Is your organization ready for the SOX journey of sustainability data? In this episode of The Pre-Read, we sit down with Lori Defnet, ESG Controller at The Hershey Company, to define the core remit of this emerging role. While traditional controllers guard the known, ESG controllers manage ambiguity. Lori shares how she navigates moving targets in the regulatory landscape and why curiosity and adaptability are the most critical skills for the next generation of finance leaders. Key moments: 02:45—Defining the core remit of an ESG controller 05:30—The data challenge: ERP systems vs. supplier surveys 08:15—A “crawl, walk, run” approach to limited and reasonable assurance 11:40—Stakeholder management: Education and empathy 13:50—Will the ESG controller role eventually merge with finance? 17:15—Curiosity and adaptability in succession planning “I think the role of that ESG controller is that translator to help teach the business and teach the finance organization how to get there.” —Lori Defnet Find past conversations at workiva.com/podcast/the-pre-read #ESG #Accounting #Sustainability #FinanceTransformation #Workiva » Subscribe to Workiva: https://www.youtube.com/@Workiva Workiva Inc. (NYSE: WK) powers trust, transparency, and accountability. Finance, accounting, sustainability, risk and audit teams from more than 6,600 organizations, including over 85% of Fortune 1,000 companies rely on Workiva for their mission-critical work. We transform how customers connect data, unify processes, and empower teams in a secure, audit-ready, AI-powered collaborative platform. Learn more at workiva.com. Connect with Workiva Online! » Visit Workiva.com: https://www.workiva.com/ » Follow Workiva on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/workiva/ » Follow Workiva on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workiva/ » Check out the Workiva podcast, “The Pre-Read”: https://www.workiva.com/podcast/the-pre-read

 54      1