When it comes to making choices, it's a real pickle. This pretty much sums up the biggest challenges for financial professionals aiming to steer towards integrated value. Surprisingly, the oft-cited issue of data availability isn't the main hurdle for these individuals. The real challenge lies in decision-making.

Nyenrode provides students with an optimal environment to prepare for a successful career. This is emphasized in the recently released Keuzegids Masters 2024 by students, who highlight the crucial role of faculty. Lecturers at Nyenrode are often also active in the business world in addition to their academic roles, which is highly beneficial for students.

Yes, sustainability is high on the agenda of most managers and directors. But how serious and concrete is it? By expressing social and ecological issues financially, their size and importance become more visible and they can become central to the business strategy.

Researcher Diane Zandee, who obtains her doctorate from Nyenrode Business Universiteit today, wants to connect finance and sustainability. That is why she has conducted research into how accounting can contribute to the transition towards a circular economy. There is a need for a common language and structure in order to embrace this new economy. “We are still focusing too much on the financial side and not enough on ecological and social values. We can only change this if the entire chain changes along with it. For that we need a conductor, a coordinator who ensures that everything goes at the right pace and that everyone works together to find harmony.”

We often underestimate how much power we hold in terms of being able to make a difference. We are all capable of contributing to bettering the world in one form or another.

The current working methods of accountancy firms continue to remain unchanged. This vicious circle needs to be broken in order to prevent the sector from grinding to a halt as a result of more and more checks and controls.

“Take the time to learn. It takes a lot of courage and it takes energy, but it’ll benefit your company in the long run." This is some of the advice that Prof. Dr. Willem Burggraaf gave his audience in his emeritus speech titled “De ondernemer centraal, tijd voor reflectie” (The entrepreneur as central theme, time to reflect). The speech took place on September 7th 2020 in the sports hall of Nyenrode Business University.

A white paper launched by a new coalition for circular accounting, demonstrates how to modify and rethink current financing and reporting practices for the circular economy.