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Internal Audit And Esg: Strategic Convergence For Sustainability In Listed Companies In Romania

Author

Listed:
  • Marioara HRITCAN

    (Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229, Romania)

  • Otilia-Maria BORDEIANU

    (Stefan cel Mare University of Suceava, 720229, Romania)

  • Constantin C. HRITCAN

    (Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 700506, Romania)

Abstract

In a global context dominated by increasingly high sustainability requirements, ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) criteria have become essential in assessing corporate performance and organisational responsibility. This transformation involves redefining the role of internal audit, which can no longer be limited to financial compliance verification, but must be actively involved in assessing ESG processes, monitoring non-financial risks and supporting sustainable governance. This paper explores the strategic convergence between ESG and internal audit through a conceptual and practical approach. Recent European regulations (CSRD, ESRS), the current Romanian framework (BVB 2024 Corporate Governance Code), and contributions from international literature are analysed. Based on these, the article proposes a framework of good practices for ESG auditing and a set of performance indicators (KPIs) that allow the assessment of the maturity and effectiveness of the audited processes. The conclusions highlight the need to reconfigure internal auditing as a strategic partner in the sustainable transition, suggesting future directions for research and action. In this new organisational landscape, internal audit becomes an essential vector of trust, transparency and long-term accountability.

Suggested Citation

  • Marioara HRITCAN & Otilia-Maria BORDEIANU & Constantin C. HRITCAN, 2025. "Internal Audit And Esg: Strategic Convergence For Sustainability In Listed Companies In Romania," European Journal of Accounting, Finance & Business, "Stefan cel Mare" University of Suceava, Romania - Faculty of Economics and Public Administration, West University of Timisoara, Romania - Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 13(1), pages 51-60, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:scm:ejafbu:v:13:y:2025:i:1:p:51-60
    DOI: 10.4316/EJAFB.2025.13105
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Diane-Laure Arjaliès & Julia Mundy, 2013. "The use of management control systems to manage CSR strategy: A levers of control perspective," Post-Print hal-00980329, HAL.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marioara HRITCAN & Constantin C. HRITCAN, 2025. "Statutory Audit And Esg Reporting In Romania: Regulatory Convergence And Implementation Challenges In The Context Of Csrd," European Journal of Accounting, Finance & Business, "Stefan cel Mare" University of Suceava, Romania - Faculty of Economics and Public Administration, West University of Timisoara, Romania - Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, vol. 13(2), pages 21-29, June.

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