Forensic economic examination of the impact of ESG factors on corporate financial reporting

Abstract

The relevance of the study is due to the growing role of non-financial factors (environmental, social, and managerial) in the processes of evaluating company performance, as well as increased requirements for transparency, accountability, and compliance with the principles of sustainable development. The purpose of the article is to justify the theoretical foundations and develop a practical approach to conducting forensic economic examinations of the impact of ESG factors on corporate financial reporting, within the context of the evolving regulatory environment. Methods.The study employs methods of academic literature analysis, synthesis of approaches to ESG parameter assessment, elements of structural-logical modeling to construct the algorithm, and interpretative analysis of reporting content. Results. It has been established that ESG factors significantly affect the dynamics of expenses, asset revaluation, equity structure, and profitability, which necessitates a reassessment of the procedures for verifying the reliability of financial reporting. Key problems were identified, including the absence of unified criteria for assessing the credibility of ESG data, low comparability, formal auditing procedures, and a high degree of subjectivity. A structured algorithm for improving the methodology of forensic economic examination of ESG components is proposed, which includes source verification, classification of factors by impact area, quantitative evaluation, and comparative analysis. It is demonstrated that the proposed approach increases the accuracy of expert conclusions, minimizes the risks of unjustified assessments, and strengthens the role of expert evaluation during the transition to an integrated reporting model. Conclusions. Summarizing the research results, it can be argued that the implementation of an ESG-adapted methodology for forensic economic examination is a necessary condition for ensuring the objectivity and credibility of financial information. The practical value of the study lies in the development of both a conceptual and applied framework for adapting the institution of forensic economic expertise to the current challenges of ESG reporting. Future research should focus on sector-specific indicators, the development of methodological standards for verification, and the creation of unified tools for ESG data analysis.