Using finance to drive social responsibility and climate action
Since graduating from Alliance Manchester Business School, Irma Nugrahanti has worked in the international development sector, specialising in finance and programme management, policy advocacy, and resource mobilisation. She is now a doctoral researcher at the International Institute of Social Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, focusing on gender-responsive climate budgeting.
We asked Irma some questions about her journey since graduation.
Are there particular experiences at AMBS that influenced your career path?
My time at AMBS helped me to understand how financial systems influence the decision-making and accountability of institutions. This knowledge encouraged me to use my accounting and financial skills in the NGO sector, where good governance and responsible resource management are critical for social impact.
How do you embed social responsibility into everyday decision-making?
As a scholar-practitioner, I incorporate social responsibility into my daily decision-making by taking into consideration not just financial efficiency, but also accountability, equality, and long-term community impact. This involves ensuring that resources are managed responsibly, partnerships are ethical and locally led, and programmes contribute positively to social justice, the environment, and the economy.
Are there any outcomes or changes that you are particularly proud of?
I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for climate action and gender-responsive policies across different levels, from community and regional engagement in Indonesia to national policy discussions and international dialogues.
Since graduating from AMBS, I have been able to connect my studies in finance with my work in climate governance, including representing Indonesia by speaking and leading panels on climate finance and gender at events such as EADI, DSA, EuroSEAS, IAFFE, UNFCCC, and other international forums.
What challenges have you faced in trying to deliver socially responsible outcomes?
A primary obstacle is identifying the appropriate strategy to engage various actors in the dialogue, particularly when issues are nuanced or politically sensitive. I've learned to adjust advocacy strategies to different situations, to be patient and consistent in asking the hard questions.
How do you balance commercial, organisational, or operational pressures with social values?
I believe social values are the foundation for inclusive and ethical decision-making. I always try to maintain a realistic perspective on resource management, operations, and feasible timelines without losing sight of the long-term contribution to the organisation's partners and communities.
While I understand that business efficiency and financial sustainability are crucial, they shouldn't come at the expense of the people and communities my organisation aims to serve.
What role do you think business leaders have in addressing social or environmental challenges?
Business leaders can either exacerbate social and environmental issues or serve as a catalyst for positive and transformative change, depending on the decisions they make. They often have significant resources, influence, and networks, which, if used wisely, can create opportunities and support initiatives that benefit both people and the planet.
Business leaders should re-evaluate success indicators beyond just financial profit. An organisation's ability to prioritise care, lessen inequality, protect the environment, and improve the welfare of individuals and communities should also be a key indicator of its success.
How can organisations move beyond “tick-box” responsibility to meaningful change?
From an accounting and finance graduate’s perspective, organisations can use accounting and finance as instruments for accountability and transformation. For example, when budgets, financial reports, and performance indicators include social and environmental issues, organisations are more inclined to make ethical, sustainable choices that correspond with long-term impact.
What advice would you give to students or graduates who want to build social responsibility into their careers?
I would encourage everyone to stay curious and be values-driven. Social responsibility can be integrated into any sector or career path. Keep asking questions about impact, fairness, accountability, and sustainability. Look beyond the numbers and see how your work impacts the environment and communities. I also believe everyone is an advocate, so you can use your knowledge and skills to support meaningful change in your field.
What’s next for you in this space?
I want to keep advancing my work by bridging academic research with institutional practice and policy advocacy. I aspire to make a meaningful contribution to the ongoing dialogue on gender-responsive climate finance by conducting research, facilitating discussions, and advocating for policy and financial practices that promote just, accountable, and inclusive climate actions.
