What accounting measurement and reporting issues are particularly applicable to firms with fewer fixed assets?

So the SEC would seemingly like for firms to streamline their financial disclosures, yet firms are afraid to do so for fear of the SEC? Seems like a difficult situation to resolve. What proposals would you have to try to resolve it?

Do you think the FASB should use Actual Realized Gains (ARG) in measuring equity compensation expense, rather than Estimated Fair Value (EFV)? What would be the advantages/disadvantages of ARG over EFV?

Exxon has not impaired certain oil and gas-related assets, even though the price of oil has fallen. What are the two main criteria for recognizing an impairment of these assets? Do you believe both criteria have been met? How could the district attorney litigate against an accounting issue that is so judgment-dependent?

How would you measure and assess whether firms’ cultures would be compatible after a merger? Is there a “match.com” for merger partners?

If you were an employee at a firm with a DB pension plan, would you be worried!? Why is the funded status so low? What could/should firms do to fully fund their plans?

How is a “bad” M&A deal reflected in accounting measures? Do you think firms do pay more for a target in anticipation of being able to carry out the integration efficiently and effectively?

Do you think that policy innovation and related execution is greater at a national level compared to that from a global structure? Do you think Ireland will develop its own independent tax policy, apart from the EU? Is this a positive development? Why or why not?

Apple has been ordered to pay additional tax by the EU on profits in Ireland. Do you agree with the EU ruling? How could you determine if Apple has accrued a liability for potential future taxes on these foreign earnings?

If you were CEO or CFO of a firm, what are the various factors you would consider in whether to buy back stock, pay a dividend, and/or invest in capex? Do you agree that the current trend in the market is unsustainable? What do you foresee happening? When?

Cisco has announced a restructuring charge of up to $700 million to cover layoffs of employees. What entry will Cisco make to record the charges? Will the loss be reported on the income statement “above the line” or “below the line”?

Should gains on property sales for Lenovo be part of operating income (above the line) or should they be below the line? Does it matter?

Do you think the SEC is right to require firms to disclose gender and race of board members? Why or why not?

Firms are subsidizing employees’ cost of getting and maintaining credentials/certifications. What does this signal to you? How might it affect your career choice?

Tim Cook at Apple says Apple will not repatriate overseas profits until the U.S. rate is “fair.” How could you see whether Apple accrued or did not accrue a liability for U.S. taxes on foreign earnings?

If you are interested in audit, how could you tailor your interests and skills to fit the growing needs cited in the article?

If you were on the board of directors, how would you try to quantify synergy as part of your due diligence responsibility in M&A? Is it necessary to do so?

So, apparently some firms steer analysts to lower their forecasted earnings, and then these firms announce earnings that, surprise, beat the forecast. Is this a problem that needs to be fixed? If so, how?

Firms who are “heavy users” of non-GAAP (pro forma) earnings measures (“EBBS”) seem to have a higher propensity of accounting problems, resulting in accounting restatements. What might be the connection? If the relation between use of non-GAAP measures and accounting problems is established to be systematic, what do you propose as a solution?

What are the reasons for CFO turnover? Which ones are preventable from “better” hiring? Does it surprise you about the stock price effects of early CFO departure? Why or why not?