At ECO-OS, we’re committed to advancing sustainability through innovative solutions and by closely supporting our customers in surpassing their ESG goals. Julia, a senior sustainability accounting manager, shared her unique journey, expertise and passion for making a difference with us.
How did you become interested in sustainability?
My interest in sustainability emerged gradually. My background was in finance, working on financial data at a large multi-national manufacturing company. The role involved a variety of different financial aspects, and over time became increasingly drawn to those related to sustainability.
It was a new world to me, but something clicked. I realized I wanted to leave financial topics behind and focus on something else with a different impact—something that matters for the planet. I didn’t have formal education in sustainability, so I started learning on my own. The chance to transition came when an opportunity with ECO-OS came about, offering a chance to work with tools and a team that are truly shaping the future of sustainability accounting, and became very excited to be part of this.
What skills do you bring to ESG accounting from your background?
My career has provided me with a unique dual perspective. I started as an auditor at KPMG where I learned how external auditors think. At ICL, I gained insight into how large corporations operate—how they manage data, use ERP systems, and plan strategically.
Now, when I work with assurance processes or corporate clients, I understand their mindset because I’ve been on both sides. This combination of skills allows me to align seamlessly with our clients' needs, leveraging ECO-OS’s platform to provide clarity and precision in even the most complex reporting scenarios.
Can you describe your role at ECO-OS?
I am part of the Professional Services team at ECO-OS which is part of our unique offering alongside our software platform. As a sustainability accounting manager, I guide international clients—both public and private—through the implementation of our platform. My responsibilities include understanding their activities, aligning them with ECO-OS, and preparing them for data collection, assurance and reporting.
One of my favorite aspects is helping clients not only meet their sustainability goals but also uncover new opportunities for business growth. With ECO-OS, I can provide clients with a level of insight and flexibility that empowers them to make informed, impactful decisions about their environmental strategy.
What’s your expertise in Scope 3 emissions, and how did it develop?
When I first started working with sustainability data, I was focused on Scope 1 and 2, and delving into scope 3 emissions was the natural next step. It ended up being quite the deep dive because it’s such an enormous and challenging area! It’s like solving a giant puzzle—figuring out what data clients need to collect and how the ECO-OS platform can support it.
The final output of calculating scope 3 is a single number in a report, but behind that number is a world of intricate data and processes. I love the challenge of unraveling that complexity, and ECO-OS makes it possible to streamline the process in ways that would otherwise be overwhelming. Our platform ensures clients have the tools they need to handle even the most daunting data collection challenges with confidence.
What’s your favorite part about working at ECO-OS?
I genuinely enjoy engaging with clients and building meaningful relationships. The conversations I have with them often lead to new ideas and solutions that benefit both their organizations and the environment.
I also love working with sustainability protocols, transforming raw data into actionable insights. ECO-OS makes this process not only manageable but also highly effective, enabling us to achieve real results. Seeing the tangible impact of our work, whether it’s helping a client achieve assurance or reduce their emissions, keeps me motivated.
What are your goals for the future?
In the short term, I want to pass on the knowledge I’ve gained within the company, ensuring my colleagues benefit from the processes I’ve pioneered. In the long term, I hope to continue exploring new sustainability topics and expand my expertise further.
I’m excited to see how ECO-OS continues to innovate. Being part of a company that’s always pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainability gives me confidence that we can make a lasting impact on the world.
Can you share a fun fact about yourself?
I have two boys and a dog, and they keep life busy and fun. It’s a delight to see how curious they are about sustainability—maybe I’m inspiring the next generation!
Glossary
Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG): A comprehensive framework used to evaluate a company's commitment to sustainable and ethical practices. ESG encompasses three key areas: Environmental factors, such as a company's carbon footprint, resource usage, and environmental stewardship; Social factors, including employee relations, community involvement, and human rights; and Governance factors, which assess corporate leadership, transparency, ethical behavior, and stakeholder engagement. ESG criteria help stakeholders understand and evaluate a company's long-term sustainability and ethical impact on the world, guiding investment and operational decisions.
Scope 3 emissions: Indirect emissions involved in producing a product, including upstream and downstream emissions. Upstream emissions relate to those activities that support the production of your product before manufacturing (i.e. production and transportation of raw materials, business travel, capital goods, etc.) and Downstream emissions support the distribution and end-of-life of your product (processing of sold products, waste disposal, use of product, etc.) Scope 3 emissions are often the hardest to collect and typically account for the majority of emissions stemming from a product's production (for non-vertically integrated companies.
Third Party Assurance: The verification and validation of your sustainability report by an independent and qualified external auditor. The review process can be conducted to examine your data, methodologies, and disclosures against established standards, frameworks, or principles (e.g. ISO, GHG Protocol, PRI). There are two different levels of assurance that can be received: limited (lower cost but less rigorous) and reasonable (more thorough and provides a higher level of confidence in the ESG data).