Climate Change 101 and Sustainability Reporting | Old But Gold Series

This episode is part of my Old but Gold series, where I revisit some of my earlier podcasts that are still completely relevant for your SBR exam today. The recording may be from the archives, but the knowledge and exam technique are every bit as useful now.In this episode, I strip climate change and sustainability reporting back to the basics. I explain greenhouse gas emissions, gross and net emissions, carbon credits and, crucially, the difference between Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. I also connect this terminology to the broader principles of sustainability reporting.You’ll learn the language you need before you can confidently tackle an exam requirement on sustainability. I explain Scope 1 as direct emissions, Scope 2 as energy-related emissions and Scope 3 as emissions connected with the wider value chain. We also look at metrics, targets, governance, strategy, risk management and why concepts such as materiality, relevance and faithful representation still matter.Thanks for listening to this episode of Pass Your SBR ACCA Exams with Tom Clendon.If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://tomclendon.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.(0:00) Old but Gold introduction(0:57) Why climate change matters in SBR(1:39) What is climate change?(2:14) Greenhouse gases and carbon emissions(3:12) Why accountants are involved in sustainability reporting(4:00) Net zero, gross emissions and net emissions(5:04) What are carbon credits?(6:14) Scope 1 emissions(6:43) Scope 2 emissions(7:34) Scope 3 and the value chain(8:08) Recap of Scope 1, 2 and 3(8:34) IFRS S2, metrics, targets and materiality

This episode is part of my Old but Gold series, where I revisit some of my earlier podcasts that are still completely relevant for your SBR exam today. The recording may be from the archives, but the knowledge and exam technique are every bit as useful now.OCI and OCE sound very similar, but they are not the same thing. In this episode, I explain the difference between other comprehensive income, which is a performance statement for the period, and other components of equity, which is a cumulative balance within equity on the statement of financial position. I also show how the two are linked.You’ll see how this terminology connects across SBR, including IAS 16 revaluations, IAS 21 foreign exchange differences, IFRS 9 financial instruments, IAS 19 pensions and IFRS 2 share-based payments. The key is not just learning two definitions. It is understanding where gains and losses go, how they build up within equity, and being comfortable with the integrated nature of SBR questions.Thanks for listening to this episode of Pass Your SBR ACCA Exams with Tom Clendon.If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://tomclendon.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.(0:00) Old but Gold introduction(1:00) OCI and OCE: same, same but different(1:30) What is other comprehensive income?(2:07) What is other components of equity?(2:43) The relationship between OCI and OCE(3:07) What goes through OCI(3:22) Revaluations, foreign exchange, IFRS 9 and pensions(4:36) Items in OCE that do not come through OCI(5:21) IFRS 2 share-based payments and OCE(6:16) Why this terminology matters across SBR

This episode is part of my Old but Gold series, where I revisit some of my earlier podcasts that are still completely relevant for your SBR exam today. The recording may be from the archives, but the knowledge and exam technique are every bit as useful now.Ethics is guaranteed to matter in SBR, particularly in question two. In this episode, I take you through the five ethical principles and, more importantly, explain how ethics is actually examined. This is not about simply listing the principles. It is about spotting ethical issues in a practical accounting scenario and linking what is happening back to the ethical code.You’ll learn how to identify issues such as lack of professional competence, deliberate manipulation, threats and inducements, and how to turn those observations into marks. I also explain why you should deal with the accounting treatment first, before discussing the ethics, and how giving sensible advice — including escalation, seeking independent advice and, ultimately, resignation — can strengthen your answer.Thanks for listening to this episode of Pass Your SBR ACCA Exams with Tom Clendon.If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering:⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://tomclendon.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Chapters (0:00) Old but Gold introduction(0:41) Why ethics matters in SBR(1:25) The five ethical principles(2:31) How ethics is actually examined(3:01) Deal with the accounting first(3:26) Errors, competence and deliberate manipulation(5:34) Bullying, bribery and professional behaviour(6:32) Giving advice in an ethics answer(7:34) Escalation, independent advice and resignation(9:03) Exam strategy and practising question two

