Accountancy body examines sustainability

News Article - 01 September 2006
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The importance of sustainability to accountants working in business is to be examined by an international accountants' body.

The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has produced two new papers examining just what role accountants can play in maintaining sustainable development in the economy.

Its research comes as attention to the social, environmental and economic effects on business performance increases among investors, governments, customers and society in general.

Measuring and reporting on sustainable development has become a major issue as a result.

One paper discusses the ways in which professional accountants in business will be involved with the measurement, recording and interpretation of sustainability-related information.

A second provides first-hand commentary from eleven senior professionals working in various enterprises around the world on the role of PAIBs and the challenges they face in promoting and implementing sustainable development strategies.

"Sustainability is an important topic that is moving up fast on the agendas of professional accountants in business," said Bill Connell, chair of IFAC's professional accountants in business (PAIB) committee.

"Professional accountancy bodies need to ensure that the topic is addressed in both the pre- and post-qualification of professional accountants."

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