Within the sustainability profession, many are noticing a shift in skill requirements, particularly in reporting and analyst roles. While broader sustainability expertise remains vital across the sector, when it comes to data-heavy positions, employers are placing greater emphasis on advanced reporting skills.
The Changing Focus in Reporting Roles
Traditionally, sustainability reporting roles were often outsourced to consultants or filled by candidates with strong subject knowledge who then picked up data and reporting skills as part of the job. Increasingly, however, many organisations are looking the other way around, seeking out professionals with proven data expertise and then adding sustainability knowledge as a secondary requirement.
A notable trend within this shift is the increasing common demand for candidates from finance backgrounds. Employers often see these professionals as well-versed in structured reporting, compliance frameworks, and handling complex datasets, making them a natural fit for roles that now require robust skills in areas like TCFD and other disclosure standards.
As the sector continues to evolve and new requirements such as CSRD take hold, the demand for professionals with strong data and reporting skills is expected to continue to grow significantly.
The Skills Employers Value Most
For sustainability reporting and analyst roles, the professionals in highest demand tend to combine:
Strong data and reporting skills - With experience in tools such as Power BI or advanced Excel.
Familiarity with sustainability frameworks -including CSRD, GRI, and others.
Analytical storytelling ability -Translating complex data into insights that support compliance and influence business strategy.
Here, data capability is becoming the anchor skillset, with sustainability knowledge providing critical context.
Salaries Reflecting the Trend
This increasing demand is being recognised in salaries. We’re seeing roles focused on CSRD reporting offering packages stretching toward the £70,000 - £90,000 range, highlighting how valued these hybrid data-sustainability professionals have become in reporting and analyst functions.
What It Means for Employers and Candidates
For employers, the takeaway is clear... In sustainability reporting and analyst roles, data capability is now just as important, if not more so, than sustainability knowledge alone. For candidates, this signals a strong opportunity to build credibility by strengthening data and reporting skills alongside sustainability expertise.
As reporting requirements continue to grow in scope and complexity, those who can confidently bridge these two worlds will be best placed to succeed.
Get In Touch
At Irwin and Colton, we specialise in helping organisations build high-performing environment and sustainability teams. Whether you’re planning to expand your current team or exploring your own next career move, we’d be happy to support you.
Jess Rowe is a Consultant in Irwin and Colton’s Sustainability and Environment Team. Contact Jess at Jessica.Rowe@irwinandcolton.com or +44 (0)1923 432 693.