ESG reporting manager

The ESG reporting manager will be a qualified accountant with an interest in sustainability and environmental issues. An ability to demonstrate excellent numerical skills (in analysis) and strong technical reporting skills (such as preparing strategic, analytical and statutory reports to internal and external stakeholders) is vital, as is the ability to manage projects and support team members in their development as well as maintaining budgetary and client requirements. As this is an area that is developing rapidly, the drive to keep up to date with technical developments (both in sustainable reporting and accounting and auditing requirements), is required.

Increasingly, global governments are requiring the larger companies to report on 'non-financial data' in their annual reports. In some territories, carbon reporting is a legal requirement (for example, UK, EU, Japan, North America, Australia all require Mandatory Green Gas reporting (GHG). An increasing number of territories have national carbon pricing ('carbon tax') such as Canada, Chile, EU, UK and New Zealand, therefore it is essential that the reporting is accurate and as the financials will be directly impacted. In the UK, all premium listed companies are required to state in their annual report whether their disclosures are consistent with TCFD recommendations. The USA requires certain public companies to disclose certain ESG information, and the EU is proposing further requirements with their proposed Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) which will require 'limited assurance' by an external party. This is a role and a requirement that will continue to develop over the next few years.