ACCOUNTING POLICY OF A TRADING ENTERPRISE CONSIDERING THE COMPONENTS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The article explores the theoretical foundations and practical aspects of developing the accounting policy of a trading enterprise with consideration of sustainable development principles. Theoretical approaches to defining the concept of "accounting policy" are analyzed, and the views of domestic scholars regarding its structure are summarized. It is determined that modern accounting policy should go beyond traditional regulatory frameworks and encompass not only organizational, methodological, and technical aspects of accounting, but also serve as a tool for adapting the enterprise to environmental, social, and governance challenges. The implementation of the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) approach into the accounting and management systems is substantiated as a way to ensure transparency, accountability, and relevance of accounting information. An updated model of accounting policy is proposed, which includes the classification of expenses by environmental, social, and governance dimensions, expanded analytics in internal reporting, and the integration of non-financial information. The article presents examples of ESG factors' influence on the accounting system, particularly in terms of new accounting objects, budgeting mechanisms, and KPI formation. The components of the updated accounting policy that incorporate ESG requirements into financial and management accounting are outlined. Methodological approaches for reflecting environmental costs, social investments, and governance-related expenditures are detailed, including the development of analytical accounts, HR budgets, and non-financial reporting. It is demonstrated that the new accounting policy ensures the relevance of managerial information, increases investment attractiveness, and contributes to achieving sustainable development goals at the enterprise level. The study concludes that improving the accounting policy of trading enterprises is a prerequisite for responsible business development amid Ukraine’s transition to a sustainable economy. Future research should focus on developing methodological recommendations for integrating ESG components into the management accounting systems of trading enterprises.