Bringing the rigor of financial reporting to ESG

In this episode of the Better Finance podcast, Myles Corson talks to Prat Bhatt, Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer at Cisco, and Ciara Lee, Cisco's first ESG Controller, about the importance of financial rigor in ESG. Cisco's stated purpose is to make the world a better place. So how does the company's first environmental, social and governance (ESG) Controller make sure that happens? In a fascinating and wide-ranging discussion, they cover what the rigor of finance can bring to ESG, and the importance of finance's unique ability to bring accountability, governance, control systems and formal processes to the ESG table. Together, they unpack the challenges of getting to net zero across scope 1, 2 and 3 by 2040, and the particular challenges of scope 3.  The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official policy or position of EY or any other organization. © 2023 Ernst & Young Global Limited