“In the context of sustainability transition, medium and large companies continue to face challenges in establishing sustainability accounting. This is unfortunate, as time is running out. Eventually, every sizable company must be capable of providing validated ESG reporting to comply with the new requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Salacia has developed software that simplifies ESG tracking and reporting, similar to managing financial accounts. Kees Kerstens, co-founder of Salacia Solutions, states, “While we always emphasize the importance of this reporting, unfamiliarity breeds indifference. Naturally, we strive to create awareness from top-down by guiding executives. However, we believe the greatest impact can be made within the finance department. Financial controllers already utilize specialized software for their regular accounting tasks. By training these individuals specifically, non-financial control can easily be incorporated into the standard responsibilities of the finance department. This not only benefits the controller themselves, but also the company and ultimately our planet. In essence, it’s a seamless transition from calculating in Euros to calculating in CO2.”
Easy to learn, hard to forget
Salacia Solutions is diligently working towards integrating non-financial reporting into training programs. They have established a partnership with Nyenrode Business University, engaged in discussions with most colleges and universities in the Netherlands, and can also count several universities to its client base. Kerstens explains, “If educational institutions begin incorporating sustainability calculations into their foundational and continuing education programs, it will add genuine value. Controllers, both current and future, will enhance their knowledge and contribute to the overall social value of their employers. A positive side effect is that this approach will bolster the sustainability workforce, which currently suffers from a noticeable shortage of sustainability managers.”
When asked about Salacia’s contribution to these training initiatives, the response is, “We strive to highlight the similarities between financial accounting and non-financial accounting. Our software simplifies ESG tracking and reporting to the level of ease associated with financial accounting. We make sustainability tangible and suitable for calculations. Our software addresses several challenges: it eliminates the complexities of establishing sustainability accounting, ensures user-friendly functionality akin to familiar accounting software, and produces CSRD-compliant reports. It’s effortless to learn and unforgettable to apply. It’s what every controller needs. With just a few days of training, individuals can implement sustainability accounting in their workplace.”
‘In the future, more financial controllers than sustainability managers will utilize our software’
Although a bold statement, it is well-grounded. Kerstens explains, “Financial controllers will increasingly become the linchpin of ESG tracking and reporting. They are already accustomed to using specialized software in their work, so mastering our software will not pose a problem. The concepts surrounding ESG tracking and reporting will also be easily grasped by finance professionals, as it aligns with what they already do, albeit in a non-financial context.”
Salacia Solutions warmly invites financial controllers to get in touch. After all, the proof is in the pudding. A demonstration can be readily arranged and will undoubtedly be an eye-opener.
