Professional Ethics
Overview
Anyone can add up a column of figures correctly and still be a bad accountant. What investors, lenders, tax authorities and employees actually rely on is that the figures were prepared honestly, competently and without hidden bias, by someone who would not quietly change a number to please a client. That reliability is not automatic; it rests on a code of professional ethics that every accountant is expected to follow.
In this lesson you will learn the five principles of professional ethics, how each one applies to real situations an accountant might face, and what 'public interest' means when it is applied to accounting roles and functions. You will work through realistic dilemmas, not abstract rules, because that is exactly how professional ethics is tested and exactly how it is used in practice.
Objectives
- Describe the principles of professional ethics
- Apply the principles of professional ethics to accounting roles and functions
- Explain the concept of public interest and how it is applied to accounting roles and functions
Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Professional Ethics. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which principle of professional ethics is described as 'accountants must be straightforward, honest and truthful'? A) Confidentiality B) Integrity C) Objectivity D) Professional behaviour Answer: B
- An accountant is offered a personal bonus tied to the profit figure they report. This most directly threatens which principle? A) Confidentiality B) Professional behaviour C) Objectivity D) Professional competence and due care Answer: C
- Which principle requires an accountant to keep their professional knowledge up to date and to recognise the limits of their own expertise? A) Integrity B) Professional competence and due care C) Confidentiality D) Objectivity Answer: B
- Under which circumstance may an accountant disclose confidential client information without the client's permission? A) Whenever it would help a friend B) Whenever the accountant personally disagrees with the client C) When there is a legal duty to disclose it D) Never, under any circumstance Answer: C
- Which term describes the wider community that relies on the honesty and reliability of financial information, beyond the person paying the accountant? A) Stakeholder capital B) Public interest C) Materiality D) Going concern Answer: B
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Available on the Green Bridge App
Download the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer to access full lesson notes, practice questions, and more.
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
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