The life science industry continues to face rapid change - new ASUs, evolving revenue models, digital transformation, and increasingly complex reporting expectations. The Life Science Technical Accounting Update 2026 is a two-day virtual conference designed to help finance and accounting teams stay ahead of these developments with guidance tailored specifically to biotech, pharma, and med-tech companies.
This program goes beyond the standards to focus on real-world application. Sessions will cover select ASUs, practical uses of AI and digital transformation in accounting operations, and the most challenging revenue recognition issues facing life science organizations
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the latest accounting updates and ASUs most relevant to life science companies
- Identify key timelines, implementation considerations, and factors influencing industry-specific reporting
- Gain practical insight into applying AI and digital solutions within life science accounting and finance functions
CPE: Earn up to 16 credits
Agenda
Agenda: DAY 1
8:45-10:20 SEC & FASB Developments Affecting Life Science Companies
10:20-10:30 Break
10:30-11:45 Accounting for Convertible Debt
- New Guidance
- Questions to Consider
- Accounting Models
11:45-1:00 Lunch Break
1:00-2:10 GenAI Automation Update
2:10-2:20 Break
2:20-3:45 Financing Trends and Market Overview
- Royalty Monetization
- Convertible Debt
- Accounting Considerations
- When should companies consider convertible debt?
- Convertible structure in the life science financing cycle
- Changes of control, tax implications, size, maturity and other questions
3:45-3:55 Break
3:55-4:50 IT General Controls
Agenda: DAY 2
8:45-9:55 Revenue Recognition: Evolving Issues - Life Sciences
- Scope of Contract
- Performance Obligations
- Nature of promise: sales of points
- Collaboration agreements
- Sales using third party platforms
- Gross vs Net
- Counterparty Perspective
9:55-10:10 Break
10:10-11:30 Accounting for Financing Arrangements in Life Sciences
11:30-12:00 Break
12:00-1:30 Gross to Net
- Introduction and Overview
- Industry View
- Estimation Methodology
- Approaching Launch
- Key Challenges
- SEC Comments
- Close and Financial Reporting
- GTN Hot Topics Discussion
- Inventory Accounting Refresh
1:30-1:40 Lunch Break
1:40-2:40 Tax Update
- Latest legislative developments
- Key Tax Proposals
- Possible timing and other legislative priorities
2:40-2:55 Break
2:55-4:05 Accounting for R&D and Clinical Trials
- R&D Funding Arrangements
- R&D Cost Classifications
- Other Intangible Assets
- SEC Comment Letter Trends
4:05-4:15 Break
4:15-5:00 Value Based Care
- Guarantees and indemnifications
- Accounting challenges
- Revenue Recognition components
Speakers
Nathan Mitchell, Deloitte, Partner
Adam Barrow, Riveron, Senior Director
Nick Sanfilippo, Riveron, Director, Accounting Advisory & IPO
Ruchi Tiwari, Deloitte, Senior Manager
Ester Kutalchuk, Deloitte, Senior Consultant
Matt Norman, Deloitte, Manager
Russ Higgins, Connor Group, Partner
Travis Combs, Riveron, Managing Director
Marcus Lindner, Ernst & Young, Partner
Boyang Zhao, Riveron, Director, Accounting Advisory
Nathaniel Spedalieri, Ernst & Young, Senior Manager
Annie Wong, Ernst & Young, Assurance Senior Manager
Rucha Waghulde, Deloitte, Senior Consultant
Kyle Straub, PwC, Director
Moira Klinger, PwC, Director
Emma Nealis, PwC, Manager
Aleks Zabreyko, Connor Group, Managing Partner
Jeffrey Kummer, Deloitte, Director of Tax Policy
Joshua Areola, Ernst & Young, Assurance Senior Manager
Tim Geringer, Ernst & Young, Senior Manager
James Bowie, Ernst & Young, Managing Director, Technical Accounting Advisory Group
Spencer Moses, Ernst & Young, FAAS Manager
Tanner Schnitz, Ernst & Young, Technical Accounting Manager
James Bowie, Ernst & Young, Managing Director, Technical Accounting Advisory Group
Randa Ghantous, Connor Group, Partner
Matt Lepley, Connor Group, Partner
Who Should Attend
- CFOs (and their staff)
- Controllers
- VPs of Finance
- Financial Managers
- Internal Auditors
- Tax Accountants
- Treasury Staff
- Accountants in Industry
- Internal Control/SOX personnel
- Consultants
- Public Accountants
- Educators
