This article by Ingrid Edstrom was published in The Woodard Report on April 18th, 2024
Find the original article here.
In the face of an ever-changing world, the accounting profession is ripe for disruption. The Accounting Alchemy Network (AAN) stands at the forefront of regenerative change for a brighter future.
The AAN is a living, evolving, grassroots community co-founded by three industry professionals—Ingrid Edstrom, Mathew Heggem, and Alina Nikishina—who met after being honored with CPA Practice Advisor’s “40 under 40 in the Accounting Profession Award.”
The AAN brings a fresh, holistic perspective to our profession. At the core of this transformation are our five pillars and the three strategies through which we implement our vision. To adopt the Identity of a Regenerative Accountant, AAN members go beyond traditional accounting roles. These professionals recognize our financial system’s interconnectedness with societal and environmental issues and seek sustainable, ethical, and inclusive financial practices.
The five pillars of regenerative accounting
Changing the economic and money story: AAN encourages a shift from profit-centric to people-centric and planet-friendly economic paradigms. We challenge the myths of scarcity and unlimited growth, promoting instead a vision of sufficiency, equity, and sustainability in the relationship with our planet and all people.
Influencing politics, law, and systems of governance: Accountants have a pivotal role in shaping fair and responsible economic and financial policies, particularly tax code. By actively engaging in advocacy and policy-making, we can help build systems that are transparent, accountable, just, and effective for all members of our society.
Fostering holistic wellbeing: We advocate for humane workplaces and a healthy self-relationship, encompassing both financial health and overall wellness. A truly successful business nurtures its people as well as its profits.
Justice, equity, diversity, & inclusion (JEDI): We believe that all people’s bodies, spirits, and emotions are worthy of being respected and treated with equity and dignity. We can strengthen our profession and leadership through diversity by bringing in a variety of perspectives, cultures, and gifts.
Planet & climate: We believe that business can be conducted humanely in a regenerative alliance with global and local ecosystems. We recognize the significant impact of financial decisions on our environment, and we strive to mitigate climate change and promote practices that respect and restore our planet.