Integrated reporting has been identified as a key method to help firms tackle future risks they face such as those posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants’ (ACCA) latest report Insights into Integrated Reporting 4.0, covers 48 companies – each are members of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) Business Network.

As economies and companies around the world prepare for imminent recession owing to the pandemic, the report recommends a focus on sustainability, resource efficiency, and integrated thinking to help tackle risks companies face and improve the quality of their reporting.

Richard Martin, head of corporate reporting at ACCA, believes accountants can develop their skills in IR and integrated thinking to help companies clearly communicate responsible resource management and how they intend to generate value.

He said: ‘Resource management, both in times of crises such as these and relative calm, is essential. Companies should always be considering their use of employees, reflecting on whether they are continuing to grow and develop.

‘Insights into IR 4.0 comes out against a background of increased interest from authorities in improving corporate reporting outside of the financial statements. ACCA believes integrated reporting should be a key part of that, and not simply used as a marketing tool.’

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