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The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has launched a “pioneering” new professional diploma in sustainability, designed for finance professionals who are “looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and accreditation to prove it”. It comes as the association said businesses often lack the essential skills to support the move to more sustainable business models and “urgently need the skills to consider non-financial as well as financial business drivers”.
The diploma consists of a comprehensive, integrated learning programme, in-depth knowledge, a revision kit, and a three-hour exam.
It offers over 60 hours of learning and practice across four certificates and one exam, with learners gaining in-depth knowledge of sustainability frameworks and ethics, sustainability strategy and management, sustainability reporting and sustainability assurance.
ACCA said it has been working closely with regulators on their requirements for sustainability auditors to craft the diploma.
Once completed, the professional diploma provides a “comprehensive” accreditation in the core areas of sustainability.
Helen Brand, chief executive of ACCA, said: “The expertise of accounting and finance professionals in driving sustainable approaches to business is absolutely essential if we are to make the progress the planet so desperately needs.
“With their central role working in and for countless businesses and organisations across the world, professional accountants are well placed to play a key role in shaping the future we need. This new qualification is designed to help meet that increasing need and recognises that success is not now just about profits, but about sustainability and social value too.”
Glenn Collins, head of technical and strategic engagement at ACCA, added: “Sustainable organisations that create long-term value for society will be the bedrock of our future economy – and professional accountants will be at the heart of these organisations. This specialist diploma will support them as they drive positive business change and support the UK economy.”
