Ethics

Unethical business practices harm organizations and economies. Large-scale business failures such as Enron—as well as the more recent failures related to the global financial crisis—highlight the consequences of unethical business practices and amoral management. Professional accountants, as stewards of transparency and trust, and subject to a professional code of ethics, have a key role to play not only in upholding but in encouraging and influencing ethical behavior and decision making within their organizations. Read More

Independence Is in the Eye of the Beholder
June 3, 2013 - Journal of Accountancy

An article that considers the importance of independence in appearance as well as fact. It includes real-life examples of certain activities that may give rise to assertions of questionable independence in appearance and provides simple risk control principles to help accountants avoid these situations.

independence; Guidance

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Independence is in the Eye of the Beholder
June 3, 2013 - Journal of Accountancy

The independence of CPAs is the hallmark of the profession. As such, accountants put forth significant focus and effort to comply with independence requirements related to everything from investments to business and employment relationships to services delivered to clients. But being what accountants call independent in “fact” isn’t enough. CPAs also must be independent in appearance as well—a requirement detailed in various professional guidelines, including the AICPACode of Professional Conduct.

independence; Article

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Why Business Ethics Matter… to Your Bottom Line
May 1, 2013 - Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia

Informs those charged with fiduciary management of enterprises why ethics can no longer be treated as a discretionary cost to the business. Management of the ethical dimension is instead a significant contributor to financial success. This is highlighted through the use of examples of how leading corporations are integrating ethical management into business practices, change programs, and fraud, risk, and compliance systems.

ethical dilemmas; ethics and culture; Guidance

1 Recommended
Independence Guide
March 18, 2013 - CPA Australia

Helps accountants and auditors understand the requirements in APES 110, Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, with which CPA Australia members must comply. The standard is based on the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the IESBA.

independence; Guidance

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Tone at the Top: Why Investors Should Care
March 1, 2013 - Institute of Management Accountants

From Strategic Finance magazine, evaluation of three high-profile examples of companies with poor tone at the top—Groupon, Chesapeake Energy, and Enron.

ethical dilemmas; Article

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The Irony of Integrity: A Study of the Character Strengths of Leaders
December 1, 2012 - Center for Creative Leadership

This study aims to examine the relationship between four character strengths—integrity, bravery, perspective, and social intelligence—and the performance evaluations of top-level executives and middle managers in the same organizations.

Research study

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Tone at the Top: Can Accountants Make a Difference?
September 1, 2012 - Nederlandse Beroepsorganisatie van Accountants

A Discussion Report that argues "tone at the top" is one of the most important topics for improving the effectiveness of an organization. It also shows how accountants can play a role in establishing tone at the top.

Document

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