Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), as a founding member of the A4S Accounting Bodies Network (ABN), is proud to announce that we have endorsed the five new core principles developed by the ABN. These principles are designed to position the accountancy profession as a key driver in the transition to a sustainable future.

Accounting bodies play a critical role in equipping their members with the knowledge and skills needed to implement sustainable practices within business and finance. Through this renewed commitment, we can continue to build on our existing efforts to ensure our members and provisional members are prepared to meet the evolving demands of the finance and accounting profession.

The revised principles are:

• Education and capacity building: Investing in education and training for accountants to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to support sustainable business practices. Integrating sustainability into the curriculum, continuing professional development  (CPD), and other accountancy programs.
• Advocacy and influence: Driving meaningful change through advocacy, engaging and sharing expertise with businesses, governments, and other stakeholders. Collaborating and contributing to position and policy statements to enable a transition to a global sustainable economy.
• Innovation and adaptability: Encouraging continuous innovation and adaptability in accounting practices to address sustainability challenges and  opportunities. Leveraging new technologies and best practices to ensure sustainability is integrated into all emerging accounting methodologies.
• Transforming value: Endorsing a broader definition of value that prioritizes  long-term impact. Guiding the profession toward adopting a holistic view of value, encompassing financial, human, social, and environmental dimensions.
• Leading by example: Embedding sustainability within the strategy and operations of ABN member organizations. Being transparent and accountable for sustainability impacts.

CA ANZ is committed to these principles and will continue to lead by example, advocating for sustainable practices within the accounting profession and beyond.

CA ANZ is a member of HM King Charles III Accounting for Sustainability Accounting Bodies Network. This network represents over 2.5 million professional accountants and students across 179 countries.