Regulatory Reporting Communication: Quarterly SEC Filing
The legal and finance teams communicate internally about the progress and finalization of a quarterly filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), addressing any last-minute questions or discrepancies.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
touch base
This is an informal phrase meaning to briefly contact someone to discuss or check on something. Use it in professional emails or calls to keep communication going without being too formal.
on track
Means progressing as planned or expected. It's commonly used in business to confirm if a project or task is meeting its schedule.
submission deadline
The final date by which something, like a report or form, must be officially sent or filed. Important in regulatory and business contexts to avoid penalties.
disclosures
Information that must be revealed or shared, often in financial reports, to ensure transparency. In audits, it refers to details about company finances or risks.
revenue recognition
An accounting term for the process of recording income when it is earned, not just received. Key in financial reporting to follow standards like GAAP.
sign-off
Final approval or confirmation, often by signing a document. Used in business to indicate that someone has reviewed and agrees with the content.
discrepancies
Differences or inconsistencies between data or documents. In audits, spotting these helps ensure accuracy before final submission.
cross-check
To verify information by comparing it with another source. A practical step in compliance to make sure everything matches.
circle back
To return to a discussion or update someone later. Common in professional settings to promise follow-up communication.
keep me posted
An informal way to ask for updates on progress. Use it at the end of meetings or calls to stay informed without being demanding.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I just wanted to touch base on the Q3 SEC filing.
This sentence uses 'touch base' to start a casual check-in conversation. It's useful for intermediate learners in business to initiate updates politely. Note the structure: 'I just wanted to [verb phrase]' softens the request.
Are we still on track for the submission deadline?
A question to confirm progress toward a goal. Helpful in project management or compliance talks. The phrase 'on track for' shows expected timeline; use it to seek reassurance without pressure.
Finance has provided all the final numbers, and Legal's review of the disclosures is nearly complete.
This compound sentence connects two related updates with 'and.' Demonstrates professional reporting of status. Useful for explaining team progress; 'nearly complete' indicates almost finished, common in audits.
I was specifically wondering about the updated revenue recognition disclosure.
Expresses a focused inquiry using 'specifically wondering about.' Great for clarifying details in meetings. The gerund 'wondering' makes it polite; practice for asking targeted questions in business English.
It did. Emily from our team worked closely with David in Finance on that.
A short affirmative response followed by explanation. 'Worked closely with' highlights collaboration. Useful pattern for confirming actions and crediting team efforts in compliance discussions.
Are there any last-minute discrepancies we need to be aware of?
Inquires about potential issues right before a deadline. 'Last-minute' adds urgency; 'need to be aware of' is a passive structure for professional concern. Ideal for risk-checking in regulatory contexts.
We've done a thorough cross-check between the financial statements and the textual disclosures.
Describes a verification process using present perfect 'we've done' for recent completed actions. 'Thorough cross-check' is key business vocabulary. Use this to report quality assurance steps.
I'll circle back with you once we get his confirmation.
Promises future contact with 'circle back,' using 'once' for condition. Practical for ending conversations with follow-up intent. Helps learners sound professional and proactive.
Sounds good, Michael. Keep me posted.
A casual agreement and request for updates. 'Sounds good' is an informal positive response; 'keep me posted' is idiomatic. Perfect for wrapping up business calls smoothly.