Sustainability

TOPICS / MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

June 29, 2026

Standardization of sustainability reporting improves, but obstacles remain

While an increasing number of large U.S. companies turned to audit firms for assurance of sustainability data in 2024, a gap persists with the rest of the world, an annual report shows.

May 12, 2025

State of Play: How firms are helping smooth sustainability reporting

The latest data from research by the International Federation of Accountants, the AICPA, and CIMA reveals that nearly three-fourths of the largest global companies obtained assurance of sustainability disclosures in 2023, with the majority depending on audit firms. U.S. companies rank ahead of the pack when it comes to obtaining assurance but behind the pack when it comes to depending on audit firms.

March 26, 2025

AICPA, CalCPA jointly call for clarity regarding California climate rule

The organizations, on behalf of CPAs, responded to a request for feedback from the California Air Resources Board with recommendations related to guidance on the reporting and assurance requirements of recent legislation.

December 18, 2024

FASB proposal offers guidance on disclosure of environmental credits

The proposal aims to address gaps in guidance for financial accounting of environmental credits and environmental credit obligations.

September 3, 2024

Sustainable services: CPAs positioned for burst in opportunities

As mandatory regulations related to reporting on and assurance of sustainability data begin to take hold, now is the time for CPAs in a variety of roles to position themselves to take advantage.

June 1, 2024

Why sustainability information matters to CPAs

As demand for ESG data grows, so does the opportunity for accountants to help businesses meet reporting requirements.

May 16, 2024

Why the SEC climate rule deserves CPAs’ attention

An AICPA director who has closely followed corporate reporting on climate issues explains the new SEC rule’s importance for accountants who create financial statements and those who audit them. Read the Q&A or listen to the transcript.

April 15, 2024

Cautious optimism: CEOs confident in their businesses, the economy

Large-company CEOs in a KPMG survey are confident in the U.S. economy despite multiple risks. Also, the CEOs seem to be changing their thinking about a permanent return to in-office work, with more envisioning a hybrid model.

February 22, 2024

Sustainability reporting, assurance rates on the rise globally

While reporting levels remain high and overall assurance levels are increasing, the level of assurance in the United States conducted by CPA firms remains low.

December 14, 2023

Podcast part 1: Melancon on news and trends affecting CPAs

The CEO of AICPA & CIMA discusses a potential IRS shutdown, why legislation will have an “extraterritorial effect” on reporting of ESG metrics, and why CPA licensure should be followed closely.

December 13, 2023

AICPA comments on proposed standard for sustainability assurance

The comment letter, in response to the exposure draft of ISSA 5000, shows support for the global standard while suggesting revisions to ensure it can be “consistently interpreted and applied.” The AICPA’s Auditing Standards Board is considering related changes to its attestation standards.

November 2, 2023