Introduction:

The ESG - IFRS Financial Management training program has been meticulously designed by Global Horizon Training Center, a leader in professional development, providing organizations with cutting-edge, practical training solutions. Global Horizon Training Center is committed to providing impactful training programs that help organizations manage financial performance, while adhering to evolving international standards and regulations.

The concept of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors is increasingly influencing decision-making in organizations, and its integration with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) has become a crucial part of financial management. This training program explores how ESG factors are accounted for, disclosed, and integrated within the financial management framework according to IFRS standards. Participants will learn the best practices for managing ESG risks and opportunities, and how to create value through the responsible management of environmental and social factors, alongside maintaining strong governance structures.

Through this program, professionals will gain a thorough understanding of how to incorporate ESG considerations into financial strategies, enhancing sustainability while remaining compliant with IFRS.

Objectives:

By the end of this training program, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the key concepts of ESG and their impact on financial management.

2. Learn how ESG factors are integrated within the framework of IFRS.

3. Understand IFRS requirements for ESG-related disclosures and reporting.

4. Develop strategies for incorporating ESG factors into financial decision-making and performance management.

5. Enhance the ability to measure, report, and communicate ESG risks, opportunities, and performance within an IFRS framework.

6. Understand the regulatory landscape and international standards for ESG and sustainability reporting.

7. Implement best practices for improving an organization’s ESG performance while adhering to IFRS guidelines.

8. Assess the financial implications of ESG risks and opportunities.

9. Improve organizational value by aligning ESG factors with financial management goals.

10. Prepare for ESG-related audits and regulatory reviews in line with IFRS compliance.

Course Methodology:

This training program will combine various teaching methods to ensure a dynamic, hands-on learning experience:

1. Instructor-Led Sessions – Expert-led discussions and lectures to explain ESG concepts, IFRS standards, and their integration in financial management.

2. Case Studies – Real-world case studies will allow participants to see how organizations are integrating ESG factors within their financial reporting and management processes.

3. Workshops – Interactive group workshops focused on developing practical skills in ESG integration, policy creation, and financial management.

4. Quizzes and Assessments – Regular assessments to gauge understanding and retention of key concepts.

5. Simulations – Practical simulations to demonstrate the integration of ESG factors into financial management scenarios, including performance measurement and reporting.

6. Group Discussions – Open forums where participants can share ideas, challenges, and best practices in applying ESG within the financial framework.

7. Tools and Templates – Provision of tools like ESG reporting templates and financial performance dashboards to aid in the implementation of ESG practices.

Organizational Impact:

This program will lead to significant benefits for organizations:

1. Improved ESG Integration – Organizations will have a better understanding of how to effectively integrate ESG factors into their financial strategy, improving long-term sustainability.

2. Regulatory Compliance – By learning the intricacies of IFRS guidelines for ESG reporting, organizations can ensure compliance with local and international regulations, reducing the risk of penalties.

3. Enhanced Financial Reporting – Companies will improve their financial disclosures by integrating ESG information into their reporting, making it more comprehensive, transparent, and aligned with IFRS standards.

4. Better Risk Management – Understanding ESG-related risks will enable organizations to manage and mitigate potential financial and reputational risks.

5. Improved Investor Confidence – Demonstrating a commitment to ESG principles, coupled with transparent and compliant reporting, can enhance investor and stakeholder trust.

6. Increased Operational Efficiency – By managing ESG risks and opportunities, organizations can achieve cost savings, optimize operations, and foster sustainable practices.

7. Long-Term Business Growth – Integrating ESG factors into financial decision-making creates long-term value for the organization by improving sustainability and social responsibility.

8. Strategic Decision-Making – With the knowledge to incorporate ESG metrics into performance evaluations, organizations can make more informed and responsible financial decisions.

Target Audience:

This training program is designed for professionals who are involved in financial management, sustainability initiatives, or corporate governance. The target audience includes:

1. CFOs and Finance Directors

2. Accounting and Financial Analysts

3. Sustainability Managers and Executives

4. ESG Managers

5. Corporate Governance Professionals

6. Auditors (Internal and External)

7. Risk Managers

8. Financial Reporting Professionals

9. Investment Analysts and Portfolio Managers

10. Consultants and advisors in financial and ESG management

11. Legal and Compliance Officers

12. Anyone responsible for managing ESG strategies and reporting within an organization

Course Outlines:

Day 1: Introduction to ESG and IFRS in Financial Management

• Overview of ESG principles: Environmental, Social, and Governance.

• The growing importance of ESG in financial decision-making.

• The role of ESG in financial management and corporate strategy.

• Introduction to IFRS and its framework for financial reporting.

• Key standards in IFRS related to ESG disclosures (e.g., IFRS 9, IFRS 16, and IFRS 7).

• ESG-related reporting requirements under IFRS and other global standards.

• Practical exercise: Mapping out the impact of ESG factors on financial statements.

Day 2: Integrating ESG Factors into Financial Decision-Making

• ESG risk assessment and its financial implications.

• Identifying ESG opportunities and their potential for creating value.

• Developing ESG metrics and performance indicators aligned with financial goals.

• How ESG factors affect financial reporting: Revenue recognition, risk provisioning, and asset valuation.

• Aligning corporate governance structures with ESG considerations.

• Introduction to integrated reporting: Combining ESG and financial data.

• Practical exercise: Analyzing a company’s financial performance with ESG factors incorporated.

Day 3: ESG Reporting and Compliance with IFRS

• Detailed look at ESG disclosures under IFRS: IFRS 7, IFRS 9, and IFRS 16.

• The role of sustainability reporting frameworks: GRI, SASB, TCFD.

• Best practices for ESG financial reporting: Materiality, accuracy, and transparency.

• Ensuring compliance with IFRS for ESG disclosures.

• Understanding the evolving global regulatory landscape for ESG.

• The role of auditors in ESG-related financial reporting.

• Practical exercise: Creating ESG financial statements with IFRS-compliant disclosures.

Day 4: Measuring and Communicating ESG Performance

• Metrics for measuring ESG performance: Environmental impact, social initiatives, and governance practices.

• How to communicate ESG performance to stakeholders, investors, and regulators.

• The role of non-financial reporting in shareholder communication.

• Financial implications of poor ESG performance and its effect on company valuation.

• Leveraging ESG performance for strategic advantage: Investor relations and corporate reputation.

• Understanding the link between ESG and long-term financial performance.

• Practical exercise: Developing a comprehensive ESG performance report for a company.

Day 5: Strategic Management of ESG Risks and Opportunities

• Managing ESG-related risks in financial strategy and operations.

• Integrating ESG factors into financial forecasting, budgeting, and capital planning.

• Sustainability strategies for creating financial value through responsible resource management.

• Case studies: Successful integration of ESG factors into financial management.

• Practical strategies for aligning organizational culture with ESG principles.

• Preparing for future ESG regulations and reporting requirements.