A global survey has shown the concern of 829 ACCA members about the current social and environmental issues.
Research by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) survey showed 90% of respondents said they want organisations to become more environmentally sustainable after the pandemic.
Alongside the 829 members, written responses from 34 ACCA members were also recorded during an online community discussion that took place over 10 days in July.
During the 10 days, the members engaged in a series of questions with a professional insight teams. They discussed their views, experiences, offered advice on social and environmental issues and the role of finance teams and professional accountants.
The survey also showed that accountants were willing to spearhead this change, with 95% accepting finance has to contribute in order to build a more socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable future.
Helen Brand OBE, chief executive of ACCA said: “Guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, businesses of all sizes can use this moment to step forward and commit to making an intentional, positive impact on society and the environment through their activities.”
Some 75% of respondents agreed their own organisations needed to change and address social inequalities, and find less environmentally damaging methods of business.
A further 54% of those surveyed said they have considered training employees on social and environmental issues within their organisation.
Jimmy Greer, ACCA’s head of sustainability, added: “Now is the time to mainstream social and environmental impact management, so that our economies and societies become more resilient to future shocks and can embed health, equity, community and sustainability into business models.
“Professional accountants and finance teams are central actors, with the skills, knowledge and ambition to do more.”
