Professional Ethics for Accountants and Auditors

This essential course covers the ethical framework that governs the accounting and auditing profession worldwide. Ethics is not just an examination topic but a fundamental aspect of professional practice that protects the public interest and maintains trust in the profession.

You will begin with the five fundamental principles of professional ethics: integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality, and professional behavior. The course explains how these principles apply in everyday professional situations and the threats that can compromise compliance with these principles.

The conceptual framework approach to ethics is covered in detail. You will learn how to identify threats to compliance with fundamental principles including self-interest, self-review, advocacy, familiarity, and intimidation threats. More importantly, you will learn how to evaluate these threats and apply appropriate safeguards to reduce them to acceptable levels.

Independence is covered extensively for both audit and assurance engagements, including independence of mind and independence in appearance. The course addresses specific ethical challenges including conflicts of interest, accepting gifts and hospitality, fees and pricing, advertising and solicitation, handling confidential information, and responding to non-compliance with laws and regulations (NOCLAR). Through ethical case studies and dilemmas, you will develop the professional judgment needed to navigate complex ethical situations in your career.