How to Make your Accounting Practice more Sustainable

Team Nomi

Feb 20, 2025
7 minutes read

As the world increasingly prioritises environmental responsibility, bookkeeping and accounting practices must adapt to meet these new expectations. Sustainable accounting increases your firm’s reputation and can even attract new clients who value corporate responsibility. 

By holding sustainability, you can smoothly process, reduce waste, and utilise technology to minimise paper usage. This shift is not just beneficial for the planet,  it can also lead to cost savings and improved efficiency.

In this blog, we will explore practical steps that accounting firms can take to become more sustainable. From adopting digital tools to promoting green practices among clients, these strategies will help you create a more environmentally friendly practice while contributing positively to the community.

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability in accounting practice in the UK refers to the integration of environmentally responsible and socially fair practices within the accounting profession. It involves not only minimising environmental impact but also promoting ethical governance and social responsibility. 

In practical terms, sustainable accounting practices may include adopting digital tools to decrease paper usage, implementing energy-efficient office solutions, and encouraging remote work to reduce travel emissions. Accountants play an important role in measuring and reporting on sustainability metrics.

The Business Case for Sustainable Accounting Practices

Sustainable accounting practices are not just good for the environment, they also make strong business sense. By adopting these practices, firms can increase their reputation, attract new clients, and improve overall efficiency. 

First, sustainable practices can lead to important cost savings. For example, reducing paper usage by going digital minimises printing costs and storage needs. 

Consumers today are increasingly aware of environmental issues and prefer to work with businesses that demonstrate social responsibility. By showcasing your commitment to sustainability, you can differentiate your firm from competitors and attract clients who prioritise eco-friendly practices.

Therefore, sustainable accounting practices can help reduce risks. As regulations around environmental impact tighten, being proactive in sustainability can keep your firm compliant and avoid potential fines.

Practical Steps to Increase Sustainability in Your Practice

Following are the Steps to increase Sustainability:

1. Hold Digital Solutions

Transitioning to digital tools can reduce paper usage and waste. Use cloud-based accounting software for efficient record-keeping and document sharing. This not only saves trees but also increases collaboration and accessibility for your team and clients.

2. Implement Eco-Friendly Office Practices

Adopt green practices in your office environment. Encourage employees to use both sides of paper when printing, implement recycling programs, and switch to energy-efficient lighting. Additionally, consider reducing energy consumption by turning off equipment when not in use and utilising natural light whenever possible.

3. Choose Sustainable Suppliers

Partner with suppliers who prioritise sustainability in their operations. Look for vendors that use eco-friendly materials, practice fair labour standards, and have a commitment to reducing their environmental impact. By supporting sustainable businesses, you contribute to a larger network of responsible practices and encourage others to follow suit.

Engaging Clients in Sustainable Practices

Engaging clients in sustainable practices is important for promoting environmental responsibility and increasing your firm’s reputation. Here are some effective ways to involve your clients:

1. Educate and Inform: Start by educating your clients about sustainability and its benefits. Use clear, easy language to explain how sustainable practices can lead to cost savings and improved efficiency.
2. Showcase Your Commitment: Demonstrate your own sustainable practices within your firm. Share examples of how you reduce waste, use digital tools, and implement eco-friendly policies to inspire clients.
3. Provide Sustainable Options: Offer clients services that prioritise sustainability, such as environmentally friendly accounting solutions or advice on reducing their carbon footprint.
4. Set Joint Goals: Work with clients to establish achievable sustainability goals. This could include reducing paper usage or implementing recycling initiatives, helping a sense of collaboration.
5. Encourage Open Dialogue: Invite feedback from clients about sustainability initiatives. This open communication helps a partnership and shows that you value their input.

Future Trends in Accounting Practices

The future of accounting is driven by technology and sustainability. Key trends include automation through AI, blockchain for secure transactions, and cloud-based systems for accessibility. These innovations increase efficiency, transparency, and strategic decision-making.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI is transforming how accountants analyse data and make decisions. By automating routine tasks like data entry and compliance checks, AI allows accountants to focus on strategic advisory roles, increasing efficiency and accuracy.
2. Cloud-Based Solutions: Cloud accounting is becoming important, enabling real-time access to financial data from anywhere. This shift improves collaboration, reduces the need for physical infrastructure, and supports remote work, making it easier for accountants to serve clients globally.
3. Blockchain Technology: Blockchain is revolutionising transaction transparency and security. This technology increases the accuracy of financial records and simplifies auditing processes, reducing the risk of fraud.
4. Data Analytics: Advanced data analytics solutions are becoming more and more popular. Better financial prediction and well-informed decision-making are made possible by these technologies, which assist accountants in extracting insights from huge datasets.
5. Sustainability Reporting: As businesses prioritise corporate social responsibility, accountants will increasingly focus on sustainability reporting. This trend involves integrating environmental, social, and governance factors into financial reporting.
6. Remote Collaboration Tools: The demand for virtual collaboration tools will continue to grow, facilitating communication between accountants and clients, regardless of location. This trend supports the shift towards flexible work environments in the accounting sector.

Nomi’s accounting practice management software for accountants and bookkeepers offers a range of features designed to increase efficiency and client satisfaction:

1. Client Onboarding: Simplifies the onboarding process for various business types, including limited companies, sole traders, and partnerships, with tailored services for each client.
2. Task Management: Automatically generates deadlines and tasks from client details, allowing for easy tracking of staff responsibilities.
3. Deadline Management: Merge client deadline management across different software platforms, ensuring all tasks are organised in one place.
4. Automated Record Requests: Triggers automated requests for necessary records based on deadlines, eliminating the need to chase clients manually.
5. Transparent Pricing: Offers flexible pricing with no hidden fees or minimum client requirements, enabling profitability from the first client.
6. Document Management: Facilitates efficient handling of documents within the practice management system.
7. End-to-End Onboarding: Provides comprehensive onboarding solutions for new clients, increasing overall service delivery.

This Software offers a suite of features designed to increase the efficiency of accountants and bookkeepers:

1. All-in-One Accounting Software: Integrates various functions, including bookkeeping, payroll, final accounts, and client onboarding, into a single platform.
2. Practice Management Tools: Helps in task allocation, tracks progress, and automates deadline reminders to improve workflow efficiency.
3. Automated Tax Solutions: Provides features for self-assessment and corporation tax, enabling direct submissions to HMRC and Companies House.
4. Receipt Capture and OCR Technology: Increases bookkeeping by digitising financial documents, reducing manual entry time and paper waste.
5. CRM Integration: Facilitates effective client management with tools for tracking leads, generating quotes, and automating communication.
6. Payroll Management: Offers comprehensive payroll solutions that simplify EPS, FPS, and P11D submissions while providing a personalised payslip portal for clients.
7. Company Secretarial Features: Helps the management of company records and filings, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.
8. Cloud-Based Accessibility: Allows users to access their data anytime, anywhere, promoting collaboration among team members.
9. Flexible Pricing: Offers transparent pricing structures with no hidden fees, making it accessible for practices of all sizes.

Nomi is a good option for accountants or those working for accounting firms who are searching for efficient accounting practice management software. You may also try it out for a free trial to see what it can do. Schedule a Book a demo now to discover how Nomi can revolutionise your practice.