Alabama: Alabama Professional Ethics (Course Id 1829)

• Who is this course for?
  This course is for CPAs licensed in Alabama who need to fulfill their 2-hour ethics CPE requirement, as well as any professionals seeking continuing professional education (CPE) in regulatory ethics.

• What is this course about or what problem does this course solve?
  The course addresses the requirement for Alabama CPAs to stay compliant with state-specific ethical standards, covering both the Alabama State Board’s Rules of Professional Conduct and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.

• How can the knowledge from this course be used?
  The knowledge gained can be used by CPAs to ensure their professional conduct aligns with Alabama’s regulations and national ethical standards, helping them navigate ethical dilemmas and avoid violations.

• Why is this course important to a CPA, Accountant, or IRS Enrolled Agent?
  This course is essential for Alabama CPAs to maintain licensure and uphold professional ethics, which are crucial for protecting public trust and avoiding disciplinary action.

• When is this course relevant or timely?
  This course is relevant for the 2024 CPE cycle and should be completed within one year of purchase, making it timely for current and upcoming reporting periods.

• How is a course like this consumed or used?
  The course is delivered as a QAS self-study text that includes reading material, review questions, and a final exam, all accessible online without the need for additional materials.

This 2-hour course is designed to meet the 2-hour Alabama CPA CPE Ethics requirement. It provides an overview of ethical thought along with the core values of the CPA profession.

The contents of the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy Administrative Code, Chapter 30-X-6 - Rules of professional conduct are covered. The AICPA Code of Professional Conduct is covered in detail. Case studies and example situations are utilized to emphasize the material.    

NASBA QAS - Text - NASBA Registry - 1829

Course Learning Objectives

• Define ethics from an overall and professional perspective.
• Distinguish the rules of professional conduct contained in the Alabama Administrative Code -Chapter 30-X-6.
• Describe the ethical standards contained in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.

Chapter 1 - Alabama Professional Ethics

Ethics Background

Morals

What is Ethics?

The Relationship of Morals and Ethics

Professional Ethics

Legal versus Ethical

Why Should We Study Professional Ethics?

Accounting Ethics

Ethical Core Foundations for CPAs

Ethical Reasoning

Case Studies – Threats and Safeguards

Ethical Dilemmas

Review Question

Chapter 30-x-6. Rules of professional conduct.  Effective 3/31/2018

30-X-6-.01 Applicability.

30-X-6-.02 Independence, Integrity And Objectivity

30-X-6-.03 Competence And Technical Standards.

30-X-6-.04 Responsibilities To Clients.

Case Study – Contingent Fees

30-X-6-.05 Other Responsibilities And Practices.

Review Question

Top Violations Noted by the Alabama State Board

The AICPA Code of Professional Conduct

About the Code

Preface

Part 1 – Members in Public Practice

Rule 1.100 Integrity and Objectivity

1.130 Preparing and Reporting Information

1.180 – Responding to Noncompliance with Laws and Regulations

1.200 - Independence

Review Questions

Rule 1.300—General Standards Rule

1.310 Compliance with Standards Rule

1.320 Accounting Principles Rule

1.400.001 Acts Discreditable Rule

1.510.001 — Contingent Fees Rule

1.520.001—Commissions and referral fees Rule

1.600.001 —Advertising and other forms of solicitation

1.700.001— Confidential client information rule

1.800.001—Form of organization and name rule

Review Questions

Part 2 – Members in Business

2.100.001 – Integrity and Objectivity Rule

2.130.030 Obligation of a Member to His or Her Employer’s External Accountant

2.170.010 – Pressure to Breach the Rules

2.180.010 Responding to Noncompliance With Laws and Regulations

2.300.001 — General standards rule

2.310.001—Compliance with standards rule

2.320.001—Accounting principles rule

2.400.001 Acts Discreditable Rule

2.400.070 Confidential Information from employment or volunteer activities

Part 3 – Other Members

3.400.001 - Acts discreditable rule

3.400.070 Confidential Information from employment or volunteer activities

Glossary