Yes, firms really do do adjustments to accruals, closing entries, etc. and close the books each quarter, but now remotely. Side-by-side communications speed the process, but now it’s remote. Could you adjust?
How can macro issues, such as the coronavirus, affect the usual relationship between stock prices and earnings announcements that beat expectations?
Do you think pressure to disclose more ESG-related data will force companies to adopt formal accounting standards that measure such data?
Microsoft pledges $1 billion on climate-related efforts, namely to become carbon “negative” by 2050. What do you think is the main catalyst for this, and do you think other firms will be able to follow their lead? Why or why not? What is meant by the phrase “regulators will react and capital will react”?
What is the main advantage of internal promotions to CFO? Main disadvantage? Does this have any bearing on your prospective career path?
Given the changing profile of management accounting, does this appeal to you? What are the skillsets you need to develop?
Why are goodwill impairments down? What causes impairments? Should we still consider going back to an amortization model of accounting for goodwill?
Is it improper to lean on customers to take delivery of inventory early, so the firm (the seller) can book revenues to “hit the number”?
Have you ever thought about the earnings release date (i.e., the day of the week) as being “corporate body language”? What effect can the choice of the week day have on valuations?
What do you think will be the long term result of compliance/non-compliance with the voluntary adoption of the new code in the UK with respect to ESG and similar disclosures?
Do you believe that the FASB should be forced to change the accounting for human capital? Why or why not?
Should the FASB required by law to study and report on the expected impact on the economy of new accounting standards? Why or why not? What was the reason for this proposed legislation?
Do you think that a strike would trigger an 8-K filing? Should it? Why or why not? Did it, in this case?
If you were GE’s CFO, would you be trying to pay down debt? Why or why not? If so, would you go about it in the same way?
We (formerly Wework) slashed its pre-IPO valuation estimate about in half. What gives with that? Why do you think it was “so high” to begin with?
If you were CFO, how would you set the budget for share repurchases? What factors would you consider? What are the accounting ramifications?
