6 Tips to Choose an Accountant for ESG or Sustainability Planning

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly valuable opportunity for New Zealand businesses. With growing regulatory requirements and consumer demand for more responsible practices, companies of all sizes are being called to demonstrate their commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. For many, this shift is no longer about compliance but about creating long-term value and resilience.

Choosing the right accountant can play a vital role in this journey. Beyond traditional financial services, accountants with ESG expertise can help businesses measure their environmental impact, ensure compliance with local reporting standards, and align sustainability efforts with overall strategy. 

To make sure your business gains these benefits, here are some tips that you can use to look for the right professional:

1) Understand Your Business’s ESG Goals

The first step towards finding an accountant who can help you with ESG matters is to develop a clear understanding of your company’s ESG priorities in the first place. Some businesses may want to focus on cutting carbon emissions to support New Zealand’s national climate commitments, while others may place more emphasis on social initiatives such as diversity in the workplace or improved governance practices. Determining whether your efforts are driven mainly by compliance obligations or whether they form part of a broader strategic shift will make the selection process much more focused. 

Moreover, accountants with ESG expertise often specialise in particular areas. You’ll want to know and be clear about your goals beforehand in order to find someone whose experience directly supports your business needs.

2) Look for Accountants with ESG or Sustainability Expertise

Once your objectives are clear, it’s important to identify accountants who have direct knowledge of ESG frameworks and sustainability reporting. In New Zealand, this could include familiarity with the NZX’s ESG guidance, the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards, or international frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative. An accountant who understands these standards is more likely to produce reports that are accurate and aligned with local and global expectations.

Experience is another key factor. Asking about past projects will give you insight into the accountant’s ability to deliver practical outcomes. For instance, an accountant who has previously assisted a New Zealand manufacturer in reporting its carbon footprint will bring proven expertise to the table. It is also worthwhile to seek references from other local businesses. Many firms rely on the kind of accountant Dunedin business owners trust, as these professionals often demonstrate technical skill and practical knowledge of how sustainability issues affect regional industries. This provides additional assurance that the accountant can achieve meaningful results.

3) Verify Knowledge of Regulatory and Reporting Requirements

New Zealand has been at the forefront of introducing regulations to support sustainable business practices. The Financial Sector (Climate-related Disclosures and Other Matters) Amendment Act is one example, as it requires certain companies to produce climate-related disclosures. 

An accountant who is not familiar with these obligations may struggle to guide your business effectively. Ensuring that your chosen professional understands the evolving regulatory landscape will help your organisation avoid costly compliance mistakes.

4) Assess Their Strategic Advisory Skills

Although compliance is important, ESG planning should also create opportunities for business improvement. The right accountant will act both as a compliance officer and a strategic advisor. This might involve identifying opportunities to reduce operating costs through energy efficiency measures, providing insights on sustainable procurement practices, or advising on how to access ESG-linked funding that is increasingly available from banks and investors in New Zealand.

A strong advisor will also help you integrate sustainability into your long-term business model. If your organisation is considering expansion into international markets, an accountant who understands the requirements of global ESG reporting can help you position your company competitively. 

5) Evaluate Communication and Reporting Capabilities

ESG data can often appear highly technical, which makes clear communication a critical skill. The accountant you choose should be able to translate complex sustainability metrics into reports that can be easily understood by all stakeholders. Boards and investors, in particular, require information that highlights risks, progress, and opportunities without excessive jargon.

Effective communication also ensures that internal teams can act on sustainability data. Well-structured reports on emissions, put together by an accountant who knows what they’re doing, could help operations managers make better informed decisions about transport or energy use. 

6) Align on Values and Long-Term Vision

Finally, the relationship with your accountant should not be viewed as a one-off engagement. ESG and sustainability require long-term commitment, and it is essential to work with a professional whose values align with your organisation’s. 

For instance, a company committed to supporting New Zealand’s goal of becoming a low-emissions economy will benefit from working with an accountant who shares that ambition and can guide the business across multiple years of transformation. Ensuring that your accountant sees sustainability as an integral part of business success will provide consistency and stability in your ESG journey.

Now that ESG and sustainability are more aggressively shaping the New Zealand business landscape, choosing the right accountant will be a strategic financial decision that pays off. A well-qualified professional will help your organisation remain compliant and deliver insights that unlock new opportunities for efficiency, funding, and long-term growth. With the right support, your business can strengthen its reputation and contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable future for New Zealand.