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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

There’s also a growing pool of auditors and That kind of research can lead to new conversa-
accountants with advanced education in ESG, tions about potential ESG projects, including
said Justin Neff, CPA, a partner at Moss Adams projects for clients as well as internal efforts at
leading the ESG assurance practice. their own firm. Getting aboard just one of those
“What we’re seeing in public accounting, projects can open doors, as it did for Umstead.
specifically, is people coming out of school Umstead also recommended developing related
with an accounting degree and a secondary skills, especially in data visualization and data
ESG focus,” he said. “They’re looking at how to processing. Those skills are important across the
exclusively create a career in ESG assurance and profession, but they can be especially helpful
ESG advisory.” as accountants delve into sources of data that
But despite the race to hire those with a company may not previously have examined
extensive ESG experience or education, Neff and or standardized.
others said there is plenty of opportunity to make Accountants can also get ahead by getting
midcareer transitions, too. familiar with the ever-evolving standards and
At BPM LLP, Kristi Staley, CPA, co-leader of regulations on climate reporting, including the
the ESG practice, sees plenty of opportunity for SEC’s draft exposure rule, as well as the voluntary
accountants from across the firm. standards that have guided early reporting, espe-
“While the initial role will likely be advisory- cially the GHG Protocol and the Sustainability
driven, we’re open to our colleagues at various Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards,
levels from all aspects of the firm,” Staley said. Baum said. This year, the Value Reporting Founda-
“Many skills from audit and tax work are transfer- tion, which publishes the SASB Standards, and
able. We see a lot of opportunity internally for the Climate Disclosure Standards Board both
those passionate about ESG.” merged into the IFRS Foundation, which is de-
A first step would be to become more knowl- veloping new standards through the International
edgeable about the area. So, how can accountants Sustainability Standards Board.
and others get a foothold on this new topic? By studying the protocols that may govern
For Umstead, it starts with the work you’re ESG activities, “you’re starting with the end point.
already doing. She recommended that auditors You can know what companies are going to actu-
and accountants begin by examining the ESG ally have to deal with,” Baum said.
efforts and plans of their clients, their employers, Neff agreed that understanding the existing and
and others. proposed standards and frameworks, especially
Start by examining organizations’ published the SEC draft rule and the GHG Protocol, is im-
ESG reports, Umstead suggested. “Understand portant. (See the AICPA’s summary on the SEC
how they’re telling that story, especially if it’s proposed rule on climate-related disclosures.)
your own client,” she said. “Really understanding “In the coming years, I anticipate baseline
where they are in their journey helps to show knowledge around these areas will be a require-
where you can start to help.” ment for a career in accounting,” he said. But it’s

IN BRIEF

■ ESG is a fast-growing ■ Other in-demand those who have been in ■ CPAs can get started
specialty area in the skills include audit and consulting roles. by getting familiar with
accounting profession, attestation and strategy ■ More and more accounting clients’ ESG reports, SASB
and accounting firms are formulation. Firms also graduates have an ESG Standards, and the SEC’s
looking for those with look for accountants with focus. A baseline knowledge recent draft rule on climate-
knowledge of carbon experience in interpreting in ESG may become related disclosures.
emissions and sustainability and implementing new a requirement for all
standards. accounting standards and accountants in the future.
To comment on this article or to suggest an idea for another article, contact Courtney Vien at Courtney.Vien@aicpa-cima.com.

24 | Journal of Accountancy January 2023