MD&A & Market Risk Disclosure: A Hands-On Workshop

Overview: 

SEC guidance encourages companies to take a "fresh look" at presentation and disclosures each time the MD&A is prepared. Don't let your MD&A be cited for deficiencies. Attend this comprehensive workshop and:

  • Learn the SEC's principal objectives and how to apply them
  • Understand the SEC's hot buttons for a deficient MD&A
  • Know what MUST be included and what should be omitted
  • Analyze disclosures of other companies and current areas of SEC focus through hands-on case studies
Objective: 

To update you on the most current SEC rules and guidance on preparing the MD&A. Whether you are preparing the MD&A for the 10-K, 10-Q or a registration statement, you will learn how and what financial data is relevant, how to write, review, document and circulate an MD&A from start to finish to assure compliance with SEC and Sarbanes-Oxley 302 requirements. Using actual MD&A filings as examples, this hands-on course will show you how to comply and what the SEC considers disclosure deficiencies.

Emphasis: 
  • The do's and don'ts of preparing the MD&A
    – What should be eliminated right now from your MD&A
    – Nonfinancial data that should be included
    – Best presentation formats
    – The overview section
  • The liquidity discussion
    – Indicators and analysis
    – Use of the indirect cash flow method and the MD&A
  • Critical accounting estimates
  • Capital resources discussion, contingencies and off-balance sheet disclosures
  • Non-GAAP financial measures
  • The SEC's suggested "layered approach"
  • What must be discussed regarding revenue recognition
  • Results of operations—the year-by-year analysis
  • Requirements for discussing restructurings and write-offs
  • Disclosing the company's "crystal ball" about the future
  • Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
  • The top "10 mistakes" most companies make
  • Safe harbor rules and pitfalls to avoid
Bottom
Prerequisite: 

Basic knowledge of financial accounting and reporting.

Preparation: 

No advance preparation required.

Level of Knowledge: 

Intermediate.

CPE Credit: 
8.00
NASBA Field of Study: 
Accounting