As the implementation date for the new revenue recognition standard nears, would you be able to describe to someone (perhaps on an interview) what the new standard says, in 5 minutes or less? Bottom line, when may a firm credit revenue?
Do you think it is possible to devise a comprehensive and uniform way to determine whether pro forma earnings are reasonable, that is, that do not overstep the SEC’s guidelines for reporting non-GAAP earnings? Or, do these cases have to be considered on a case-by-case basis?
So, DuPont is increasing a DB pension contribution because of an anticipated decrease in corporate tax rates. What are some other considerations for firms as they decide how much to fund their pension plans?
Does it make sense using the Apple tax story to change the tax code in the U.S. to a territorial system and to reduce the tax rate? What are the benefits? The costs? What do you suggest be done?
If you are (or were to be) an investor in Apple, what financial metric (ratio) would you be focused on the most if you had to choose just one (and why)? Gross margin, YOY growth in units sold, YOY growth in revenue ($), cash balance, etc.?
Here is the latest certification you could get. What do you think of credentials to augment your degree(s)? Could credentials substitute for degrees? Why? Do you think credentialing is a long term trend?
Why do you think share repurchases are lower? If you were CFO, what factors would you consider in deciding whether to repurchase your firm’s stock?
Stock prices rose and the rise is attributed to earnings. Can you articulate the relation between stock prices and earnings, namely between stock prices and earnings expectations, earnings surprises, future earnings?
GM’s Venezuelan operations were expropriated by the Venezuelan government. What sort of disclosures will GM make? What remeasurements will also likely be necessary as a result? What’s the journal entry?
What would do (if you were CFO of a firm) if your firm suddenly is the topic of a social media “storm”? Does this trigger any type of required disclosure with the SEC? Would you need a “team” of social media monitors to keep up with social media trends?
The AICPA has identified 5 major new trends that could transform the accounting profession. Do any of these appeal to you? How would you prepare yourself to be able to take advantage of one or more of these?
BlackRock has cut the amount it pays for equity research. Technology is named as the culprit. What do you see as the future of equity research, say, in 10 years? What types of jobs will disappear? Grow?
What are some of the implications (accounting implications, implications on corporate behavior, etc.) if corporate penalties (fines, settlements) were all deemed to be permanently non-deductible? Do you agree with the proposed legislations? Why or why not?
So the FASB changed the amortization period for callable debt investments that are purchased at a premium. Now the premium is amortized up to the call date, rather than up to the maturity date of the debt investment. What criteria do you think were used to determined that this was an issue that needed to be addressed?
So a hedge funder wants GM to split its shares into 2 types of equity to increase firm value. What do you think: will capital structure changes increase overall value? Why or why not?
The Supreme Court will hear a case involving disclosure of “known trends and uncertainties,” which is part of the overall MD&A disclosure guidelines. In your opinion, if you were a CFO, would you disclose such information, unless immaterial, or not disclose, unless material? Is there a difference?
Do you think it is possible that investing for social reasons will equal or exceed investing for business reasons?
If you were the Chair of the SEC, what would you do regarding Dodd-Frank? Do you agree with Senator Warren’s concerns about potential recusals and deadlocks, should Mr. Clayton be confirmed?
