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Solving Your Business Risks

    Businesses face a myriad of challenges that leave them vulnerable to many forms of risk, including regulatory, reputational and litigation, among others. Evolving legal and ethical obligations pose constant challenges to a business and often in-house counsel are on the front ... Read More

Demystifying the International Financial Reporting Standards.

IFRS Immersion Course For Accountants, Auditors & Finance Personnel This 3-Day IFRS immersion training has been designed to teach in-depth knowledge about IFRS with practical application examples.The training sessions will be led by subject-matter professionals with deep IFRS and Nigeria Statement of Accounting Standards experience. Attendance at this programme will provide the participants opportunity to discuss practical issues on application of IFRS and to ensure effective compliance with IFRS. Certificates will be awarded to all ... Read More

PML ADVISORY PARTNERS WITH E-TRENDS TECHNOLOGY INDIA

   Indian based accounting solution company, E-trends Technologies India has  signed a partnership deal with PML  advisory limited to provide solution to the  mounting challenges  of managing , controlling and reporting internal  audit  system that are confronting emerging and ... Read More

Your SME Needs a Financial Plan

    A financial plan is a forecast of future performance for a business, usually prepared using spreadsheet software. Small businesses can benefit greatly from taking the time to do a financial plan at least annually. The plan helps a small ... Read More

Seven Steps To An Effective Risk Based Audit

  An important in the internal auditor's toolbox, risk-based auditing effectively serves the three primary roles of internal auditing — to provide feedback on the adequacy of internal control, to provide a source of information for monitoring risk, and to provide identification and communication ... Read More

Your Company Needs A Better Risk Management Approach

  The world has learned the hard way over the past year that most companies have done a bad job of managing risk. And not only banks and investment firms. Accenture’s Global Risk Management Study  found that executives at business enterprises across a wide range of industries believe overwhelmingly that they ... Read More

External Auditors: An Ally or Opponent?

  External Auditors: An Ally or Opponent? Unfortunately, the finance departments of many companies mistakenly believe that having an external audit annually is part of their internal control structure they can rely on to ensure their financial statements are accurate and their internal controls are sound.   While the objective of an external audit ... Read More

What are the benefits of having professional financial advice?

Professional financial advisors have years of training, tools, and experience working with many different clients and situations. Because of their broad experience, professional advisors can quickly assess your needs and offer advice that reflects the best practices of the financial industry and is appropriate for your particular needs. In addition, and ... Read More

NEWS: “IFRS will promote corporate governance” – FRC

The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) has said the convergence to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by Nigeria will promote corporate governance in the country. This, according to the Council, will also enhance foreign direct investments and national economic growth. Chairman, Governing Board of the FRCN, Mrs. Maryam Ladi Ibrahim ... Read More

Do Good Accountants Always Do Good Audit?

In 2002, the President of United States passed into law the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 addressing corporate accountability. A response to the financial scandals that undermined citizens’ confidence in U.S. business and perhaps most important, though, it puts the accounting industry under tightened federal oversight. It creates a regulatory board—with ... Read More

Solving Your Business Risks

In today’s global economy, the demand for businesses to operate sustainably has never been higher. Stakeholders, from investors to consumers, are increasingly holding organizations accountable for their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. This has given rise to sustainability audits—a systematic process for evaluating an organization's performance across these critical dimensions.

What Are Sustainability Audits?

Sustainability audits involve a comprehensive evaluation of a company’s social, environmental, economic, and governance practices. They assess whether organizations are operating in ways that minimize harm to the environment, benefit society, and uphold ethical governance.

Key components of sustainability audits include:

1. Environmental Assessment: Examining impacts such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste management.

2. Social Assessment: Evaluating labour practices, human rights adherence, community engagement, and product safety.

3. Economic Assessment: Analysing financial stability, supply chain efficiency, and economic contributions to communities.

4. Governance and Management Assessment: Reviewing governance structures, leadership accountability, transparency, and stakeholder engagement practices.

The Benefits of Sustainability Audits

Sustainability audits offer a range of benefits that make them invaluable for businesses:

1. Improved Transparency and Accountability: Audits enable organizations to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and maintain open communication with stakeholders.

2. Risk Management: Identifying and addressing sustainability risks helps companies avoid reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and financial losses.

3. Cost Savings: Implementing sustainable practices can lead to significant cost reductions through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and streamlined supply chains.

4. Enhanced Reputation and Brand Value: Organizations that prioritize sustainability often enjoy increased trust and loyalty from customers, employees, and investors.

5. Regulatory and Standards Compliance: Sustainability audits help businesses meet the requirements of global frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

Types of Sustainability Audits

Sustainability audits are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on organizational goals, audits can take several forms:

1. Internal Sustainability Audit: Conducted by an organization’s internal team to evaluate and improve sustainability performance.

2. External Sustainability Audit: Performed by independent third-party auditors to provide objective assurance on ESG performance and reporting.

3. Certification Audits: Focused on verifying compliance with recognized standards, such as ISO 14001 for environmental management or ISO 26000 for social responsibility.

The Rising Need for ESG Auditing Expertise

As the pressure mounts on businesses to provide credible ESG disclosures, the role of sustainability auditors has become pivotal. Beyond compliance, sustainability audits empower organizations to lead with integrity and make informed decisions that benefit all stakeholders. Businesses that proactively embrace this approach not only ensure their longevity but also contribute meaningfully to a sustainable future.

In conclusion, sustainability audits are more than a regulatory requirement—they are a strategic tool for building resilient, ethical, and forward-thinking organizations. With the growing importance of ESG, the expertise of sustainability auditors is poised to remain an essential asset in driving responsible business practices.

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