The online courses are designed to enhance career prospects. Credit: Miha Creative/Shutterstock.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Australia has launched the first of three new sustainability-oriented micro-credentials for its members.  

This initiative aligns with the mandatory climate-related financial disclosures for large organisations, effective from 1 January 2025, with medium and smaller businesses to follow in 2026.  

Developed in collaboration with ERM, a specialist in sustainability consultancy, these micro-credentials aim to equip accounting professionals with the strategic leadership skills necessary to integrate sustainability into business practices, fostering long-term growth and value creation.  

The first course is named ‘Sustainability: Building Resilience through Leadership.’ 

This initial course guides professionals through the International Financial Reporting Standards’ Sustainability Standards disclosure requirements.  

It covers topics such as building the business case for sustainability, integrating sustainability into organisational culture, risk management, leadership and governance, as well as managing sustainability performance. 

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Two additional courses are scheduled for release in December and January.  

These will focus on incorporating sustainability into business operations, sustainability reporting, and disclosure.  

CPA Australia chief learning and innovation officer Dr Asheley Jones noted that the online courses are designed to enhance career prospects by providing knowledge and skills relevant to the evolving business landscape. 

The micro-credentials are based on technical and non-technical competencies and align with the Australian Qualification Framework.  

Upon successful completion, learners receive a digital badge, showcasing their capability and achievement.  

Jones added: “Accountants are set to play a significant role in the transition to a lower carbon future as they support their clients and the business community more broadly to prepare for the reporting requirements on the horizon. 

“We are committed to the ongoing personal development of CPA Australia members and the finance services sector broadly. From CFOs to risk teams, ESG frameworks and governance are now a necessary part of any strong business. Whether you’re a professional accountant just looking to build a new skillset for your career, our new sustainability micro-credentials are designed to take you to the next level of skill capability.” 

In October 2024, CPA Australia and the University of Melbourne celebrated the 85th Annual Research Lecture, addressing evolving charity reporting requirements within the not-for-profit sector.