Beyond ESG reporting: the rise of impact accounting
February 10, 2026
As organisations increasingly look beyond traditional financial metrics, impact accounting is emerging as a critical next step in understanding long-term value creation. Marco van Ackooij, managing partner at Kreston Van Herwijnen, spoke with AB Magazine about how this shift is reshaping accountants’ roles and how businesses assess performance. Access the full article here or read a summary below.
Why impact accounting matters
The article explores how impact accounting moves beyond conventional ESG reporting by examining not only how sustainability issues affect a company but also how a company’s activities affect the wider world. This includes understanding dependencies and effects across natural, social and human capital, alongside financial and produced capital.
From disclosure to decision-making
A key challenge is measurement. While ESG reporting often focuses on disclosure, impact accounting starts internally, helping organisations understand value creation, resilience, and future opportunities. Although monetisation can support decision-making by translating diverse impacts into a common language, the article notes that not all impacts can – or should – be reduced to financial terms. A balanced approach that combines quantitative and qualitative information is therefore essential.
The accountant’s role in advancing impact accounting
Accountants are highlighted as central to this transition. As Marco van Ackooij explains, they are “uniquely positioned” to lead the advancement of impact accounting. “They bring a deep understanding of measurement, materiality and assurance – core principles that are now being extended to include environmental, social and human capital,” he says. By applying the same rigour used in financial reporting to sustainability data, accountants can help organisations make more informed, credible decisions.
If you’re interested in impact accounting and the future of ESG reporting, please contact Kreston Global here.
