Courses and programs

Accounting for Sustainability

Overview

 

Sustainability issues such as the threat of climate change, emission trading, resource depletion and the recent global financial crisis call into question the financial sustainability of many business models. This course introduces you to the key operating and financing risks posed by these challenges and the strategic opportunities open to progressive firms. We also present practical suggestions and worked examples which you can use to develop sustainable business models and manage the key risks posed. An emphasis of this course is on developing quality management accounting and governance systems which can be used to develop strategies which lead to sustainable competitive advantage. Firm who do not actively manage these risks and opportunities face the prospect of significant costs.

This program is targeted at:

  • Financial Controllers
  • Financial Managers
  • Financial Accountants
  • Management Accountants
  • Financial Planners

Day one provides an overview which would be particularly useful for :

  • Company Directors and Executives

Key Opportunity


Accounting for Sustainability is a newly developed concept with the aim to provide an insight into sustainable financial models and processes which managers and CPAs could consider using to manage the accounting for sustainability of various organisations. This is a 3 staged course delivered over 5 days. Although the course includes 3 stages, participants may choose to attend one or more stages. The course provides practical and tactical solutions to organisational issues, with the analysis of business models from the perspective of global trends and constraints on natural resources. The focus is on explaining how accountants can play a role in driving sustainability strategies in the organisation.

Accounting for Sustainability is delivered by a panel of experts with range of academic and professional background that incorporates the following:

  • Analysis of the organisation from perspective of global trends and constraints on natural resources with an emphasis on case studies and a focus on scientific evidence

  • Analysis of the organisations business model and identification of operating and financing risks

  • Design and use of effective management control systems

  • Effective supply chain management

  • Change management strategies

  • Assessment of NGER and other reporting obligations

  • The implications of emission trading schemes for firms and capital markets and the implications for downstream customers

  • Environment and social governance and accountability, including auditing obligations and opportunities

  • Identification of other possible material items and the potential legal obligations.

UTS Advantages


UTS has a renowned reputation for thought leadership in the areas of building a sustainable future, organisational strategy, management and financial accounting. Accounting for sustainability brings these key strengths together into one course. The course supports UTS's strategy of educating, facilitating and creating an awarenes of the value and importance of sustainability initiatives.

The Accounting for sustainability program is delivered by a range of professionals and research active academics and incorporates:

  • A practical and experiential approach

  • Access to the latest research on accounting for sustainability

  • Group activities and workshops

  • Intensive learning from research and reports

  • Peer learning

Program Details


Step 1:
Accounting for Sustainability- An Introduction


- 1 day program

This introductory course delivers a concise critical analysis of the most important international and national trends which are driving significant changes to operating and financing risks and opportunities faced by firms. We identify problems with some existing strategic business models and offer suggestions for how firms can capitalise on new strategic directions. An emphasis of this course is on providing an overview of what risks need to be managed, how to leverage your sustainability strategy to gain competitive advantage, and what key legal obligations firms have, from an international and domestic perspective. Firms who do not actively manage these risks and opportunities face the prospect of significant costs.

This one day program on accounting for sustainability outlines the three main topic areas:

  • Introduction to Accounting for Sustainability

  • Sustainable business strategies and practices

  • Legal, regulatory and institutional perspectives.


Outcome: To provide an insight into practical financial models of sustainable business and accounting and develop awareness of key risks posed to the sustainability of modern organisations. Key concepts will be illustrated using examples from leading international and domestic companies The attendees are expected to develop knowledge with an expert skill in identifying, evaluating and implementing key practical financial models to ensure the financial sustainability of organisations.

Full program details

Step 2:
Accounting for Sustainability- Management


- 2 days program

The management of sustainability strategies is of critical importance for firms who wish to capitalise on the opportunities and avoid the risks facing 21st century firms. This 2 day session provides practical insights into the challenges of managing the key risks and opportunities identified in stage 1. We take the uncertainty out of managing sustainability by presenting several approaches to developing information systems and sustainability strategies. We present a comprehensive approach to identifying risks and opportunities by means of modified management accounting techniques. We present practical insights into how to improve the quality of internal reporting with a focus on developing sustainable competitive advantage. We also consider the challenges of change management and offer strategies for driving change in the context of sustainability. 

This two days program on management outlines the following topic areas:

  • Introduction to managing sustainabilty: review of recent research

  • Environmental Management Control Systems and Internal Sustainability reporting

  • Greenhouse Gas (GHG) accounting and management

  • Other tools and techniques for Environmental and Social Accounting

  • How to develop effective change management strategies


Outcome: To offer participants insights from the latest research into management accounting for sustainability. To offer practical approaches to managing the risks and opportunities presented to the 21st century organisation.

Full program details

Step 3:

 
Accounting for Sustainability- Governance and Accountability


- 2 days program

There are serious governance and accountability issues facing 21st century organisations. These pose major risks to investors and other stakeholders who need to be understood, managed, and communicated with by organisations. This 2 day course will teach you how to improve your financial sustainability by means of best practice governance and accountability practices. We will offer an overview of the latest research and theories on the topics and offer practical guidance on how you can develop and improve appropriate governance systems. We review and work through a range of topics from integrative reporting, the investor perspective, stakeholder analysis and the assurance of sustainability reports. We conclude the course with major case studies which review the key concepts relevant to financial sustainability.

This two days program on governance and accountability outlines the following topic area:

  • Accountability and external sustainability

  • The Investors perspectives

  • Governance, stakeholder analysis and engagement

  • Leveraging value from the assurance of sustainability reports and information

  • Major case studies and conclusion


Outcome:To offer participants insights from the latest research into governance issues and accountably for financial sustainability. To offer practical approaches to how to approach the risks and opportunities presented to the 21st century organisation through the lens of governance and accountability.

  Full program details
 

Customised in-house Training

Customised in-house delivery can be an ideal approach for companies looking for Accounting for Sustainability with flexible and tailored options. UTS: EDU has extensive experience delivering in-house programs to a range of industries, and can offer advice on program structure and roll-out that best suits the needs of your organisation.

 

For more information, please contact Executive Development.