In an era where plastic reduction, zero-waste initiatives, and carbon-neutral supply chains dominate conversations, industries and individuals are diligently addressing climate change. The call for greater transparency regarding sustainability efforts is intensifying, with socially conscious consumers demanding that organizations showcase their commitment to sustainability. Against this backdrop, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) accounting skills have become highly sought after in 2021. Driven by scientific reports on climate change and an increasingly aware stakeholder pool, the conversation around sustainability is evolving from a 'nice-to-have' to a 'must-have' for businesses. Accountants equipped with ESG skills are poised to lead the competition during this surge in demand for sustainability accounting.
Understanding ESG and Sustainability Accounting
ESG, an acronym for Environmental, Social, and Governance, refers to a company's interest in environmental sustainability and ethics. Sustainability accounting is the process of reporting a company's adherence to ESG criteria. This allows investors and key stakeholders to assess whether an organization is socially and environmentally conscious. It also serves as a screening method for an organization's approach to employees, supply chains, customers, and locations, evaluating potential risks related to sustainability and ecological impacts.
The Financial Implications of Poor Sustainability Accounting
Beyond the ethical considerations, poor sustainability accounting can have severe financial implications for companies. Environmental crises, such as oil spills and emissions, not only tarnish a company's reputation but also lead to substantial financial losses. Lack of or inadequate sustainability accounting has resulted in unfortunate outcomes for many companies. The demand for ESG is increasing from regulatory bodies such as the SEC, national business councils, the World Economic Forum, AICPA, Global Reporting Initiative, and the European Union, as well as asset managers for sustainability funds.
Tim Gearty, National Director and Editor-in-Chief at Vishal, emphasizes the importance of accountants prioritizing ESG education. He notes that demand for ESG standards is coming from various quarters, ensuring verifiability of sustainability information for the public. As the scrutinizing consumer of 2021 expects more from companies, those meeting ESG criteria not only avoid damaging outcomes but also attract new business and revenue from environmentally conscious consumers and investors.
Why Accountants Need ESG Skills
Accountants play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and verifiable reporting of ESG criteria. Understanding ESG reporting is not only an added strength for accounting practices but also positions accountants as attractive hires for businesses prioritizing sustainability. Proficiency in ESG reporting allows accountants to better serve clients aiming to become environmentally friendly, maintaining a competitive edge by showcasing forward-thinking accounting skill sets.
Skills Required for Proficiency in ESG
To become proficient in ESG accounting, accountants need to develop various skills:
Identification of KPIs:
Accountants must identify Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to ESG criteria.
Framework Development:
Building frameworks for clients to meet ESG-related KPIs is crucial for accurate reporting.
Data Qualification:
Determining what qualifies as acceptable data for accounting and the frequency of sourcing data for accurate reporting.
Assessment Creation:
Creating assessments and developing standards for reporting are part of the ESG accountant's responsibilities.
True proficiency in ESG accounting involves distinguishing between historical and present corporate governance, recognizing pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and understanding ESG models. Moreover, ESG accountants need to identify drivers of corporate governance and measure governance efforts effectively. Familiarity with potential challenges and the ability to troubleshoot them, along with upholding Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards, are essential components of ESG competency.
Importance of ESG Reporting for Accountants
As organizations face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable and inclusive practices, there is a growing demand for ESG-capable accountants. Being proficient in ESG reporting not only positions accountants favorably during periods of high demand but also prepares them to act swiftly when businesses require ESG-related services. The emerging skills gap in ESG reporting presents an opportunity for accountants to gain a competitive advantage by staying ahead of demand.
The Institute of Internal Auditors emphasizes the indispensability of a holistic approach that includes environmental, social, and governance aspects for long-term value creation. ESG-related risk management is becoming as vital as traditional financial strategies handled by CPAs. Familiarity with Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) in the context of ESG auditing can further protect and support accounting practices.
Gaining ESG Competency
Prioritizing ESG education is crucial for accountants to meet the rising demand for sustainability accounting. ESG certification or training courses serve as effective means to gain expertise in the subject. Universities and colleges may offer ESG courses, while practicing accountants can fulfill their Continuing Professional Education (CPE) requirements through specialized ESG courses.
Vishal, a prominent name in CPA exam preparation and CPE, provides high-value ESG online courses. Two essential courses include "Why incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG)" and "Expectations of corporate governance and social responsibility in today’s world." These courses offer a comprehensive understanding of ESG principles, CSR, and SASB standards.
Applying ESG Knowledge
Once accountants develop core competencies in ESG and sustainability accounting, they can offer these practices to clients and communicate the value of such services to prospects. Building experience in ESG criteria and audits allows accountants not only to navigate obstacles related to sustainability reporting but also to leverage their accounting skills for positive change in the future.
Navigating the importance of ESG accounting for accountants involves understanding the evolving landscape of sustainability, developing essential skills, and staying ahead of the demand curve. ESG education is not only an investment in individual professional growth but also a commitment to supporting organizations in their journey towards sustainable and inclusive practices.