For those seeking ESG training, AICPA & CIMA now offer a new certificate programme for finance and accounting professionals to consider.
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, AICPA & CIMA said.
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, according to AICPA & CIMA, which together form the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.
The nine-hour ESG training offers a grounding in the fundamental concepts of and latest developments within the ESG field, the two organisations said, adding that participants will get a certificate upon completion and be able to display a digital badge in their online profiles.
While ESG is reaching a tipping point, it will also 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, said Andrew Harding, FCMA, CGMA, Chief Executive – Management Accounting at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, representing AICPA & CIMA.
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, Harding added.
AICPA & CIMA said they’re 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 do the followings, AICPA & CIMA pointed out.
- Identify the key aspects in each area of ESG
- 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
