If you were tasked with writing an accounting standard to answer the questions about digital currency, what would you do? How would you begin? What do you think your conclusion would be? Is it cash? Investment? Inventory? Intangible? Would you use fair value accounting?
If you were to start from scratch, how would you define and design an optimal executive (CEO) pay package?
How does the SEC decide which disclosures are problematic, such as those pertaining to free cash flow?
What is your opinion with respect to whether interest on debt should be deductible? Whom would eliminating the deductibility of interest hurt? Whom would it help?
J. Crew needs to modify its debt agreements. What are the two types of modifications, from an accounting perspective? Given the retail sector’s condition in general, do you think they will be successful in achieving a modification? What are the alternatives?
Why do you suppose larger firms, which presumably are more complex, have fewer accounting restatements than smaller firm?
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?
