Ethics - Identifying and Preventing Discreditable Acts (Course Id 2286)

• Who is this course for?
  This course is designed for anyone needing Continuing Professional Education (CPE), including CPAs and accounting professionals seeking to maintain their licensure and meet regulatory ethics requirements.

• What is this course about or what problem does this course solve?
  This course addresses how to identify and prevent discreditable acts in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, helping professionals avoid ethical breaches.

• How can the knowledge from this course be used?
  Learners can use the knowledge to recognize unethical behavior, comply with ethical standards, and implement best practices to prevent discreditable acts in their professional conduct.

• Why is this course important to a CPA, Accountant, or IRS Enrolled Agent?
  This course is essential because it reinforces the ethical standards CPAs must uphold, reducing the risk of professional misconduct and supporting public trust in the profession.

• When is this course relevant or timely?
  The course is timely for the 2024 CPE cycle and is especially relevant whenever CPAs need to refresh their knowledge of ethical conduct and fulfill regulatory ethics requirements.

• How is a course like this consumed or used?
  This is a self-study, text-based course delivered through the NASBA QAS program and includes reading materials, review questions, and a final exam that must be completed online with a passing score of 70%.

This course provides an overview of identifying and preventing discreditable acts in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.  This includes a discussion of the significance of ethics in the CPA profession as well as examples of discreditable acts that CPAs may commit.  This course also includes certain discussions and best practices for how these discreditable acts can be avoided.

NASBA QAS - Text - NASBA Registry - 2286

Course Learning Objectives

• Identify the significance of ethics in the CPA profession
• Recognize examples of discreditable acts and how to avoid them
• Identify situations where disclosure of CPA exam material would be a discreditable act
• Recognize ethical requirements for tax returns for yourself and others
• Identify ethical requirements related to confidential information
• Recognize best practices for preventing discreditable acts

Chapter 1 - Ethics - Identifying and Preventing Discreditable Acts

Course Learning Objectives

Course Overview

Introduction

Governing Regulations

AICPA Code of Professional Conduct

Discreditable Acts

Discrimination & Harassment in Employment Practices

Solicitation of Disclosure of CPA Examination Questions and Answers

Failure to File a Tax Return or Pay a Tax Liability

Review Questions

Negligence in the Preparation of Financial Statements or Records

Confidential Information Obtained from Employment or Volunteer Activities

False, Misleading, or Deceptive Acts in Promoting or Marketing Professional Services

Conclusion

Review Questions

Glossary of Key Terms