Introducing the New Journal Accounting and Auditing: Approaches, Ideas, and Proposals

Accounting and auditing are undergoing an unprecedented evolution as institutions, businesses, and individuals recognize the need for every action to contribute to mitigating climate change. Driven by the Paris Agreement, which was signed on 12 December 2015, ratified by 194 parties on 4 November 2016, and provides a legally binding framework to combat climate change, and the adoption of the Katowice Climate Package in December 2018, which outlines standards, procedures, and guidelines for implementing the agreement, businesses are being urged to adopt practices aimed at reducing emissions. These efforts are further supported by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 169 targets in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, signed by 193 UN member countries in September 2015 and effective from 1 January 2016.

As a result, while firms navigate the complexities of decarbonization, they must also address pressing social issues to ensure a truly sustainable transition. Gender equality, access to quality training, and inclusiveness are integral to fostering a workforce that can thrive in a green economy. Firms need to prioritize climate issues as well as social aspects of sustainability, ensuring equal opportunities for all—especially women and marginalized groups—by creating supportive environments and training programs. By doing so, firms can cultivate a more resilient, adaptable workforce, supported by good work conditions, that is equipped to drive and manage the transition to low-carbon technologies. However, despite these compelling drivers, significant pushbacks against sustainability in accounting and auditing persist, especially in recognizing the true value of measuring and reporting sustainability as a catalyst for change. This resistance can be attributed to several factors, including the complexity of ongoing efforts to establish standardized guidelines for sustainability reporting, limited expertise in non-financial areas such as environmental and social issues, and concerns over potential legal and reputational risks. Additionally, the long-term nature of sustainability efforts, which may not yield immediate financial returns, contributes to skepticism. Accounting’s traditional focus on financial metrics, coupled with resource constraints and the need for specialized knowledge, further hinders the profession’s full adoption of sustainability practices.

The environmental and social pillars of sustainability are linked to the circular economy, where firms can optimize resource use, reduce waste, and stimulate job creation across various sectors. Supporting biodiversity through sustainable practices further strengthens this approach, as protecting natural ecosystems is essential to a functioning circular system.

Firms that integrate these social and environmental elements into their decarbonization strategies not only contribute to net-zero GHG emission goals but also create a more equitable and inclusive future for society. Therefore, the shift towards business models focused on circularity—balancing profit, environmental concerns, and social objectives— is central to meeting net-zero goals. This transition, while challenging, presents a critical opportunity for firms to evolve.

In this context, accounting and auditing frameworks are adapted within the CSR framework. They are not only repositories of data and information but also play an active role in “driving” the transition, rather than just being “driven” by it. Well-designed and managed accounting and auditing systems tailored for decarbonization and dynamic environments are vital for supporting change, and firms have to respond to these systems to achieve success in this transition.

To address this, a holistic approach is necessary, particularly in the domains of digital transformation, business models, and sustainability reporting. Such an approach should frame the role of accounting and auditing in contributing to sustainability and identify the challenges firms face in this process.

The Accounting and Auditing journal invites both theoretical and empirical studies that are grounded in strong theoretical foundations, adopt rigorous methodologies, and provide original insights that advance knowledge in this area of research. Although the relationship between accounting, auditing, and sustainability is a relevant contemporary issue, Accounting and Auditing recognizes that long-standing topics also remain critical in shaping the future of the field. As such, we are pleased to publish research on both emerging and established topics in this area, such as accounting in corporate governance, financial issues and sustainability accounting and reporting, and the role of artificial intelligence. By fostering studies across these diverse areas, our journal aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how accounting and auditing practices evolve in response to both current challenges and established frameworks.