THE American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), which together form the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, are offering a new certificate that provides foundational knowledge of critical topics related to environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting, advisory and assurance.
The growing demand for ESG data – driven by investors, lenders, customers and, increasingly, policymakers – makes this a high-priority category for skills development within the accounting and finance profession.
The Fundamentals of ESG Certificate is for accounting and finance professionals looking to obtain a baseline knowledge of ESG topics.
The nine-hour course offers a grounding in the fundamental concepts of, and latest developments within, the ESG field. Upon completion, certificate holders can display a digital badge in their online profiles.
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants chief executive (management accounting) Andrew Harding said the global business community is on the verge of momentous change in how companies address sustainability issues and interest in ESG is reaching a tipping point.
“This will fuel demand for accounting and finance professionals equipped with the necessary skills to advise business leaders on the ESG opportunities and risks this presents to their organisations.
“The new ESG certificate programme will help develop the skills of accountants and management accountants to serve the public interest, and instil trust and integrity within the ESG field,” he said in a press release dated Nov 11.
Course participants will be able to identify the key aspects in each ESG area, and the role of the accounting and auditing profession in sustainability; to recognise the expectations of investors and the impact on business, the business case for implementing sustainable practices, and the current sustainability reporting frameworks and reporting requirements; and to assess the responsibility of businesses for key ESG issues.
