An environmental accountant is a certified accounting expert who assists his or her company in making environmentally sound decisions. An accountant evaluates current pollution output, industrial development, and environmental management standards and practices. He or she determines the most effective ways to reduce a company’s environmental impact as well as its operating costs by encouraging more resourceful, cleaner practices. Although some professionals work for government agencies and consulting firms, most environmental accountants work full-time for large corporations, manufacturing plants, and oil and gas refineries.
An environmental accountant’s primary goal is to accurately analyze and report financial figures related to pollution control and environmental protection policies. He or she assists in determining how much it costs the company to comply with industry standards and whether money can be saved by changing production techniques. Most environmental accountants can see beyond financial concerns and recognize the value of sustainability from both a corporate and a broader perspective. They can assist their businesses in remaining profitable while also making an effort to improve the environment.
A typical environmental accountant works closely with management and company executives to explain the importance of developing more environmentally friendly production guidelines. The accountant creates detailed reports, charts, and presentations that describe the current situation and frequently make predictions about future financial and ecological consequences. He or she tries to persuade executives that, while investing in green technology or alternative fuel systems may be costly in the short term, it will pay off handsomely in the long run. To persuade bosses to make large-scale changes, the accountant may point to changing government standards and public support for cleaner industries.
When business owners decide to implement policy changes, the environmental accountant assists with project financial planning and budgeting. He or she calculates the costs of various project components and allocates funds accordingly. Once a new system is in place, the accountant evaluates the improvements’ profitability on a regular basis.
To work as an environmental accountant in most countries, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting and to pass a national certification exam. Most environmental accountants start their careers in general accounting positions within businesses and consulting firms, then advance to the specialty as they gain experience and demonstrate their abilities. Environmental accountants will have more opportunities as companies become more aware of environmental issues and government regulations become more stringent.