of Regulation S-K Item...
New Rules for SPACs – Fresh Looks for an Old Friend?
May 16, 2022 07:00 - 30 minutes - 36 MBJoin Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, Chase Anderson, and Jana Gregory for a look at the current SPAC market, where it’s been trending lately, and how the proposed disclosure requirements from the SEC would impact reporting at the IPO and de-SPAC stages. For more information on SPACs: SPACs: What's a Special Purpose Acquisition Company? Proposed SEC SPAC Disclosure Rules Connect with Embark on: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook YouTube Listen to Accounting Matte...
Embark’s ESG Series: Environmental, Part 2
May 09, 2022 07:00 - 26 minutes - 31.9 MBJoin Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, Caroline Willet, and Robby Sundberg for a deeper dive into the SEC’s proposed rules regarding ESG, existing reporting frameworks and guidelines, and a look at non-emission related ESG reporting matters as well. For more information on ESG: Why ESG Is So Important to Your Organization's Future SEC Response to Climate and ESG Risks and Opportunities Proposed SEC ESG Rule Connect with Embark on: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook...
Embark’s ESG Series: Environmental, Part 1
April 25, 2022 07:00 - 14 minutes - 16.1 MBJoin Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, Caroline Willet, and Fabian Garavito for a dive into the “E” in ESG – environmental. It’s a new reality for organizations, one where metrics on greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability initiatives step into the reporting spotlight, making this episode a must-listen for companies strategizing their ESG future. For more information on ESG: Why ESG Is So Important to Your Organization's Future SEC Response to Climate and ESG Risks an...
ASU 2020-06: Your Accounting for Convertible Instruments BFF
April 19, 2022 07:00 - 28 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this bonus episode of our Accounting Matters podcast, Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, and Nicole Harger shine a spotlight on ASU 2020-06, discussing how and why it’s less complex than the previous guidance, as well as some adoption best practices for public and private companies. For more information on accounting for convertible instruments: ASU 2020-06: Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity Accounting for Convertible Instru...
Embark’s ESG Series, Part 1: What’s ESG and Why Should You Care?
April 11, 2022 19:17 - 25 minutes - 25.3 MBIn this first episode of our podcast series on all things ESG, Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, Robby Sundberg, and Fabian Garavito define the much-discussed acronym and, more importantly, why it’s going to be such a critical part of operations and reporting going forward. For more information on ESG: Why ESG Is So Important to Your Organization's Future SEC Response to Climate and ESG Risks and Opportunities Proposed SEC ESG Rule Connect with Embark on: LinkedIn Ins...
Embark’s IPO Series, Part 5: After the IPO – What’s Next?
March 28, 2022 15:07 - 37 minutes - 38.7 MBIn this fifth and final episode of our IPO series, Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, and Chase Anderson shine a spotlight on an aspect of going public that too many companies take for granted – life after your IPO. Remember, the IPO process comes and goes, but public entity status is forever – in most cases. So join our team as we discuss critical post-IPO topics like: Periodic reporting requirements for PBEs Filer types and deadlines 8-K requirements Earnings guidance ...
Embark’s IPO Series, Part 4: Beyond the Financials – Other Registration Statement Matters
March 14, 2022 07:00 - 30 minutes - 30.3 MBThere’s a whole other set of SEC requirements beyond your financial statements when going public, and they can be a real doozy if you’re not well-prepared going in. That’s why Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, and Tyler Stage focused their attention on everything registration statement-related in this 4th episode of our IPO series, discussing critical topics like: What a registration statement entails Drafting and filing your registration statement The SEC review and comm...
Embark’s IPO Series, Part 3: Crunching the Numbers – Reporting Requirements & Issues
February 28, 2022 08:00 - 41 minutes - 42.2 MBThere’s a reason financial statement requirements are one of the most challenging undertakings on the road to an IPO – there’s a lot to them. A LOT. But have no fear because in this third part of our IPO series, Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, and Jana Gregory roll up their sleeves for an in-depth conversation on the who, what, where, when, and why behind IPO financial statement requirements, including: Determining your financial statement requirements Defining and ident...
Embark’s IPO Series, Part 2: Are You Ready? A Spotlight on IPO Readiness
February 14, 2022 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22 MBPreparing for an IPO goes miles past ‘dotting every i and crossing every t.’ Or at least it should. Because the road to IPOville is full of twists, turns, potholes, and detours, a notion we discuss at length in this second episode of our IPO series. So join Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, and Jason Larkin for a discussion on all things IPO readiness and ensuring your organization is ready for those bright public entity lights. For more information on IPO readiness and rel...
Embark’s IPO Series, Part 1: Get to Know the IPO
January 31, 2022 08:00 - 32 minutes - 25.7 MBThe IPO is one of the biggest, brightest, brashest stars in the financial galaxy, the fodder for countless movies, books, op-ed pieces, and confused grimaces. It’s that last one we’re targeting with this first of five episodes in our IPO series, where Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, Jason Larkin, Chase Anderson, and Jana Gregory walk you through an IPO overview, discussing the basics every business must know before setting sail on the public entity seas. What is an IPO? W...
