Accounting Matters

Understanding DISE is one thing. Actually producing the disclosure every quarter is another. In the final episode of their three-part series, Embark's Nicole Harger and Adam Olsen are joined by David Bushby, who brings real-world perspective from working directly with public companies on DISE implementation. If your team is asking "where do we even start," this episode is the answer.In this episode:How to conduct a readiness assessment and gap analysis before your 2027 effective dateWho needs to be in the room: why finance, IT, HR, procurement, and operations all have a roleKey decisions to make early: cost-incurred vs. expense-incurred, selling expense definition, and voluntary disclosuresSystems and data challenges: fragmented ERPs, the retail inventory method, cost pools, and how to use estimates responsiblyInternal controls for a new disclosure: what needs to be in place before your first filingHow DISE interacts with segment reporting under ASC 280 and what to address in MD&AIndustry-specific pain points for retail, consumer products, manufacturing, life sciences, and techSix practical tips for first-year adoption, including why running a pilot in 2026 could save you significant headaches

If Episode 1 covered the "why" behind DISE, Episode 2 is where theory meets practice. Embark's Nicole Harger and Adam Olsen get into the technical details of all five required natural expense categories, working through the tricky classification questions companies are already bringing to their teams. This is the episode to bookmark when your client asks, "But where exactly does that go?"In this episode:The difference between natural and functional expense classification, and why it matters for your disclosurePurchases of inventory: what's included, what's excluded, and how intercompany transactions and inbound freight factor inCost-incurred vs. expense-incurred basis: what each means and why most companies will elect cost-incurredEmployee compensation: the ASC 718 definition of "employee," how to handle contractors and leased workers, and a practical approach to mixed workforcesDepreciation and intangible asset amortization: how to handle finance lease ROU assets, internal-use software, and the costs that look like amortization but aren'tDD&A for extractive industries, plus special considerations for asset-related costs, liability-related expenses, and reimbursement arrangementsHow to define selling expenses for your business, and why that definition has to hold up over time

The FASB just issued new guidance that will fundamentally change how public companies communicate about their cost structure. In the first episode of a three-part series, Embark's Nicole Harger and Adam Olsen break down ASU 2024-03, the Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (DISE) standard, and why companies need to start preparing now, even with a 2027 effective date on the horizon.This episode covers the foundation: the investor demand driving the standard, who it applies to, and what "relevant expense captions" actually mean for your financial reporting.In this episode:Why the FASB issued DISE and how it fits into a broader expense transparency initiative (alongside ASU 2023-07 and ASU 2023-09)Who is in scope: all public business entities, including broker-dealers, IPO-stage companies, and private companies whose financials appear in SEC filingsEffective dates: annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026; interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027What goes into the tabular footnote disclosure, including the five required natural expense categoriesHow to identify relevant expense captions, and the key exceptions and practical expedients that offer some relief

Collaboration arrangements are becoming more common across industries, from biotech partnerships to platform-sharing in tech. But when it comes to accounting, things get complicated fast.In this episode of Accounting Matters, Nicole Harger and Adam Olsen explore how to navigate ASC 808 and ASC 606. They cover:What qualifies as a collaborative arrangementHow to determine if (and when) ASC 606 appliesReal-world examples involving IP licenses, cost-sharing, and milestone paymentsThe role of customer relationships in collaboration agreementsDisclosure expectations and SEC hot buttonsCommon pitfalls and best practicesWhether you’re structuring a new deal or reviewing an existing one, this episode offers a practical roadmap to get the accounting right.

Join hosts Nicole Harger and Adam Olsen as they explore the intricacies of accounting for R&D costs. This episode covers the current U.S. GAAP treatment, challenges in the life sciences sector, and differences with IFRS. Discover potential changes from FASB and gain insights into how these accounting principles impact financial statements across industries. Perfect for professionals navigating the evolving landscape of R&D accounting.

In this episode of "Accounting Matters," hosts Nicole Harger and Adam Olsen explore the FASB's 2025 agenda, highlighting key projects aimed at modernizing financial reporting standards. They discuss the proposed overhaul of software cost accounting, the introduction of a framework for environmental credit programs, and long-awaited guidance on accounting for government grants. These initiatives reflect a shift towards greater transparency and decision-usefulness in financial statements, addressing real-world challenges faced by companies today. Tune in to understand how these changes could impact your organization's financial reporting practices.

Join hosts Nicole Harger and Adam Olsen as they explore the complex world of tariffs in this episode of Accounting Matters. Discover how global trade policies and tariffs are reshaping financial statements, supply chains, and pricing strategies. From the hardest-hit industries to strategic mitigation tactics, this episode provides valuable insights for navigating today's dynamic trade environment. Packed with in-depth analysis, it equips you with the knowledge to stay ahead in the financial landscape.

Join hosts Adam Olsen and Allison Bradshaw as they break down the EU's proposed Omnibus package in this episode of Accounting Matters. They explore the evolving landscape of sustainability reporting, including SEC climate rules, state regulations, and ISSB standards. Discover how these changes impact CSRD obligations, scoping, timing, and assurance requirements. Packed with insights, this episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate the future of sustainability reporting.

Join hosts Nicole Harger and Adam Olsen as they break down the key takeaways from the 2024 AICPA & CIMA Conference on Current SEC & PCAOB Developments! In this episode, they dive deep into the latest shifts in SEC & FASB priorities, the rising impact of AI on the accounting industry, and the evolving landscape of ESG reporting. Packed with expert analysis and actionable insights, we provide you with everything you need to stay ahead in accounting and finance.

Coming to you live from Workiva Amplify! Join your hosts Adam and Allison as they dive into the recent EFRAG study unpacking key findings from companies navigating their early implementation of the EU's CSRD.EFRAG Study on Early Implementation of ESRS

Your AM Now hosts Adam Olsen and Matt Fisser are back to bring you what’s happening in accounting and finance, including stories on:The FASB’s proposed ASU on the scope of derivative accounting and share-based payments from customers.The IASB’s recently completed review of IFRS 15 and IFRS for SMEs Accounting Standard along with some final decisions on their rate-regulated activities project.The recently released Exposure Draft proposing amendments to IFRS 19, Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: DisclosuresThe proposed inclusion of illustrative examples in the IFRS standards to enhance the reporting of climate-related and other uncertainties in financial statements.The recently released set of FAQs from the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to help companies in applying their standards.For more on this week’s topics:Proposed Accounting Standards Update, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)IFRS, Rate-Regulated ActivitiesIFRS Exposure Draft, Amendments to IFRS 19 Subsidiaries without Public Accountability: DisclosuresIFRS Exposure Draft, Climate-related and Other Uncertainties in the Financial StatementsGreenhouse Gas Protocol, ​​Corporate Standard Frequently Asked QuestionsConnect with Embark on: LinkedInInstagramTwitterFacebookYouTubeListen to AM Now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Practical ways leaders can overcome the accountant shortage from 3 managing directors with direct experience.