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Sustainability Reporting

Roger Knocker • December 4, 2023

Sustainability Reporting

The Problem with Sustainability


The economic growth that is the cornerstone of the world’s capitalist societies is as essential to the welfare of their expanding populations as the profits required to sustain the businesses that provide for their needs. In new democracies, successful transformation is even more dependent upon increased productivity and consumerism. In addition to operating expenses, the pursuit of profit also incurs less visible costs. In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that too much of that hidden cost is borne by the environment and the community. While many industries are now more conscious of the need to limit the impact of their activities on the ecosystem, obtaining consensus regarding remedial measures, coordinating their implementation and monitoring their progress poses a number of obstacles. Chief of these has been the need to set mutually agreeable and realistic goals, and to standardise the manner in which progress is measured. Following the 2002 World Summit for Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) established its permanent HQ in Amsterdam and published the G4 guidelines for sustainability reporting. Also known as environmental social governance (ESG) or triple bottom line reporting, it is now practiced in more than 60 countries. Although the GRI G4 guidelines provide vital new hope for our beleaguered environment, they also add to the overall corporate reporting burden. Without the means to ease that burden, there is a risk that it could receive less attention than financial reporting.


Or Sustainability Solution

KPI Management Solutions offers a user-friendly and effective software option with which to manage your sustainability initiatives. The system addresses each step of the process, from the initial capture of the relevant data to the point at which it is compiled into a fully integrated and structured report. Most importantly, the report format may be pre-configured to comply with the internationally-recognised GRI G4 framework or with any alternative standard required by a government department, or regulatory body or for internal circulation. The KPI sustainability reporting and management platform provides business managers with the ability to address those specific aspects of sustainability that are relevant to a given company’s impact on environmental, labour and social issues and could include…


  • Managing energy, water, air quality, material flows and biodiversity among the environmental issues
  • The management of labour-related issues, such as skills development, provisions for disability, remuneration and other benefits
  • The means to manage social development programmes; to perform impact assessments and to monitor the progress of community ownership initiatives


The KPI software provides a system that can be readily tailored to meet the unique needs of your company with ease.


Benefits of Sustainability Reporting on a Single Platform

Driven by dwindling natural resources and an expanding carbon footprint that threatens us with global warning, the importance of accurate non-financial reporting has never been greater. The KPI solution simplifies implementation of a process designed to secure future profits by prioritising present investment in people and the planet. The system’s most fundamental benefits derive from automated functions that overcome the more common obstacles to effective sustainability management, such as suspect information, deadlines hampered by time constraints, costly third-party audits and time-consuming data analysis prior to compiling and formatting reports. Among its many other direct benefits are…


  • The ability to assess the impact of your activities on the environment and any affected communities through accurate monitoring
  • Conversely, to evaluate the effects upon these by the company’s remedial initiatives
  • The means to perform quick and accurate analyses of trends, data integrity and performance, ensuring that the relevant compliance levels are maintained and strategic targets are met.
  • A fully customisable system that meets or exceeds the requirements of all the relevant ISO standards


The central action manager provides integration of all required processes, from monitoring, measuring and analysing the data, to validating it and assembling it into the required report format. Visual dashboards highlight your key performance indicators, providing the information needed to manage the priority of your initiatives in real time.


Next Steps

If you share the growing belief that the future of business can only be assured by acknowledging its impact on the environment and adopting the more responsible policies needed to achieve sustainability, you are also aware that you share this responsibility.


Embracing the GRI G4 guidelines offers the means to meet that responsibility, while this web-based sustainability reporting and management platform, provides an affordable and efficient tool with which to simplify the process.


Make sure that your business remains sustainable. Consult KPI Management Solutions

The Power of Finance: Visualising Data for Impact

By Clerissa Holm • March 18, 2025
In the world of finance, numbers tell a story. However, that story is often buried beneath layers of spreadsheets and complex datasets. For financial professionals, the challenge is not just about understanding these numbers but also presenting them in a way that drives decision-making and inspires action. Enter data visualisation – the art of transforming data into clear, compelling visuals. Among the tools that have proven especially powerful are the line graph and the waterfall chart. These visuals help finance teams translate dry statistics into impactful narratives. In this article, we explore how these graphs can transform financial storytelling. The Importance of Data Visualisation in Finance Finance professionals are accustomed to handling vast amounts of data, from profit margins and revenue growth to expense tracking and risk assessments. Yet, presenting these figures effectively to stakeholders is a different ballgame. Visualisation simplifies this process, turning complex data sets into accessible insights. When done correctly, data visualisation: Enhances comprehension: Humans process visuals 60,000 times faster than text, making it easier for stakeholders to grasp key information quickly. Drives decision-making: Clear and compelling visuals help executives make informed decisions without wading through dense reports. Highlights trends and outliers: Visual tools can bring hidden trends and anomalies to light, prompting timely actions. Improves understanding and communication with business - Business doesn't always get what Finance is trying to communicate and good visualisations go a long way to bridging the gap. Better communication improves alignment to strategic financial goals. The line Graph: Unravelling Trends Over Time The line graph, also known as a stream graph or a stacked area graph, is a powerful tool for visualising changes in data over time. It is especially effective in showing how multiple categories contribute to an overall trend. In finance, line graphs can illustrate revenue streams, expense categories, or investment performance in a visually engaging manner. Use Case: Revenue Streams Analysis Imagine a financial report for a company with diverse revenue streams, such as product sales, services, and subscriptions. A line graph can display how each stream has evolved, highlighting peaks and troughs. The thickness of each ‘line’ represents the contribution of that revenue stream to the total, making it easy to spot which areas drive growth. Benefits of line Graphs: Trends Made Simple: Displays how multiple components evolve over time. Visual Impact: The fluid, organic design makes it easier to follow changes. Comparative Insight: Helps compare different categories intuitively. The Waterfall Chart: Bridging the Gap Between Figures Waterfall charts excel at breaking down the cumulative effect of sequential data points, making them ideal for financial analysis. They help bridge the gap between figures by showing how individual elements contribute to a total. Commonly used in profit and loss statements, budget analysis, and variance reports, these charts provide clarity in understanding how specific actions impact the bottom line. Use Case: Profit and Loss Analysis A financial analyst preparing a quarterly report might use a waterfall chart to demonstrate how various factors—like increased sales, higher marketing spend, and cost savings—impacted net profit. The chart’s structure, with its clear progression from starting figures to the final result, makes it easy for stakeholders to follow the financial narrative. Benefits of Waterfall Charts: Clarity: Simplifies complex financial data by showing individual contributions to total figures. Transparency: Clearly distinguishes between positive and negative impacts. Decision Support: Helps executives understand the key drivers of financial performance. Choosing the Right Visual for the Right Data Selecting the appropriate visual tool depends on the story you want to tell: Use line graphs for illustrating trends across multiple categories over time. Opt for waterfall charts when you need to detail the step-by-step impact of specific factors on an overall financial figure. By mastering these tools, finance professionals can enhance their storytelling, transforming raw data into insights that drive strategic decisions. Conclusion: From Data to Decisions The ability to visualise data effectively is a powerful advantage. The line graph and waterfall chart are more than just visual aids—they are essential tools for financial professionals looking to make data-driven decisions that resonate with stakeholders. By adopting these techniques, finance teams can turn numbers into narratives that not only inform but also inspire action. In the end, the power of finance lies not just in analysing data but in presenting it with impact.
Financial KPIs Every CFO Should Track in 2025