Demystifying the Cash Flow Statement: Be Not Afraid
January 17, 2022 07:00 - 29 minutes - 27.1 MBShow notes: Usually overshadowed by its financial statement siblings – and often misunderstood – the cash flow statement serves as an essential bridge between your balance sheet and income statement. But it can also be an incredibly useful tool in gauging your company’s financial well-being and capital needs. So join Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage-Richter, and Julie Avellanet as they walk you through the cash flow statement, the guidance in ASC 230, and some preparation best practices. F...
Accounting for Shiny New Software, Cloud, and Website Tech Costs
January 03, 2022 08:00 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MBIt’s great that your company bought a bunch of new tech that’s going to drive your business forward. Accounting for the tech costs isn’t always great, though. Or fun. So to save you some headaches, join us for this episode of the Accounting Matters podcast as Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage-Richter, and Julie Avellanet walk you through the sometimes labyrinth-like guidance around this important topic. For more information on accounting for software costs, cloud computing, and webs...
Assets Held for Sale: Accounting for Your Blue-Light Special
December 13, 2021 08:00 - 37 minutes - 42.8 MBWe’re in a holiday shopping groove right now, so there’s no better topic than accounting for assets held for sale. So join Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage-Richter, and Nicole Harger for a look at what GAAP has to say about your accounting when you're having a red-tag sale on an asset or disposal group. For more information on accounting for assets held for sale: ASC 360 Connect with Embark on: LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook YouTube Listen to Accounting Matters on Appl...
Stock-Based Compensation Part 2: Sweat the ASC 718 Details
November 29, 2021 00:00 - 26 minutes - 30.9 MBVesting schedules, expense recognition, financial reporting, software solutions, and so much more – there are a lot of nooks and crannies in stock comp accounting. That’s why Embark’s team of specialists – Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, and James Durrenburger – continue the conversation with a closer look at the finer details of this perpetually essential topic with a blockbuster sequel episode. For more information on lease modifications and remeasurements under stock-based compe...
Stock-Based Compensation Part 1: An Overview – Happy People, Compliant Financials
November 15, 2021 00:00 - 26 minutes - 30.3 MBWe all know why companies use stock-based compensation – to supercharge their talent strategy and incentivize performance and loyalty. But as Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, and James Durrenburger discuss in this first episode of a two-part series, there are a few areas that can make accounting for them pretty tricky, including: Which stock-based arrangements fall under the scope of the guidance in ASC 718? Measuring the awards using the fair-value based method Vesting ...
ASC 842 Lease Modifications & Remeasurements: No Time to Rest Post-Adoption
October 31, 2021 23:00 - 35 minutes - 40.5 MBReady to bid good riddance to ASC 842 after adoption? Not so fast, our friend. With possibly never-ending – literally – lease modifications and remeasurements, 842 is in no way a ‘set it and forget it’ standard. So join Embarkers Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, and Nicole Harger for a closer look at what post-adoption ASC 842 compliance might look like for your company and team. For more information on lease modifications and remeasurements under ASC 842: Insights & Best Practices...
IPO Accounting & Reporting: Common Potholes, Detours & Road Hazards
October 17, 2021 23:00 - 40 minutes - 46.5 MBWhether you’re following a traditional path or an alternative one like a SPAC, the IPO road is filled with twists, turns, and new responsibilities, especially around accounting and reporting. So join hosts Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, and Embark’s Dallas Market President Jason Larkin for an overview of some of the more complex and challenging areas you should prepare for, including: Segment reporting Earnings per share (EPS) Non-GAAP measures Management discussion and analysi...
Contingent Consideration: Striking a Deal on Future Performance
October 10, 2021 23:00 - 39 minutes - 32 MBWhen buyers and sellers don’t completely see eye-to-eye about future performance – and the purchase price – at closing, contingent consideration can save the day. However, accounting for it is another matter. So join hosts Adam Olsen, Sarah Cage Richter, and Embark resident guru Nicole Harger for a discussion on earnouts, where they cover areas like: What is contingent consideration? Common types of contingent consideration Advantages and disadvantages of earn-outs for buyers and...
Lessor Accounting Isn't Always Lesser Accounting
October 03, 2021 23:00 - 39 minutes - 44.8 MBLessors have feelings, too. It’s hard to tell, though, at least with all of the attention lessees receive in the ASC 842 fervor. But we’re bucking trends in this episode of Accounting Matters, where co-hosts Adam Olsen and Sarah Cage Richter are joined by Embark’s National Quality Senior Manager Julie Avellanet for a hearty discussion on lessor considerations under the new lease accounting standard, covering topics like: Lease classification tests and areas where prior classificati...
Accounting for Goodwill: Past, Present, and Future
September 27, 2021 14:51 - 41 minutes - 47.8 MBWhat exactly is goodwill? Depends on who you ask. US GAAP certainly has an opinion on goodwill and accounting for its impairment, one that continues to evolve. Given how relevant the topic is these days, we figured it’d be best for our Accounting Matters hosts, Adam Olsen and Sarah Cage Richter, to sit down with one of Embark’s resident gurus, Jason Larkin, to take a closer look at goodwill impairment, hitting on areas like: What exactly is goodwill Performing the qualitative or q...
