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How to start a career in sustainability: your step-by-step guide

Article summary

This page explains why a career in sustainability is increasingly important and in high demand. It highlights the diverse opportunities across sectors, from environmental consulting and renewable energy to finance and accountancy roles supporting climate targets and ESG priorities. The article also outlines the skills, education, and practical experience needed to succeed, showing why sustainability expertise is essential for building a future-focused career.

Sustainability is one of the fastest-growing fields today, offering opportunities to make a real impact on the environment and society. If you’re exploring how to break into this sector, understanding the right pathways and skills is crucial.

Why consider a career in sustainability?

A career in sustainability is more than a job – it’s a chance to drive positive change. Opportunities exist in sustainable business practices, environmental consulting, and renewable energy, with finance professionals playing an increasingly central role. Today, their work goes beyond traditional number-crunching – they monitor, report, and guide businesses toward sustainability goals, from carbon accounting to responsible strategy. These professionals ensure organizations are financially sound while also socially and environmentally accountable.

With the global focus on sustainability growing, these skills are in high demand, offering meaningful work and strong career prospects.

What do modern accountants do?

Top reasons to consider working in sustainability

  1. 01 Make an environmental impact

    Contribute to projects that protect the environment and promote sustainability.

  2. 02 Support ethical business practices

    Help businesses operate responsibly and make socially conscious decisions.

  3. 03 Expand career opportunities

    Work in sectors like energy, tech, finance, or non-profits with varied roles.

  4. 04 Accelerate career success

    Benefit from strong demand and clear paths for professional advancement.

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How to start a career in sustainability

There are several ways to begin your journey in sustainability. Understanding sustainability career paths helps you plan strategically and target areas that align with your interests and skills.

Depending on your interests, you can explore:

  • Sustainability consultant career path
  • Business sustainability careers
  • Finance and accountancy roles in sustainability
  • Green technology or renewable energy roles

Exploring different paths early allows you to focus on the areas that match your strengths and passions, making it easier to plan your professional growth. If you’re unsure which direction to take, a professional qualification in finance and business, such as the ACCA Qualification, can be a game-changer – unlocking access to a wide range of exciting and impactful careers in sustainability.

Degrees in environmental science, sustainability, or sustainability management are the most common options for those considering a career in sustainability. However, with the growing importance of finance and accountancy in helping businesses achieve sustainability and climate targets, a degree or professional qualification, such as the ACCA Qualification, in accountancy or finance is also a valuable pathway, opening doors to roles in sustainability reporting, carbon accounting, and responsible business strategy.

Internships, volunteer opportunities, and entry-level roles in sustainability projects provide practical exposure. Key skills include data analysis, project management, and knowledge of sustainable practices.

Gaining experience in sustainability is essential for anyone looking to get a job in sustainability, as employers value candidates who have applied their knowledge in real-world projects.

If you’re in the UK, ACCA offers partnerships with employers to provide apprenticeships that give exposure to essential skills for working in sustainability, including data analysis and financial reporting.

Explore UK apprenticeships

Attend industry events, webinars, and follow sustainability organizations on your favorite social media platforms, such as ACCA, UN Global Compact, and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Building a strong professional network helps you stay updated on trends, uncover career opportunities in the sustainability field, and learn how to get into sustainability through mentorship and connections.

Follow ACCA on LinkedIn

Tips for success in working in sustainability

  1. 01 Demonstrate your commitment

    Show measurable impact through your projects, volunteering, or internships. Employers value candidates who not only understand sustainability concepts but have applied them in real-world scenarios. Highlight achievements that showcase your dedication to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

  2. 02 Stay adaptable

    Sustainability is a fast-evolving field. Policies, technologies, and best practices change rapidly, so continuous learning is essential. Be open to exploring new sectors, tools, and methods, and embrace opportunities to develop cross-functional skills, from data analysis to strategic planning.

  3. 03 Focus on growth areas

    Target roles and sectors that are seeing rising demand, such as corporate sustainability, renewable energy, ESG reporting, or finance and accountancy in sustainability. Keeping your career aligned with high-impact areas ensures long-term opportunities, relevance, and professional advancement.

