Certified Public Accountant Regulation (REG) covers ethics, federal tax procedures, business law, and professional responsibilities for aspiring CPAs.
Ethics is the backbone of the accounting profession. It’s not just about following the rules—it’s about building trust with clients, employers, and the public. Accountants are expected to uphold integrity, objectivity, and independence in all their professional activities.
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) sets out a detailed code that guides CPAs in ethical decision-making. This code covers independence, integrity, and due care.
Independence means being unbiased, especially when auditing or attesting financial statements. CPAs must avoid financial relationships or situations that could influence their judgment.
Ethical breaches can lead to loss of license, legal penalties, and damaged reputations. Practicing good ethics not only keeps you compliant, but also makes you a trusted advisor.
Ethical behavior ensures the credibility and reputation of the accounting profession, and is essential in every CPA's career.
A CPA refuses to manipulate financial statements for a client, upholding integrity.
During an audit, a CPA discloses a potential conflict of interest to maintain objectivity.
Ethics and professional responsibilities guide CPA behavior, ensuring trust and compliance in accounting.