Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC come together to deliver, pooling expertise from right across the profession
Developing the structures to support future reporting requirements and recruiting for senior sustainability positions among the themes discussed at Institute’s sustainability conference
Wednesday 25 May 2022: Chartered Accountants Ireland has today launched its newest qualification, the Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting. Recognising that accountants will be at the forefront in driving business transformation, the Certificate will provide a strong foundation in sustainability and ESG issues, and crucially, the reporting requirements and practical application of new frameworks and tools.
In an example of the collaboration that will be required to address the challenges of climate change and living and working sustainably, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC will come together to deliver this new programme, demonstrating how combined knowledge and expertise can be leveraged for businesses at all levels of the economy, from multinationals to SMEs.
Uniquely this new Certificate is designed with the needs of accountants in both practice and industry in mind and is focused on the key challenges and opportunities those within the profession face and will face over the coming years.
Joe Carroll, Head of Professional Development, Chartered Accountants Ireland said,
“In recent years, the Institute has developed a range of tools to help its members move from strategy to action in tackling sustainability issues. Corporate reporting for sustainability is increasing and is no longer seen as just a voluntary option. Every board, senior manager and finance unit will require an understanding of these key issues. There is an exciting and arguably unprecedented opportunity for accountants to take a leadership role and drive radical change. To deliver on this, accountants will need a comprehensive understanding of the impact that sustainability and ESG issues have on their companies and their roles – and equally the impact that they and their companies are having on wider sustainability efforts.”
Representatives from each of the accountancy firms who will be delivering the Certificate modules reflected on future trends in sustainability at today’s Chartered Accountants Ireland sustainability conference.
The importance of non-financial reporting and scenario modelling in unlocking future business resilience and building long-term value.
Among the trends they identified were:
- The importance of non-financial reporting and scenario modelling in unlocking future business resilience and building long-term value.
- Stakeholder demand to quantify and disclose the economic impact that climate change could have on businesses.
- With new standards still in draft and the ever-increasing integration of non-financial and financial information, organisations have a short window now to put the structures in place to support future reporting.
- The limited talent pool that many organisations are experiencing in recruiting for senior sustainability positions.
- The use of tech enablers in developing, implementing, and tracking global decarbonisation strategies.
The panel also identified a disconnect between the recognition that sustainability is a priority and meaningful action being taken - some of this is down to organisations not knowing where to start. To address this, Chartered Accountants Ireland has produced a new publication, “Sustainability for Small Businesses”, which was also launched at the conference today.
More on the new Certificate:
The new Certificate in sustainability strategy, risk & reporting will provide a comprehensive foundation in sustainability and ESG and equip participants with an understanding and practical application of sustainability trends, issues, tools, frameworks, and metrics to enable them address sustainability opportunities and challenges that the modern accountant faces. Each of the four modules in the course consists of a mix of live online delivery and self-paced study materials.
The Certificate is awarded under the statutory authority of Chartered Accountants Ireland. Members of Chartered Accountants Ireland will be awarded a Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting from Chartered Accountants Ireland under the ‘1966 ICAI Charter Amendment Act’.
Other participants will be awarded the Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting by Chartered Accountants Ireland Executive Education DAC.
The Certificate in Sustainability Strategy, Risk and Reporting will commence in October 2022 and will run over 10 weeks. For more information or to register your interest go to charteredaccountants.ie.
ENDS
For more information
Jill Farrelly
PR and Communications Manager
Chartered Accountants Ireland
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