Deferred tax is one of those SBR topics that students often find difficult. In this episode, I go back to the basics of IAS 12 and explain both the why and the how. I show how deferred tax links to the matching concept before introducing temporary differences, tax bases, deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets.You’ll then see how the rules work through four simple numerical examples covering revalued land, impairment, capital allowances and provisions. I’ll show you a logical step-by-step approach that you can apply in the exam, so you can explain the accounting treatment clearly, perform the calculations efficiently and earn the marks available.Thanks for listening to this episode of Pass Your SBR ACCA Exams with Tom Clendon.If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://tomclendon.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Chapters(0:00) Why deferred tax matters(1:51) What this episode will cover(3:30) The matching concept explained(6:15) Why current tax may not match accounting profit(8:13) How deferred tax restores the match(11:57) Temporary differences, carrying values and tax bases(13:51) Deferred tax liabilities versus deferred tax assets(16:21) The six-step approach to deferred tax questions(16:36) Example 1: Revaluation of land(21:05) Example 2: Impairment of investment property(24:34) Example 3: Capital allowances on PPE(27:20) Example 4: Deferred tax on a provision

Accounting for tax with investment properties can involve plenty of other standards: IFRS 5, IAS 36, IAS 2… the trick is to know when to use each together with IAS 40.In this episode, I talk through the accounting for Investment Properties under IAS 40. We start with the basic definition: property held to earn rentals, for capital appreciation, or both. And then compare it with PPE under IAS 16. Here’s the thing: the same physical building can be accounted for in different ways depending on why the business is holding it. That distinction is vital in SBR.You’ll learn how investment property can be measured at cost or fair value, how fair value gains and losses are treated, and why this differs from PPE revaluations. We also look at how IAS 40 links with other standards, including IFRS 18, IAS 36, IAS 2 and IFRS 5. Most importantly, I explain how to think through the different, progressive scenarios so you can write clear answers and earn the marks.Thanks for listening to this episode of Pass Your SBR ACCA Exams with Tom Clendon.If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR⁠⁠⁠⁠.For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://tomclendon.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠.Chapters(0:00) Introduction to IAS 40 investment properties(1:57) What is an investment property?(2:25) Investment property compared with PPE(3:37) Recap of IAS 16 accounting for PPE(5:19) Accounting for investment properties under IAS 40(6:35) Why identical properties can have different accounting treatments(8:29) IFRS 18 and where gains and rental income go in profit or loss(9:27) Investment property in the statement of cash flows(10:38) Cost or fair value — which measurement is more useful?(13:04) Why property classification depends on business use(15:08) Mixed-use property and splitting the asset(16:09) Transfers from PPE to investment property

You may think you already know PPE in IAS 16, but this one still causes problems in SBR when it is tested in an applied way.In this episode, I take you through IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment. We cover the basics of PPE, including initial recognition, depreciation, revaluation, disposal, and why depreciation is about matching costs with benefits — not saving up cash to replace an asset.You will learn how IAS 16 connects with other important exam areas, including IAS 23 borrowing costs, IAS 37 provisions, IFRS 18 presentation, IAS 7 cash flows, and sustainability reporting. I also work through practical examples on revalued assets, disposal without recycling gains to profit or loss, and decommissioning provisions, so you can see how the numbers work and understand what the examiner is really looking for.Thanks for listening to this episode of Pass Your SBR ACCA Exams with Tom Clendon.If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel:⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR⁠⁠⁠.For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering:⁠ ⁠⁠https://tomclendon.co.uk/⁠⁠⁠.Chapters(00:00) Why IAS 16 PPE still matters for SBR(01:54) What PPE means and when it is recognised(03:08) Depreciation explained simply(04:05) The double entry for depreciation(05:43) Changing depreciation method: policy or estimate?(06:56) Depreciation and the cash flow statement(08:30) Why we really charge depreciation(10:46) Revalued PPE and why depreciation still applies(12:24) Disposal and derecognition of PPE(14:43) IAS 23 borrowing costs and PPE(16:48) Decommissioning provisions and sustainability reporting(20:36) Worked examples: revaluations, disposals and provisions

We’re going to continue our look at IAS 37 in this episode - fantastic!We recap the three key conditions for recognising a provision, then move on to contingent assets, why prudence matters, and why you cannot simply net off a possible asset against a possible liability. I also bring in the important link with IFRS 3 and fair value, showing how a contingent liability can affect group accounts and goodwill even when it is not recognised in the subsidiary’s own books.By listening to this episode, you will learn how to apply IAS 37 in exam-style situations, not just repeat the rules. I explain the difference between probability as a recognition issue under IAS 37 and as a measurement issue in group accounts. You will also learn how decommissioning provisions interact with PPE, why the provision must be discounted, and how both depreciation and the unwinding of the discount affect profit or loss. This is exactly the kind of application that helps you pick up marks in SBR.Thanks for listening to this episode of Pass Your SBR ACCA Exams with Tom Clendon.If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR⁠⁠.For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering: ⁠⁠https://tomclendon.co.uk/⁠⁠.Chapters(00:00) Introduction to IAS 37 part two(01:25) Quick recap of the three provision criteria(02:11) What is a contingent asset?(03:11) Recognition rules and prudence(04:06) Why provisions and contingent assets are not netted off(04:53) Linking IAS 37 with IFRS 3 and fair value(06:45) Example: unfair dismissal claim(08:44) Group accounts: contingent liabilities and goodwill(12:01) Decommissioning provisions and PPE(14:48) The key issue: discounting the provision(16:21) Depreciation and unwinding the discount(17:03) Final exam-focused recap

