Corporate Controller & CAO Hot Topics: Economy & Sustainability Spotlight

ESG and the economy are two topics that have frequently been top of mind for financial leaders over the past several months. The persistence of these two topics continually requires leaders to assess their organizations’ preparedness. Although significant uncertainty remains in both regards, Corporate Controllers and CAOs continue to plan for different economic outcomes and prepare for the rigors of ESG reporting.

Corporate Controllers and CAOs are keeping a close eye on developments in the economic and ESG realms. Economic outlooks are uncertain at best as a number of issues both domestic and international remain in flux. Inflation, elections, and political instability are just a few of the factors contributing to a volatile environment. Most financial leaders are adopting a posture of focusing on controlling what they can control and being prepared to act when more clarity comes. A similar approach is being taken with regards to ESG as regulations and reporting remain moving targets. Leaders are formalizing reporting and implementation strategies in preparation for the EU CSRD to come into effect for non-EU companies in 2025. While there is pressure to plan for all outcomes, leaders can only know what they know, so being nimble and reactive is viewed as the best strategy moving forward amidst so many unknowns.