Pensions and Postretirement Benefits

Are you planning to live until 100 (We sure hope so!)? Do you wonder if your employer has the same assumption (probably not!)? And why does it matter? Well, your life expectancy is one of the many assumptions your employer must consider when accounting for your retirement benefits in accordance with U.S. GAAP. This pensions and postretirement benefits CPE-eligible, eLearning course (1.5 CPE) provides an overview accounting for retirement benefits in accordance with ASC 715, specifically defined benefit pension plans.

After providing an overview of basic pension and postretirement benefit plan accounting, this online course dives into the specifics of the postretirement benefit obligation (PBO) and plan assets associated with defined benefit plans. You then learn about the components of net periodic pension costs, including prior service costs and actuarial gains/losses, and the related amortization. After discussing the appropriate accounting for plan amendments, curtailments, and settlements, we finish the course with the presentation and disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans.

Topics covered in this Pension and postretirement benefits CPE course include:

• Introduction to ASC 715
• Overview of pensions and postretirement benefit accounting
• Accounting for plan assets and benefit obligations
• Accounting for net periodic pension cost components
• Overview of plan amendments, curtailments and settlements
• Presentation and disclosure

Accounting for pensions can be tricky, but we make it easier to understand! Our Pension and postretirement benefits CPE course breaks down the rules in a way that is easy to follow. And, it is full of practical examples and insights to help you apply the complex guidance under U.S. GAAP. Add in some examples of real-life disclosures and a fun theme, and you're bound to have fun while you learn about pension accounting! Who knew that was even possible? Sign up today and see for yourself.

Interested in group discounts for your team? Contact us to learn more.

By the end of this course, you should be able to: 

• Recognize the differences between a defined benefit plan, a defined contribution plan, and a multiemployer plan 
• Recall accounting requirements for defined benefit plans, including plan assets and changes to projected benefit obligations 
• Identify the proper accounting for the components of net periodic pension cost
• Distinguish between a plan amendment, curtailment, and settlement