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Aicpa Code of Professional Conduct

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AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
Katie Bradbury
University of Phoenix
ETH/376

The AICPA is the world’s largest association to signify accountants. Founded in 1887 the AICPA is formed out of 350,000 members in 128 different countries. Upon the establishment of the ACIPA, its creation of accountancy as a profession well-known for educational requirements, high professional standers and a strict code of professional ethics. The AICPA is considered to be the foundation of ethical reasoning in accounting because it covers everything from independence to due diligence. The Code of Conduct is basically, a guideline for every CPA and accountant to follow in there career. There are several purposes to the Code of Professional Conduct but three purposes I feel are the most important. I believe after reading the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct the three most important purposes are to protect the investor, to protect the creditor and to protect the employee. The AICPA’s mission is to provide members with the resources, information, and leadership that will enable them to provide valuable services in the highest standards to benefit the public, employers and clients. I feel protecting the investor, protecting the creditor, and protecting the employee are the most important because these are key people that make the company what it is. I feel this is done by responsibilities, the public interest and integrity. Professional CPA’s have responsibilities to protect all those who use their professional services. They also have the responsibility to cooperate with each other to improve the art of accounting and maintain the public’s confidence. AICPA ensures members act with integrity, guided by the precept that when members fulfill their responsibility to the public, clients and employers interest are best served. The Code of Professional Conduct requires CPAs to be honest and candid within the constraints of the client’s confidentiality. Integrity is an element of character fundamental to professional recognition. The AICPA Code of Professional Conduct can be considered the foundation of ethical reasoning in accounting. The code presents rules and principles to help accountant perform their jobs with integrity and ethical decisions. The code also protects the interest of a company and the investor, creditor and employees.

Mintz, S. M.,& Morris, R. E. (2011), Ethical obligations and decision making in accounting. (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwinn.

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