COVID-19: The CARES Act accounting questions, answered

04/09/20

To help navigate uncertain times, hear PwC discuss the CARES Act—what’s in it and the accounting impacts.

You’ve heard about the CARES Act - but do you know how to account for its provisions. This podcast is the next episode in a series that addresses questions received surrounding the impacts of COVID-19 and related legislation on your financial statements. Heather Horn is joined by PwC’s Pat Durbin, Tom Barbieri, and Michael O’Brien to discuss the accounting implications of the CARES Act as well as highlights from the FASB’s April 8th meeting.

Topics include:

1:26 - Background. We begin by giving background on the genesis of the bill and an overview of what’s in it.
4:15 - Credit losses and troubled debt restructuring. Tom discusses the accounting relief provided to companies in these topical areas and helps to interpret the guidance.
11:40 - Grants. The bill contains many different types of grants, including grants for not-for-profits. Pat highlights the different accounting considerations.
21:24 - Loan programs. Tom provides an overview of the loan programs in the Act and discusses how borrowers can account for these loans.
23:00 - Tax implications. There are a number of items in the Act that have tax implications. Pat explores aspects of the CARES Act that will be accounted for under the income tax guidance.
30:55 - Disclosures. There are particular disclosure items that companies need to think about specific to the CARES Act. Pat explains.
32:25 - What’s next? We wrap up with thoughts on what listeners may see next coming from Congress.

View full podcast series

About our guests

As the leader of the revenue and liabilities division in PwC’s National Office, Pat Durbin leads a team of partners and directors responsible for consulting with our clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters relating to revenue, compensation, income taxes, inventory and several other topics under both US GAAP and IFRS.

Tom Barbieri is a PwC partner and the Financial Instruments Accounting Leader in PwC’s National Office with over 29 years of experience advising clients on complex accounting financial reporting issues relating to financial instruments. During Tom’s tenure in National, he has been at the forefront of emerging accounting issues and has regular interactions with the Financial Accounting Standards Board, SEC, and other nationally renowned accounting experts.

Michael O'Brien is a Managing Director in the Office of Government, Regulatory Affairs & Public Policy. In his current role, Michael represents the firm and its interests before Congress, the Executive Branch, and Federal regulatory agencies. He has represented the firm on matters related to the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley and Dodd-Frank, state and federal taxation, , and litigation reform.

About our host

Heather Horn is PwC's National office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. With over 25 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.