Baker Tilly (Ireland) has become the first Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) member to obtain the Sustainability Assurance Service Provider (SASP) licence in Ireland. This accreditation allows the firm to provide sustainability assurance services in line with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
Under the CSRD, large firms — those meeting two of the following three criteria: turnover above €50m, over 250 employees, or a balance sheet exceeding €25m — must comply with enhanced financial reporting standards from financial years beginning 1 January 2025, with reporting due in 2026.
Brendan Kean, audit and assurance partner at Baker Tilly (Ireland), said: “Many Irish firms are now in scope for CSRD reporting. As the first firm outside the Big Four to receive this licence in Ireland, we look forward to bringing more competition to the market. The registration of Baker Tilly (Ireland) as a SASP-accredited firm strengthens our service offering to our clients, as we look to deliver world-class accounting and audit services that draw on the global expertise of the Baker Tilly network.”
The SASP licence provides for a limited assurance to be given on a company’s sustainability report, with Baker Tilly (Ireland) verifying the accuracy and completeness of these reports, in line with the requirements of the CSRD.
Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, partner and head of sustainability and ESG at MHA, added: “We are delighted to be registered as a SASP provider in Ireland through Baker Tilly (Ireland). We took the decision to ensure that our global clients, who are often registered in the United Kingdom, can be provided with outstanding services for EU compliance, helping them to navigate the complex regulation of the EU taxonomy directives. Supporting the European markets is a fundamental part of our DNA and we look forward to meeting ESG needs now, and in the future.”
Francesca Lagerberg, CEO of Baker Tilly International, commented: “Baker Tilly’s commitment to leading with ambition on sustainability is a key part of our global strategy. Achieving the SASP licence in Ireland is a significant milestone, and it demonstrates our continued leadership in sustainability assurance. As regulatory requirements evolve, we are proud to support our clients in meeting their ESG obligations, driving transparency, and fostering trust in global markets.”
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