“With a clear global trend towards mandatory sustainability reporting, the expectations of finance professionals are changing. A4S and its ABN Network have produced guidance to help accountants navigate the rapidly changing corporate reporting landscape, and make sustainable business, business as usual.” Jessica Fries, Executive Chairman, A4S

Historically, financial terms have always been the measurement for business growth and performance, nevertheless, over the last twenty years, reporting requirements have rapidly been on the increase. Societal awareness of environmental and social issues is growing and, thus, stakeholders are demanding a wider range of information with a clear worldwide trend towards mandatory sustainability reporting.

Presently, there are 614 sustainability reporting requirements across 84 countries and 25 Exchanges (covering 16,456 companies) which require ESG reporting as a listing rule. Organizations are thus relying on the knowledge, skills and processes of finance professionals and accountants, to be one step ahead of corporate reporting trends.

This guide, created by A4S and its Accounting Bodies Network, provides a summarised introduction to the changing corporate reporting landscape. It outlines recent paramount developments in sustainability reporting. It shows how it is impacting the role of the accountant and shaping the future of corporate reporting. It also depicts how this area is most probably to evolve going forward, offering signposting to further sources of information.

A4S will be producing further guidance and thought leadership on reporting.

Source: A4S