The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
From Lead, Sustainability Reporting & Disclosure (L4)
3-5 years as a LeadSkills to master
- Mastering end-to-end programme management, developing strong team leadership and mentoring skills, taking ownership of external assurance relationships, and presenting to senior internal stakeholders.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led multiple complex reporting projects from start to finish.
- Consistently delivered high-quality, assurance-ready data and narratives.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor junior team members and provide constructive feedback.
- Proactively identified and implemented process improvements that enhanced efficiency or accuracy.
- Developed a strong understanding of the strategic implications of sustainability reporting for the business.
- 2
From ESG Reporting Consultant (Big Four / Specialist Firm)
12-16 years in consulting, with significant client-facing experience in ESG reporting.Skills to master
- Transitioning from client-facing advisory to in-house ownership and execution, building long-term internal stakeholder relationships, and managing an internal team's development.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed multiple large-scale ESG reporting engagements for diverse clients.
- Deep expertise in various reporting frameworks and assurance processes.
- Proven ability to translate regulatory requirements into actionable implementation plans.
- Strong project management skills and experience leading project teams.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust and influence senior client stakeholders.
- 3
From Financial Reporting Manager with ESG Focus
12-16 years in financial reporting, with a growing specialisation in ESG disclosures.Skills to master
- Developing deep expertise in non-financial data collection and assurance, understanding the nuances of 'double materiality', and building relationships with non-finance data owners (e.g., Operations, HR).
You're ready to move on when
- Managed the financial reporting cycle for a complex organisation.
- Strong understanding of internal controls and audit processes.
- Actively involved in the ESG sections of the annual report or integrated reporting.
- Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new regulatory frameworks quickly.
- Proven track record of managing data quality and integrity.