A Back and Forth Discussion of Ethics for Minnesota CPAs

Author: Allison McLeod

Minnesota CPAs face increasing ethical challenges as they navigate client expectations, employer pressures, regulatory change, and the profession’s overarching obligation to protect the public interest. This course delivers a practical, engaging exploration of ethical reasoning, the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, and Minnesota’s state-specific ethics rules governing CPA practice.

Through real-world case studies and discussion-based analysis, participants will examine dilemmas involving conflicts of interest, integrity, due care, independence, confidentiality, client records, public interest responsibilities, and use of the CPA designation. Attendees will walk away with actionable frameworks and confidence to apply ethical principles across a wide range of professional scenarios.

Publication Date: March 2026

Designed For
This course is ideal for Minnesota CPAs and accounting professionals who must comply with state ethics requirements or who routinely navigate ethical issues in professional practice.

Topics Covered

• Ethics, morals, values, and the ‘clean hands’ dilemma
• Case studies: real-world ethical conflicts and lessons learned
• AICPA Code of Professional Conduct: principles, structure, and application
• Minnesota Board rules governing CPA responsibilities
• Public interest obligations and decision-making frameworks
• Use of CPA designation and practice privilege rules
• Independence, integrity, objectivity, and due care requirements
• Confidentiality, client records, and permissible disclosures
• Firm names, advertising, and discreditable acts under Minnesota rules
• Consequences of ethics violations and Board enforcement actions

Learning Objectives

• Determine the appropriate course of action when ethical responsibilities conflict with employer or client expectations
• Explain the CPA’s duty to the public and why it supersedes client or organizational interests
• Describe the ethical obligations outlined in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and Minnesota’s CPA rules
• Recognize discreditable acts, independence threats, confidentiality requirements, and standards of due care applicable in Minnesota
• Apply structured ethical reasoning frameworks to resolve professional dilemmas
• Describe Minnesota-specific rules related to practice privileges, advertising, client records, and professional conduct

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Regulatory Ethics (4 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None