Integrating ESG and Sustainability with Ethics into the Accounting Curriculum-AAA weARE Webinar Integrating ESG and Sustainability with Ethics into the Accounting Curriculum

AAA weARE Webinar Integrating ESG and Sustainability with Ethics into the Accounting Curriculum

Pdf Summary

The integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the accounting curriculum is receiving increased attention from educators, as detailed in recent research published in "Issues in Accounting Education." The study aimed to understand the current state, challenges, and future directions of embedding ESG in accounting education. While there's burgeoning demand for ESG-savvy graduates, only a small fraction of departments have formally integrated ESG topics into their courses. Approximately 38.7% of educators have taught ESG topics, but merely 6.6% of departments have structured ESG reporting into their curriculum.<br /><br />The study identified key ESG skills essential for students, including understanding links between ESG and financial reporting, creating long-term stakeholder value, and evaluating ESG metrics both qualitatively and quantitatively. Audit and assurance, accounting ethics, and financial accounting courses are deemed the most suitable for ESG topics, with the preferred methods of instruction involving case studies, readings, and guest speakers.<br /><br />Challenges educators face include an already crowded curriculum, a lack of faculty knowledgeable about ESG, and insufficient centralized standards. Resources needed include specialized faculty, access to robust educational materials, and financial support. Faculty primarily acquire ESG knowledge through conferences, professional resources, and interactions with business professionals.<br /><br />The research underscores the urgent need for accounting departments to evaluate the importance of ESG integration. Concurrently, individual educators are encouraged to develop their expertise in ESG to meet market demands. The report highlights a gap between educational practices and industry needs, suggesting an impending growth in ESG's role within accounting education and practice.

Keywords

ESG integration

accounting education

curriculum development

ESG skills

financial reporting

stakeholder value

educational challenges

faculty development

industry needs

teaching methods