The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), announced the launch of a new Professional Diploma in Sustainability, a course and certification designed for finance professionals at all levels who are looking to gain a deeper understanding of sustainability in the business world.

The new course comes as demand for sustainability-related skills is increasing globally as companies and countries globally begin to take action on implementing their climate and sustainability-related commitments, and to meet growing sustainability reporting and regulatory compliance requirements. According to ACCA, the course is being launched in response to growing demand from businesses and professional accountants, to help address a lack of skills to support the move to more sustainable business models.

The program for the diploma helps participants “gain in-depth knowledge of sustainability frameworks and ethics, sustainability strategy and management, sustainability reporting and sustainability assurance,” according to ACCA. Offering over 60 hours of learning and practice across four certificates and one exam, the course aims to provide in-depth knowledge of sustainability frameworks and ethics, sustainability strategy and management, sustainability reporting and sustainability assurance. The diploma will help accountants better serve businesses interested in sustainability, and open up more career opportunities, ACCA said.

Helen Brand, Chief Executive of ACCA, said:

“The expertise of accounting and finance professionals in driving sustainable approaches to business is absolutely essential if we are to make the progress the planet so desperately needs. With their central role working in and for countless businesses and organisations across the world, professional accountants are well placed to play a key role in shaping the future we need. This new qualification is designed to help meet that increasing need and recognises that success is not now just about profits, but about sustainability and social value too.”