Financial professionals’ role needs to evolve rapidly in sustainability era

ACCA Eurasia held a webinar for the Chamber of Auditors of the Republic of Azerbaijan, focusing on the evolving role of finance professionals in the era of sustainability. The event, Empowering Finance Professionals with Sustainability Skill Sets, brought together more than 100 regulators, auditors, and industry experts to explore the growing importance of sustainability competencies in the accountancy and auditing profession.

The webinar focused on developing sustainability skills among finance professionals and how their role is transforming in the context of sustainable development. Participants discussed the latest regulations in sustainability, including IFRS/ISSB and ISSA 5000 standards, and their implication for the Azerbaijani audit community.

Gaukhar Ashirbekova, Public Affairs Lead for Eurasia at ACCA, emphasised the urgency of upskilling in sustainability: 'We see there is a pressing need for professionals to develop more skills in sustainability. The skillset of the accountancy profession is broadening to embrace sustainable business, reporting and assurance, and we're working to spread these skills as widely as possible. We are happy to see the developments in Azerbaijan to implement the new international sustainability standards and support the Chamber of Auditors in equipping finance professionals with the necessary skill sets.'

Fagan Garayev, Advisor to the Chairman of the Chamber of Auditors and Chair of the Committee on International Cooperation, expressed his appreciation: 'On behalf of the Chamber's leadership, we extend our sincere gratitude to ACCA for hosting this webinar. We look forward to continued cooperation with ACCA in preparing professionals in the field of sustainable development and advancing sustainable business practices in Azerbaijan.'

The webinar reinforced the shared commitment of ACCA and the Chamber of Auditors to foster a future-ready finance professionals in Azerbaijan, capable of driving sustainable economic growth.