80 per cent of accountants do not feel fully equipped yet to deal with sustainability as a business case
74 per cent of accountants feel a responsibility in relation to sustainability
Sustainability “Hub” launched alongside practical guide at Climate Finance Week event
Friday 6 November 2020 – Chartered Accountants Ireland has today launched a guide to help accountants upskill to deal with sustainability as a business case. 80 per cent of accountants surveyed by the Institute report that they are not yet fully equipped with the skills to drive sustainability in their own organisation or to advise clients as to their requirements.
Encouragingly, however, 60 per cent say that sustainability forms a key part of their organisation's business strategy. The Institute’s new guide, “Sustainability for Accountants” is accompanied by a dedicated sustainability “Hub” on its website, with resources to equip accountants. These resources were launched at an event today as part of Climate Finance Week.
Commenting, Susan Rossney, sustainability expert at Chartered Accountants Ireland said
“Sustainability has transformed from “nice to have” to become a key pillar of the business case for companies. Businesses can no longer avoid adopting a long-term sustainable strategy, particularly as government and policymakers have started a pioneering legislative push towards a more sustainable economy. Colleagues working in other areas of business, such as HR have long embraced sustainability in all its forms, and this laser focus is now also required in finance and accounting functions.
“Accountants are uniquely placed to drive sustainability from within organisations as advisers. They make critical financial decisions daily about purchasing, procurement and many other things and the information they provide is vital to wider decision-making. From this position of influence comes opportunity and responsibility.
The guide, “Sustainability for Accountants” details the risks and opportunities presented by sustainability, and details steps that need to be taken to address the challenges. It also shares best practice examples of success and describes how organisations can transition to operating sustainably, successfully and cost-effectively. The Sustainability Hub provides practical information, guidance and supports to help members. The Institute has previously used this ‘hub’ approach to gathering resources to support members to significant effect in relation to both Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rossney continued
“Our objective today in the publication of this guide and the launch of our Sustainability Hub is to empower accountants in all sectors of industry to lead change, by giving them practical, easily accessible resources. It is evident from engaging with accountants that there is concern about the risks presented by ESG issues for their business and the businesses they advise, and our objective is to help them to meet this challenge.
“Sustainability is already in the DNA of our student body, as it is part of our education syllabus, but for those who have already moved further along their career path, these resources and those that will follow in due course represent an opportunity to upskill.”
To download the guide, click here Sustainability for Accountants
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About Chartered Accountants Ireland
Chartered Accountants Ireland is Ireland’s leading professional accountancy body, representing 28,500 influential members around the world and educating 7,000 students. The Institute aims to create opportunities for members and students, and ethical, sustainable prosperity for society. An all-island body, Chartered Accountants Ireland was established by Royal Charter in 1888 and now has members in more than 90 countries. It is a founding member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, the international network of over one million chartered accountants. It also plays key roles in the Global Accounting Alliance, Accountancy Europe and the International Federation of Accountants.
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