Huge impact of CAs on businesses can save the world: Julia Penny of ICAEW

In a Q&A, the head of the apex body of chartered accountants in the UK discusses the challenge of sustainability and other issues her tribe faces across the globe

The profession of chartered accountants is facing a transition as they move from helping companies maximise returns on monetary capital to helping them maximise returns on carbon and natural resources. Julia Penny, the president of Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales (ICAEW), who is at the centre of this transition, discusses the challenge of sustainability and other issues with Krishna Kant. Edited excerpts:

How can chartered accountants now help companies maximise returns on scarce natural resources such as carbon?

CAs around the world work with over 2 million businesses and this gives them an ideal position to drive