Accounting Bodies Network

The Accounting Bodies Network (ABN) is a collaboration between A4S and professional bodies across the globe. Together the Network represents over 2.5 million professional accountants and students across 179 countries, representing two thirds of the world’s accountants.

Accounting bodies are vital in equipping their members with the knowledge and skills they need to implement sustainable finance practices.

The Network provides an open, cross-border platform. Members share knowledge, collaborate to overcome common barriers and champion the need for change within the accounting community.

The ABN principles

All ABN members have signed up to five core principles which they have pledged to enact as part of their membership to the ABN: 

1. Influence and inform
   To promote accounting for sustainability and the benefits of “integrated reporting” (reporting that connects an organization’s sustainability with its financial performance more clearly, concisely and consistently)
   
   
2. Lead by example
   To embed accounting for sustainability within our own organizations’ strategy and operations
   
   
3. Drive thought leadership
   To increase understanding of good sustainability practices by commissioning and/or participating in work related to accounting for sustainability
   
   
4. Collaborate through the International Network
   To share learning and experience with the International Network and to work together to advance better accounting for sustainability
   
   
5. Incorporate accounting for sustainability within training and professional education
   To incorporate accounting for sustainability in training programmes for employees, suppliers, students, members and others, in professional and academic qualifications and in professional development requirements