A Basic Ethics Guidebook for Florida CPAs (Currently Unavailable)

Author: Allison McLeod

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 from the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, and the Florida Revised Statutes, Administrative Rules and Code of Professional Conduct. These sources govern the practice and responsibilities of Florida CPAs. It concludes with a section on how a CPA can put his or her ethics into action.

Publication Date: April 2020

Topics Covered

• Part I: Framework of Ethical Thought
• Case Study: Mortgage Crisis of 2007”2010
• Case Study: Toronto Dominion Bank
• Part II: Codes of Conduct for CPAs
• Case Study: Olympus
• Florida Rules
• The Florida Board of Accountancy: Organization and Powers
• Use of CPA Designation & Practice Privileges
• Public Interest
• Due Care
• Case Study: Collin Street Bakery
• Independence, Integrity and Objectivity
• Confidentiality & Client Records
• Firm Names & Advertising
• Impact of Code Violations

Learning Objectives

• Recognize and apply the ethics of professional accounting as CPAs through the analysis of case studies involving both actual situations and hypothetical facts
• Recognize and apply 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
• Identify how to analyze and apply the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and Florida law that pertain to CPAs licensed to practice in the state of Florida
• Describe Florida Revised Statues, Administrative Rules and Code of Professional Conduct, and the Policies adopted by the Board currently in effect and how the statutes, rules, and policies
• Identify how to determine the course of action that would uphold the intent of the rules in the performance of professional accounting services/work, not just to adhere to the mere technical compliance of such rules
• Describe the rules and their implications for persons in a variety of practice

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Regulatory Ethics (4 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None