CPA Australia offers new sustainability reporting micro-credentials

CPA Australia has introduced the first of three new sustainability-oriented micro-credentials for members, ahead of the 1 January deadline large organisations to commence with mandatory climate-related financial disclosures.

The micro-credential offerings are delivered online and are designed to be flexible, allowing accounting professionals to customise their study plan and learn alongside other commitments.

The first micro-credential, Sustainability: Building Resilience through Leadership, is now available, guiding professionals through the International Financial Reporting Standards’ (IFRS’) Sustainability Standards disclosure requirements.

The course will also coach accounting professionals on how to elevate their skills in ‘strategic leadership’ and how to best facilitate the consideration of sustainability to promote long-term growth.

Topics that will be covered include building the business case for sustainability; integrating sustainability into an organisation’s culture, leadership, governance, and risk management; and managing sustainability performance.

“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,” Dr Asheley Jones, CPA Australia’s Chief Learning and Innovation Officer, said.

“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.”

The other two micro-credential courses are set to be released in December and January, respectively, covering other subjects including how businesses can incorporate sustainability into their operations, sustainability reporting and disclosure.

“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,” Jones said.

“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.”