AICPA-CIMA Presentation





November 11th at 5:00 PM CT

Decoding the “Alphabet Soup” of ESG Reporting

Ken Witt, AICPA & CIMA, Senior Manager, MA and Member Engagement

While sustainability, or ESG issues have previously been primarily in the domain of larger, consumer-facing, public companies, often with limited involvement by the finance function, this is no longer the case. With increased urgency about climate impacts and the widespread embrace of major social issues, there is also increased demand for disclosures on these concerns being made by investors, and other stakeholders, including regulators.

One of the challenges that businesses face in responding to these increased demands is what has often been referred to as the “alphabet soup” of reporting frameworks and standards. This session will provide an overview of the rapidly-changing reporting and regulatory landscape and the likely impact on companies of all sizes.

Objectives:

  • Distinguish between the major reporting frameworks and the collaborative efforts underway to develop a comprehensive solution for global reporting, including SASB, CDP, CDSB, TCFD and GRI
  • Recognize the need for sustainability reporting standards and the formation of an International Sustainability Standards Board by the IFRS Foundation to create a global architecture for comprehensive corporate reporting
  • Evaluate emerging climate change legislation and the potential impact on business operations, financing, and reporting


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Ken serves as Senior Manager on the Management Accounting and Member Engagement team at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.

Ken is the staff liaison to the Americas Region Advisory Panel, the Association committee representing our members in business. AmRAP provides insight and guidance on professional issues and trends relevant to AICPA’s members working in management accounting.

Ken received his B.B.A. from the University of Iowa and served in a number of roles in public and privately held companies. Since joining the Association in 2004, Ken has been involved in the development of thought leadership reports and tools, conferences, and continuing education resources, especially in the areas of strategy, risk, and sustainability.

Most recently, Ken has been creating member resources related to sustainability accounting, reporting, and assurance. He is also involved in the Integrated Performance Management research project sponsored by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The IPM project aims to identify best practices that leading companies are using to manage their performance and future-proof their businesses in this era of new risks and opportunities. Ken was also instrumental in the Association’s Future of Finance research process, identifying the skills and capabilities needed by finance professionals in today’s global business environment, and incorporating those competencies into the CGMA Competency Framework and the online CGMA Finance Leadership Program.