"The proposals provide a robust framework for the profession to develop capable accountants who produce, report, and assure sustainability information.”
The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has unveiled proposed changes to the International Education Standards (IESs) that embed sustainability—from analysis to reporting to assurance—across aspiring professional accountants’ training.
IFAC CEO Lee White emphasized the significance of the proposed changes, stating, “Investors and other stakeholders need sustainability reports and disclosures that are on par with the high-quality, decision-useful financial reports that accountants already deliver. To be future-fit, accountants must develop the right competencies to meet this need. The proposals provide a robust framework for the profession to develop capable accountants who produce, report, and assure sustainability information.”
Key proposals include:
- Emphasizing working with experts and in multi-disciplinary teams;
- Introducing key sustainability reporting concepts, such as systems thinking, value chains and scenario analysis;
- Referencing relevant sustainability reporting and assurance standards; and
- Creating a new assurance competence area and learning outcomes.
Additionally, IFAC has proposed changes to IES 6, Initial Professional Development – Assessment of Professional Competence, to modernize the standard to align with current good practice and clarify previously-existing requirements. This includes introducing new principles emphasizing integrity, authenticity, equity, and inclusion. These changes will aid professional accountancy organizations, universities, and training programs in evaluating candidates’ readiness for the professional accountant role.
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© IFAC - International Federation of Accountants
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