In Acuity’s final issue for 2021 we look at sustainability. On the cover of the Australian issue is Timothy Jacob CA, the head of finance at Who Gives A Crap, which donates half the profits from its sales of eco-friendly toilet paper and tissue to fund sanitation and clean water projects in developing nations.

We also profile Miranda Siu CA, who uses her accounting skills as a consultant in the carbon and climate resilience team at Edge Environment sustainability consultancy. She assists clients to make their businesses more sustainable by helping them understand their transition risks and co-designing a disclosure roadmap.

Siu admits she was a reluctant accountant who only fell in love with Excel spreadsheets when they became a way to counter carbon emissions.

“It’s taken me a while, but finally, at 42, I’ve found a job that I love, and it’s in accounting,” she says with a laugh.

She believes there’s incredible opportunity for accountants to be leaders for change in their organisations because businesses depend on their finance teams for guidance.

“We’ve got so many clients that really want to do something. If we can make the right decisions, we’ve got half a chance of actually helping to save the planet,” Siu says.

Also in this issue, we pull back the covers on how Tasmanian forestry business Forico went about producing its world-first sustainability report, which valued the forest ecosystems under its management at A$3.4 billion.

Is the future of business Māori?

In our New Zealand issue, we ask if Kiwi businesses are becoming more Māori in their outlook, and canvass how accounting can accommodate this more wholistic approach.

With private businesses, government and the public placing an increased focus on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) and adopting a purpose-beyond-profit way of thinking, Te Ao Māori (the Māori world view) is taking on new importance.

But there’s a problem. Just 3% of accountants in Aotearoa are Māori. What can the profession do to attract more young Māori to its ranks?

Wayne Tainui FCA, head of Māori Business for PwC New Zealand, wants to redesign pathways to the profession to break down perceived barriers.

He believes the responsibility for attracting young Māori into the industry and developing their talents falls to the current crop of finance sector leaders.

“We need to take responsibility for developing Māori leaders who are equipped for change and have our people, clients, communities and planet at the centre of their thinking,” he says.

Also in this issue

Other great reads in this issue include:

• “Fight or flight: Inside Deloitte’s Virgin Australia rescue mission”
• “Insolvency ‘storm’ fails to make waves”
• “Why are women accountants leaving their jobs?”
• “How to get your roster right” – choosing the best rostering software for your clients.