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New micro-credentials to prepare accountants for the opportunities of a sustainable future

CPA Australia

20 November 2024

New micro-credentials to prepare accountants for the opportunities of a sustainable future

• Australian businesses need to prepare for increasing ESG reporting requirements
• CPA Australia reveals first of three new micro-credentials to help members meet the growing demand for sustainability expertise
• Sustainability reporting presents career boost opportunity for accountants

CPA Australia has launched the first of three new sustainability micro-credentials to support members ahead of a breakthrough year in ESG reporting requirements.

With mandatory climate-related financial disclosures for large organisations coming into effect from 1 January, ahead of a roll-out for medium and smaller businesses in 2026, the new micro-credentials are designed to support accounting professionals in providing the strategic leadership they need to integrate sustainability in a way that creates value and facilitates long-term growth.

For accountants, the increasing ESG reporting landscape is the perfect opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills to advance their careers at a time of ever-growing demand for well-qualified finance professionals.

The first of the three new micro-credentials from CPA Australia on ‘Sustainability: Building Resilience through Leadership’ has been released and covers preparation for IFRS Sustainability Standards disclosure requirements.

Topics include building the business case for sustainability, integrating sustainability into an organisation’s culture, leadership, governance, and risk management, as well as managing sustainability performance.

Two additional courses are scheduled to be released in December and January. They will cover how businesses can incorporate sustainability into their operations, sustainability reporting and disclosure.

Dr Asheley Jones, CPA Australia’s Chief Learning and Innovation Officer, says the new ESG reporting landscape presents an opportunity for accountants to add even greater value to their clients and organisations.

“Accountants are set to play a significant role in the transition to a lower carbon future as they support their clients and the business community more broadly to prepare for the reporting requirements on the horizon,” says Dr Jones.

“We are committed to the ongoing personal development of CPA Australia members and the finance services sector broadly. From CFOs to risk teams, ESG frameworks and governance are now a necessary part of any strong business. Whether you’re a professional accountant just looking to build a new skillset for your career, our new sustainability micro-credentials are designed to take you to the next level of skill capability.”

CPA Australia’s new sustainability micro-credentials have been developed in collaboration with ERM, the world’s largest specialist in sustainability consultancy.

“These online courses will help individuals supercharge their career prospects with the knowledge and skills they need to stand out in an evolving business landscape,” says Dr Jones.

“The micro-credentials are based on technical and non-technical competencies and align to the Australian Qualification Framework. Upon successful completion of assessments, learners will receive a digital badge that demonstrates their capability and achievement.

“As Australia pushes ahead with its commitment to net zero, successful organisations will integrate sustainability into their strategies, planning and risk management to help facilitate the creation of long-term sustainable growth – and finance professionals are well-placed to communicate the benefits of embedding sustainability in organisational culture, developing growth strategies and make decisions that consider the trade-off between social, environmental and financial performance.

“For CPA Australia’s members and all other participants, these new credentials will be another weapon in their armoury of experience, knowledge and expertise to set them up for future opportunities that come from this new ESG reporting landscape.”

About us:

About CPA Australia   

CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 173,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au

Contact details:

Simon Downes, External Affairs Lead, simon.downes@cpaaustralia.com.au or 0401 461 503