SMU School of Accountancy Launches New Sustainability Accounting Track
The accounting profession is in constant evolution to adapt to changing business needs. As executives and professionals grapple with global challenges, such as climate change, it becomes increasingly clear that all sectors of an enterprise must be steeped in sustainable practices.
The importance of accountants in the green economy is often understated, and there is currently a skills gap in the industry. At SMU’s School of Accountancy (SOA), sustainability is currently embedded into the Bachelor of Accountancy (BAcc) curriculum in all its forms — environmental, social and governance (ESG), ensuring students gain robust competencies in areas such as carbon tax, sustainability reporting, and assurance. These topics are embedded across compulsory Accounting, Core Curriculum, and selected Business Core courses. With sustainability literacy integrated in the curriculum, SOA students will have an edge in navigating sustainability-related challenges in the workplace.
However, as more businesses adopt sustainable practices, accounting professionals increasingly play a stewardship role in setting sustainable goals and devising economically and ecologically sustainable strategies for businesses.
In view of this growing demand for higher level sustainability mastery in the accounting profession, SOA will be launching the new Sustainability Accounting Track in August 2025. The new track will equip graduates with the skill-set to lead in integrating sustainability into financial reporting and decision-making.
“As businesses transform to incorporate sustainable practices in their operations, accounting professionals will see greater demand for sustainability reporting and assurance, as well as the need to identify sustainability risks and opportunities for businesses. The new Sustainability Accounting track will allow students with interest in this field to graduate with the skill-set to lead sustainability efforts and provide more value to their organisation,” says Professor of Accounting (Education) and Associate Dean (Teaching and Curriculum) Dr Seow Poh Sun.
Under the Sustainability Accounting Track, students will gain expertise in sustainable business practices through two compulsory courses and two electives.
