Regulatory Ethics: Integrity and Independence (2hr CPE) (Video) (Course Id 2806)

• Who is this course for?
  This course is designed for CPAs and anyone needing Continuing Professional Education (CPE), including professionals working in public accounting, industry, education, or government roles.
• What is this course about or what problem does this course solve?
  This course addresses ethical dilemmas CPAs face when balancing client or employer interests with the responsibility to protect the public interest, covering ethical frameworks and rules governing professional conduct.
• How can the knowledge from this course be used?
  The knowledge can be used to apply ethical judgment in real-world situations, interpret professional standards, and ensure transparency in financial reporting and fair tax administration.
• Why is this course important to a CPA or Accountant?
  This course is important because it helps CPAs understand and apply ethical principles and the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, ensuring they prioritize public interest over personal or client gain.
• When is this course relevant or timely?
  This course is relevant whenever a CPA encounters ethical decisions in their professional responsibilities, especially in today’s environment where transparency and accountability are critical.
• How is a course like this consumed or used?
  This is a 2-hour video-based self-study course completed online, requiring participants to pass a final exam with a minimum score of 70% within one year to earn CPE credit.

A CPA is challenged in today’s work world to not only serve his/her client or employer but also to protect the public interest by ensuring that there is transparency in financial reporting or there is fair administration of the tax laws.  In balancing the two interests, a CPA may find him or herself in an ethical dilemma. This course covers not only basic ethical frameworks, but also specific rules governing CPA practice and responsibilities. It concludes with a section on how a CPA can put his or her ethics into action.

Video - NASBA QAS - NASBA Registry - 2806

Course Learning Objectives

a. To educate licensees in ethics of professional accounting as CPAs.
b. To convey the intent of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and other codes governing CPAs in the performance of professional accounting services/work, not to adhere to the mere technical compliance of such rules.
c. To assist the CPA in applying ethical judgment in interpreting the rules and determining public interest. Public interest should be placed ahead of self-interest, even if it means a loss of job or client.
d. To review and discuss the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and their implications for persons in a variety of practices, including:
i. CPAs in client practice of public accountancy who perform attest and non-attest services.
ii. CPAs employed in industry who provide internal accounting and auditing services.
iii. CPAs employed in education or in government accounting or auditing.

Chapter 1 - Regulatory Ethics: Integrity and Independence

Chapter 1 Review Questions

Key Terms