Source: Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
Fundamentals of ESG Certificate programme offers first step in learning journey for high-growth area of sustainability reporting and assurance
11 November 2022, New Zealand – AICPA & CIMA, which together form the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, are offering a new certificate that provides foundational knowledge on 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 available globally and is appropriate for accounting and finance professionals looking to obtain a baseline knowledge of ESG topics. The 9-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.
Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing AICPA & CIMA, 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.”
AICPA & CIMA are developing a detailed learning roadmap for ESG. As the first step on that journey, the Fundamentals of ESG Certificate programme will provide course takers with the ability to:
• Identify the key aspects in each area of Environment, Social and Governance
• Recognise the expectations of investors and the impact on business
• Assess the responsibility of businesses for key ESG issues
• Recognise the business case for implementing sustainable practices
• Identify the role of the accounting and auditing profession in sustainability
• Recognise the current sustainability reporting frameworks and reporting requirements
Pricing and further details of the programme are available on the certificate homepage. For an array of other resources on sustainability and ESG, please visit aicpa.org/esg.
The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants® (the Association), representing AICPA® & CIMA®, advances the global accounting and finance profession through its work on behalf of 689,000 AICPA and CIMA members, students and engaged professionals in 196 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license, the CGMA designation and specialised credentials, professional development and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members and engaged professionals with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.
The American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA), the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, sets ethical standards for its members and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organisations, and federal, state and local governments. It also develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination and builds the pipeline of future talent for the public accounting profession.
The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA) is the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants. CIMA works closely with employers and sponsors leading-edge research, constantly updating its professional qualification and professional experience requirements to ensure it remains the employer’s choice when recruiting financially trained business leaders.