Provisions! Seemingly a simple standard to get the easy marks, but it isn't always the low-hanging fruit we expect.In this episode, I introduce IAS 37 Provisions from the ground up. Provisions are very examinable, and let’s face it, they can look easy at first. But the examiner can make them tricky very quickly. I explain what a provision is, why the standard exists, and the three key recognition criteria: a present obligation from a past event, a probable outflow of economic benefits, and a reliable estimate.You will learn how to apply IAS 37 in exam-style scenarios, including legal claims, environmental clean-up obligations, contingent liabilities, and the all-or-nothing approach to recognition. I also show how provisions affect profit or loss, the statement of financial position, cash flow, EPS, and even deferred tax. The aim is simple: help you pick up the easy marks, structure your answer properly, and stay calm when the examiner adds a twist.Thanks for listening to this episode of Pass Your SBR ACCA Exams with Tom Clendon.If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR⁠.For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering: ⁠https://tomclendon.co.uk/⁠.Chapters:(00:00) Why provisions are examinable(01:24) What is a provision?(02:47) Why IAS 37 exists(04:08) The three recognition criteria(04:35) Legal and constructive obligations(05:42) The all-or-nothing approach(06:22) When it becomes a contingent liability(07:06) The double entry and cash flow link(08:34) When provisions are capitalised(09:35) Worked example: unfair dismissal claim(13:28) Environmental clean-up provision(17:09) Deferred tax implications

Impairment… here we go again! In this episode, I revisit IAS 36, but this time we focus on one of the areas that students often find difficult: Goodwill Impairment. I walk through the key principles, explain why goodwill must be tested through a cash-generating unit (CGU), and tackle one of the biggest exam complications: the treatment of non-controlling interests (NCI).You’ll learn how goodwill impairment is tested in SBR questions, when impairment losses affect the parent and NCI, and why the measurement of NCI changes the calculation completely. Most importantly, I work through practical examples and journal entries so you can see exactly how the examiner expects you to approach this topic and pick up the marks in the exam.Thanks for listening to this episode of Pass Your SBR ACCA Exams with Tom Clendon.If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR.For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering: https://tomclendon.co.uk/.Chapters:(00:00) Introduction to goodwill impairment(01:02) Recap of IAS 36 impairment basics(02:30) Annual impairment review vs annual impairment loss(03:12) Goodwill impairment and the P&L treatment(04:41) Why goodwill is tested within a CGU(06:23) Goodwill, CGUs and exam application(06:54) NCI measurement and its impact on goodwill(08:54) Example 1: Full goodwill impairment (Bowie)(11:52) Accounting treatment and journal entries for full goodwill(12:52) Example 2: Partial goodwill impairment (Ziggy)(16:11) Journal entries and exam technique tips(17:31) Final exam advice and close

In this episode, I explain the basics of IAS 36 impairment. We start with the key idea: an asset is impaired when its carrying value is more than its recoverable amount. I’ll talk you through the terminology, the logic, and the numbers, so it starts to feel manageable rather than messy.You’ll learn how to calculate an impairment loss, how to account for it, and what happens when the asset has previously been revalued. We also look at reversals of impairment losses and one phrase I never want to see in an exam answer: “impairment gain”. Let’s face it, impairment gets examined, so let’s make sure you can pick up the marks.Thanks for listening to this episode of ACCA Tom Clendon’s SBR Podcast.If you’d like to view the exam question on screen and see my working, subscribe to the YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tomclendonSBR.For access to on-demand support and guidance for your ACCA SBR Journey, visit my website to see my current course offering: https://tomclendon.co.uk/.Chapters:(00:00) IAS 36 impairment basics(01:21) When an asset is impaired(01:36) Recoverable amount: fair value vs value in use(03:32) Judgement and estimates in value in use(05:20) Calculating and recording an impairment loss(06:30) When to perform an impairment review(08:03) Links to IFRS 18, IAS 7 and IAS 12(12:03) Why IFRS 9 financial assets are different(12:33) No such thing as an impairment gain(13:44) Impairment of revalued assets(16:01) Reversal of impairment losses(17:01) Worked examples and exam technique