Management Discussion & Analysis

Field: Specialized Knowledge | Delivery Method: Self Study | CPE Hours: 1.5

Management Discussion and Analysis, typically referred to as MD&A, is the portion of a public company's annual report (or quarterly filing) where management addresses the company’s performance. It is intended to be a narrative explanation of the financial statements and statistical data the Registrant believes will enhance a readers' understanding of its financial condition along with results of operation. Management discussion and analysis is one of many sections required by the SEC and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) to be included in a public company’s annual report to shareholders. The SEC has repeatedly stated, MD&A is the "heart and soul" of a company's disclosure requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. It is a crucial component in increasing the transparency of a company's financial performance and providing investors with the ability to evaluate the company on an informed basis.



On January 30, 2020 the SEC proposed amendments to eliminate certain duplicative disclosures and enhance disclosures in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section ("MD&A") for the financial statements. They also proposed parallel amendments applicable to financial disclosures provided by foreign private issuers. This chapter will provide an overview of important concepts and updates related to Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Position and Results of Operation s (MD&A) as outlined in Topic 9 of the Financial reporting Manual.

The SEC has been continually reviewing the disclosure requirements to improve issuer disclosures of material information while allowing investors to make better capital allocation decisions while reducing compliance burdens and costs.


Topics Covered

The Commissions purpose for goals in adopting integrated disclosures were to revise or eliminate overlapping or unnecessary disclosure requirements wherever possible. This in turn would reduce burdens on Registrants and enhance readability without affecting the provision of material information to investors. This course will evaluate the various amendments covered under the SEC’s changes to MD&A for public companies.


Who should attend
  • CFO’s and CEO’s
  • Board of Directors
  • Public Accounting Auditors
  • Finance and Accounting Professionals
  • Compliance Professionals

Upon Successful Completion of this course, you will be able to:
  • Identify the purpose and objectives of MD&A
  • Understand the typical components included in MD&A
  • Identify the updated objective of MD&A disclosures
  • Examine details of final amendments
  • Examine criteria related to Key Performance Indicators


Field: Specialized Knowledge
CPE: 1.5
Delivery Method: Self-Study
Format: Video


Your Instructor


Lynn Fountain
Lynn Fountain

Consultant, CPA, CGMA, CRMA, MBA, Past Chief Audit Executive

Business Consultant, Trainer, Author


Ms. Fountain has over 40 years of experience spanning public accounting, industry accounting and consulting. Sixteen years of that experience has been in the field of internal audit, risk managment and process improvement. She is well adept to assist your organization evaluate business strategy, perform risk assessments, establish a Sarbanes-Oxley process, synergizing internal audit processes or perform process improvement projects.


As a past corporate executive Lynn has a passion for working with professionals to enhance their processes and provide leading edge education. She has authored and delivered hundreds of training courses for accounting, finance and audit professionals. Her training is filled with not just theory but real world application.


Ms. Fountain has authored three technical publications:

-Leading the Internal Audit Function 

-Raise the Red Flag

-Ethics and the Internal Auditor's political dilemma


Lynn is a recognized leader in the internal audit profession as well as a recognized business professional.  


Ms. Fountain obtained her BSBA from Pittsburg State University and her MBA from Washburn University in Kansas. She has active, current CPA, CGMA, and CRMA credentials.


https://www.lynnfountain.net/


Course Curriculum


  Introduction
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  Lesson
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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