AICPA & CIMA as part of the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA) have published a guide ‘Why nature matters to accountants: A guide to building resilience and value through nature-positive action’.
The guide helps address the urgent need for accountants to understand and integrate nature-related issues into their work. It highlights the importance of nature for the accountancy profession and the financial impact of nature-related issues.
The guide aims to build literacy on nature among accountants, equipping them to lead and advise their organizations and clients on this critical business issue. It provides accountants with foundational knowledge and practical actions to integrate nature into their work.
Who the guide is for
The guide is aimed at accountants working in business (in-house roles) and practice (auditors, assurance practitioners, and advisors). It is relevant for accountants in any global region or jurisdiction. The guide provides tailored guidance aimed at board members, senior managers, analysts, report preparers, and external auditors:
Board Members (executive and non-executive directors): Establish nature-related goals and oversee performance.
Senior Managers (CEOs, CFOs, COOs, finance directors, and other leadership roles): Integrate nature into strategic planning, risk management and decision-making.
Analysts: Incorporate nature-related risks and opportunities into analysis.
Report Preparers: Ensure accurate and complete nature-related disclosures.
External Auditors and assurance practitioners: Assess the accuracy and transparency of nature-related information.
Nature and the work of the GAA
This guide is part of the GAA’s broader efforts to ensure that the profession is part of the solution in tackling the global nature crisis going forward. It follows on from the GAA’s report Nature is Everyone's Business: the GAA's Progress and Pathway to 2030, published in October 2024.