If you’re unsure which direction to take, a professional qualification in finance and business, such as the ACCA Qualification, can be a game-changer – unlocking access to a wide range of exciting and impactful careers in sustainability.

Sustainability in accounting and finance

Accounting and finance play a central role in advancing sustainability. From investment decisions and risk management to auditing and ESG reporting, professionals are increasingly expected to consider environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors alongside traditional financial metrics.

This overview highlights key areas where accountants and finance professionals contribute to sustainable business practices and long-term value creation.

Sustainable finance integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions. It supports projects that deliver long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits, such as renewable energy, clean technology, and affordable housing.

Professionals in this area combine traditional financial analysis with an understanding of sustainability challenges to guide responsible investment.

Sustainability risk management identifies and addresses ESG-related risks that could affect a company’s operations, reputation, or financial stability. This includes climate risks, resource scarcity, and social inequalities.

Finance professionals integrate these risks into planning and decision-making to support long-term resilience.

Auditors now assess not only financial performance but also a company’s sustainability practices. They verify ESG disclosures for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with recognised frameworks such as GRI, SASB, and ISSB. This includes evaluating risks like carbon emissions, water use, and human rights impacts.

Organisations report on their ESG performance to provide transparency to investors and stakeholders. Accountants ensure these reports are accurate, consistent, and aligned with established frameworks.

Clear ESG reporting helps stakeholders understand both a company’s achievements and areas where improvements are needed.

Green finance focuses on directing capital toward environmentally sustainable projects, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. Professionals assess both the financial and environmental impact of investments and ensure they meet recognised standards like the Green Bond Principles and EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities.

Get started - explore our courses

If you’re passionate about creating a more sustainable future, gaining the right finance and business skills can put you at the heart of real change. With ACCA, you’ll develop the expertise organisations need to drive responsible growth, manage risk and embed sustainability into decision-making.

You don’t need formal qualifications to begin your journey. With flexible pathways into the ACCA Qualification, there’s a route for everyone – whether you’re leaving school, graduating from university or ready to pivot into a more purpose-driven career.

ACCA Qualification

Anyone who meets the minimum entrance requirements – two A-levels and three GCSEs in five separate subjects, including English and Mathematics (or their equivalents) – can join us to study the ACCA Qualification, a professional accounting qualification that is globally recognised and highly sought after by leading employers worldwide.

Explore the ACCA Qualification

Foundations in Accountancy (FIA)

If you don't meet the minimum entrance requirements, there is the Foundation in Accountancy (FIA) pathway – no school qualifications or experience is required, making it accessible to everyone. Students who complete FIA typically progress to study the ACCA Qualification, but many also use their FIA knowledge to secure entry-level roles in accounting and finance. 

Explore FIA

ACCA-X. Free and affordable tuition

ACCA also offers ACCA-X, a route with free online courses that allow you to try studying accounting first, before registering with ACCA to study either the ACCA Qualification or FIA. If you enjoy the free courses, you can either register with ACCA, or continue with affordable diploma courses which can grant exam exemptions for both ACCA Qualification and FIA pathways.

Explore ACCA-X

Not sure where to start, or what qualification to explore?

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Frequently asked questions

A sustainability career involves roles that focus on protecting the environment, promoting ethical business practices, and supporting social responsibility. These can range from environmental consulting to corporate sustainability management.

You can get a job in sustainability by gaining relevant education, building practical experience through internships or projects, and networking with industry professionals. A professional qualification in finance or business, such as the ACCA Qualification, can open doors to a wide range of sustainability roles, from corporate sustainability and ESG reporting to carbon accounting and responsible business strategy, helping you stand out to employers and accelerate your career growth.

Key skills include project management, data analysis, understanding of sustainable practices, problem-solving, and strong communication.

Popular sustainability career paths include sustainability consulting, corporate sustainability roles, renewable energy, green technology, and environmental policy.

Yes. Careers in sustainability exist in sectors such as business, energy, technology, education, and non-profits, offering a wide range of options for professionals.

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Launch your sustainability career with ACCA

Starting a sustainability career requires preparation, curiosity, and a proactive approach. By combining education, practical experience, and strategic networking, you can carve out a rewarding path in this exciting field.

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