Financial KPIs Every CFO Should Track in 2025

By Clerissa Holm • February 17, 2025
In the ever-evolving financial landscape of 2025, CFOs are tasked with navigating complexities ranging from global economic shifts to technological advancements. The ability to track and analyse the right financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is no longer a luxury but a necessity. These metrics not only provide insight into an organisation’s financial health but also support strategic decision-making. Here are the top financial KPIs every CFO should prioritise in 2025: 1. Revenue Growth Rate Revenue growth is a clear indicator of a company’s ability to generate sales over time. This KPI allows CFOs to evaluate the success of business strategies and identify trends in market demand. Formula: Revenue Growth Rate = [(Current Period Revenue - Previous Period Revenue) / Previous Period Revenue] x 100 Why It Matters: Monitoring revenue growth helps CFOs assess performance against strategic goals and anticipate future cash flow needs. 2. Gross Profit Margin Gross profit margin measures the profitability of core business operations, excluding indirect costs like administrative expenses. Formula: Gross Profit Margin = [(Revenue - Cost of Goods Sold) / Revenue] x 100 Why It Matters: It reveals the efficiency of production processes and pricing strategies, enabling CFOs to identify areas for improvement. 3. Net Profit Margin While gross profit focuses on operational profitability, net profit margin considers all expenses, including taxes and interest. Formula: Net Profit Margin = (Net Income / Revenue) x 100 Why It Matters: A high net profit margin indicates strong financial health and the ability to manage expenses effectively. 4. Cash Conversion Cycle (CCC) The CCC measures how quickly a company can convert its investments in inventory and receivables into cash flow. Formula: CCC = Days Inventory Outstanding + Days Sales Outstanding - Days Payables Outstanding Why It Matters: In 2025, with supply chain disruptions and rising interest rates, efficient cash flow management is critical. The CCC helps CFOs identify bottlenecks and optimise working capital. 5. Operating Expense Ratio (OER) This KPI compares operating expenses to revenue, offering insights into cost management. Formula: OER = (Operating Expenses / Revenue) x 100 Why It Matters: Keeping operating expenses in check is vital for maintaining profitability, especially in uncertain economic climates. 6. Debt-to-Equity Ratio This KPI highlights the financial leverage of the company by comparing total liabilities to shareholder equity. Formula: Debt-to-Equity Ratio = Total Liabilities / Shareholder Equity Why It Matters: With interest rates fluctuating in 2025, maintaining a healthy balance between debt and equity is crucial to avoid over-leveraging. 7. Return on Equity (ROE) ROE measures the efficiency of a company in generating profits from shareholders' investments. Formula: ROE = (Net Income / Shareholder Equity) x 100 Why It Matters: A strong ROE signals to investors that the company is effectively using their capital, which is vital for securing future funding. 8. Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation (EBITDA) EBITDA provides a clear picture of operational profitability without the influence of financing and accounting decisions. F ormula: EBITDA = Net Income + Interest + Taxes + Depreciation + Amortisation Why It Matters: CFOs use EBITDA to benchmark performance against competitors and industry standards, making it a key metric for strategic planning. 9. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) As businesses invest in growth strategies, understanding the cost of acquiring new customers becomes crucial. Formula: CAC = Total Sales and Marketing Expenses / Number of New Customers Acquired Why It Matters: Tracking CAC helps CFOs ensure marketing spend aligns with long-term profitability goals. 10. Economic Value Added (EVA) EVA measures the value a company generates beyond the required return of its shareholders. Formula: EVA = Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT) - (Capital Employed x Cost of Capital) Why It Matters: EVA provides a holistic view of financial performance, emphasising value creation over short-term profits. Final Thoughts In 2025, CFOs must adopt a forward-thinking approach, leveraging advanced analytics and real-time reporting tools to stay ahead. By focusing on these essential financial KPIs, CFOs can drive strategic growth, ensure resilience, and foster long-term success in an increasingly competitive landscape. Tracking these metrics isn’t just about numbers; it’s about enabling informed decisions that align with the company’s vision and goals.
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