The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has announced significant updates to the International Education Standards (IESs), making sustainability-focused competencies mandatory in the training of professional accountants. The revisions aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and assurance in sustainability reporting as global demand for high-quality ESG disclosures continues to rise.
Key Updates:
Integrated Sustainability Approach – Sustainability principles embedded throughout accounting education. Enhanced Assurance Competencies – New requirements for specialized skills in sustainability assurance. Strengthened Business Acumen – Increased emphasis on strategic sustainability considerations. Ethical & Behavioral Competencies – Greater focus on integrity, authenticity, and equity. Modernized Assessment Methods – Updated guidance on hybrid and remote evaluations.
Lee White, IFAC CEO, stated that these updates will equip accountants with the expertise needed to support high-quality sustainability reporting and assurance, reinforcing their role as trusted experts in the evolving ESG landscape.
By integrating sustainability into accounting education, IFAC is solidifying the profession’s commitment to delivering reliable, transparent, and credible sustainability-related information in financial markets worldwide
| Find out more here. |
