ESG Reporting Impact on Accounting, Finance

Abstract

The terms ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), sustainability, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting are used interchangeably in industry practice. E (environmental), S (social), and G (governance) reporting encompasses qualitative discussions and quantitative metrics, including the company's performance measures against ESG risks, opportunities, and related strategies. Companies have turned to ESG reporting to meet the information needs of their stakeholders and be transparent about their commitments to ESG risk management. ESG issues are growing in importance to companies, investors, and other stakeholders. Users of the companies’ ESG reports seek transparency about the initiatives in addition to accurate and reliable reporting. This paper reviews the current state and a few examples of global companies’ ESG reporting, suggests an implementation model and discusses the role of financial professionals in adopting ESG reporting and enhancing stakeholder value.