Accounting for the future

As businesses around the world respond to the challenges and opportunities of climate change, people in the emerging field of carbon and climate accounting, like Himadri Mayadunne (MBA(I) 2021), are leading the way in sustainable business.

“To me, being a carbon accountant means having the passion to assist the world in addressing climate change using the expertise of an accountant,” Mayadunne said.

“Carbon accounting is a relatively new and interesting field, and my role involves collaborating with organisations to calculate their carbon emissions and provide advice to ensure that they meet regulatory requirements.”

A Dean’s Honour Roll student, Mayadunne studied a Master of Business Administration at the University of Tasmania before commencing her role at ER Advisory, an award-winning Tasmanian accounting firm based in Burnie and specialising in traditional and carbon accounting services.

“Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in awareness about climate change and its associated damages, and businesses now recognise the importance of measuring and reducing carbon emissions to address climate change,” she said.

“It is truly exhilarating to contribute towards a more sustainable future through the application of accounting practices.”

Reflecting on her time at university, Himadri says that the Corporate Internship Program (now the Business Placements program) was a defining moment of her studies that influenced her career trajectory.

“I had a remarkable opportunity to engage in a research study focused on natural capital accounting. The findings of this study were presented to the Australian Accounting Standards Board Working Paper Series, with the intention of incorporating them into standard accounting practices in the future.

“This exciting experience in natural capital accounting shaped my passion for the field and played a significant role in shaping the path I have chosen for my career.”