Sustainability Working Group
Our Aims
As professional accountancy bodies, we believe that we and our members have key roles to play in driving the transition to a sustainable economy. Professional accountants have the skillsets and knowledge in organizational governance, strategy, risk management and performance, to support sustainable decision-making through our business analysis, disclosure and assurance of financial and non-financial data. Our goal as professional bodies is to ensure our members are equipped to play this role.
The GAA’s Sustainability Working Group facilitates information sharing and collaboration among our member bodies on topics related to sustainability and accountancy and meet with key national and international stakeholders. Its goal is to lead the advancement of the accounting profession by undertaking special projects from time-to-time as directed by the Board and CEO.
Sustainability Working Group Members
Net Zero Commitment Task Force Members
Association of International Certified Professional Accountants | Anjali Patel |
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand | Paul Shelbourn |
Chartered Accountants Ireland | Susan Rossney (Chair) |
Chartered Professional Accountants Canada | Norman Hait |
Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants | Dickson Pak Siu Chung |
Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales | Sarah Reay |
Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland | Craig Anderson Fiona Donnelly |
Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants | Yuta Naito |
Our Resources
Here are further GAA resources to help and guide you on your sustainability journey:
GAA’s progress and pathways to success
In 2022, the GAA launched a call to action in response to the nature crisis.
Here we outline:
- the GAA’s commitments,
- the progress that has been made, and
- look ahead to what must be achieved by 2030
Coming soon: A Starter Guide to Nature
There is a growing public expectation that accountants have a duty to help resolve the nature crisis and align business models with societal goals. However, many professional accountants are unclear about how nature connects with their professional roles and responsibilities, nor how to get started.
The GAA's Sustainability Working Group is creating a ‘Starter Guide to Nature for Accountants’ to help address this issue and build literacy across our global membership base.
The guide – due for release later in 2024 – will provide practical guidance to help our members understand why nature matters to them in their professional roles, and how to get started on embedding it in their day-to-day practices.
Watch this space for more news!