Trigger Warning: Non-Financial Asset Impairments
September 19, 2021 23:00 - 28 minutes - 32.2 MBPPE, right-of-use assets, intangibles, goodwill – we could go on but you get the idea. The vocabulary behind non-financial asset impairments is almost as expansive as the topic itself. So where do you even begin accounting for all it? And how? That’s the focus of this episode of Accounting Matters, where hosts Adam Olsen and Sarah Cage Richter are once again joined by fellow Embarker Jason Larkin to answer critical questions like: What is a non-financial asset? Which impairment mo...
Carve-Out Financial Statements: Whittling Through the Complexities
September 12, 2021 23:00 - 44 minutes - 50.6 MBIf you’re looking for insights – or even a definition – on carve-out financial statements, don’t look to US GAAP because it’s slim pickings. That’s why there’s so much head scratching around carve-outs, which probably isn’t great if you have a transaction on the horizon. So join us as we welcome Embarker extraordinaire Chase Anderson for a deeper look into this oft-misunderstood but oh-so important accounting topic, discussing areas like: What are carve-outs and what are they used ...
Embedded Leases: Are They Hiding in Your Contracts?
September 05, 2021 23:00 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBPrivate companies are getting closer and closer (2022!) to the adoption deadline for the new lease accounting standard, ASC 842. That’s why we sat down with one of Embark’s lease accounting gurus, Ty Cotter, to discuss embedded leases in this episode of Accounting Matters, hitting on topics like: Why embedded leases matter under the new leasing standard Common contract types that may contain lease components The definition of a lease under ASC 842 Accounting for lease and non-le...
Segment Reporting
August 29, 2021 23:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBSegment reporting is an inevitable accounting hurdle all companies must clear before going public, not to mention an ongoing maintenance and evaluation requirement for post-IPO organizations. That’s why we sat down with special Embarker guest Jason Larkin for a high-level discussion on this perpetually relevant subject, covering topics like: The who, what, where, when, and why of segment reporting Identification of operating segments and determination of reportable segments Requi...
Business Combinations vs. Asset Acquisitions
August 23, 2021 17:43 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBBusiness combinations and asset acquisitions aren’t a tomayto-tomahto situation. This week, we expand on our previous episode on Business Combinations by sitting down with fellow Embarkers Mack Martinez and Krista Holland to discuss the critical differences between the transaction types, including: Applying the “screen” test and definition of a business Recognizing and measuring asset acquisitions under the cost accumulation model Identifying key areas where accounting difference...
SPACs
August 15, 2021 23:00 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBEven though SPACs seem to be everywhere these days, there’s still a lot of confusion over certain aspects of accounting for them. That’s why we sat down with fellow Embarker Sam Sorenson for a discussion on what SPACs require from accounting teams, including: SPACs 101: History and the recent hype Overview of the SPAC lifecycle Common accounting and financial reporting issues for the target business Target business audit considerations Ongoing SEC requirements And more! For m...
CECL (Current Expected Credit Loss)
August 08, 2021 23:00 - 39 minutes - 35.9 MBThe changes to the accounting for credit losses are some of the most significant we’ve seen in decades. In this episode, Accounting Matters discusses what the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model involves and the high-level areas you need to stay aware of if you haven’t adopted the standard yet (we’re talking to you, private companies), including: Who is impacted by CECL What the CECL model might mean for your company And be sure to stick around for a conversation with our s...
Business Combinations
August 01, 2021 23:00 - 41 minutes - 38 MBThe accounting standard on Business Combinations, ASC 805, is one of the most complex and wide-ranging. This episode of Accounting Matters takes a look at this guidance and discusses the most important takeaways, including: What is considered a business Determining who acquired who and when Mechanics of the purchase price allocation Contingent consideration arrangements And more! For more information on Business Combinations: What You Need to Know About the Updates in ASC 805...
Going Concern
July 26, 2021 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MBGoing concern is at the forefront of the accounting and finance worlds these days – and for good reason. This week, Accounting Matters covers the basics of going concern, why it’s so relevant today, and walks through key areas, including: Management assessments Substantial doubt Going concern disclosures Auditor’s considerations For more information on going concern: https://www.fasb.org/resources/ccurl/599/128/ASU%202014-15.pdf Connect with Embark on: LinkedIn Instagram T...
Welcome to Accounting Matters
July 19, 2021 21:40 - 2 minutes - 1.99 MBWhat matters most to accountants and financial leadership these days? That’s Accounting Matters – a weekly discussion on today’s most significant accounting topics. So get to know our hosts, Adam Olsen and Nicole Harger from advisory firm Embark, and what you can expect from this weekly plunge into a new, essential accounting topic. Embark's website LinkedIn Instagram Twitter Facebook Listen to Accounting Matters on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Spotify.