Table of Contents
Section I. Current Ethical Issues in the Accounting Profession1
| Understanding Ethics | 1 |
| A Definition of Ethics | 1 |
| How do you act when no one is looking? | 1 |
| Special Topics: Managing Ethics | 1 |
| Analytical Model for Ethical Decisions | 1 |
| Fiduciary Standard of Care | 2 |
| Review Questions | 4 |
Section II. AICPA Code of Professional Conduct5
| Preface: Applicability and Principles of Professional Conduct | 5 |
| Applicability | 5 |
| The AICPA Principles | 5 |
| Using the Principles in Practice | 6 |
| Part One of the AICPA Code: Members in Public Practice | 9 |
| Rules Are Not Enough | 9 |
| The Conceptual Framework Approach | 11 |
| Identifying Ethical Conflicts | 13 |
| Rules of the Code of Professional Conduct | 14 |
| Independence, Integrity, and Objectivity: The Core Values of the Accounting Profession | 14 |
| 1.100 Integrity and Objectivity Rule | 14 |
| 1.200 Independence Rule | 19 |
| 1.300 General Standards | 35 |
| 1.400 Acts Discreditable Rule | 40 |
| 1.500 Fees and Other Types of Remuneration | 44 |
| 1.600 Advertising and Other Forms of Solicitation Rule | 47 |
| 1.700 Confidential Client Information Rule | 48 |
| 1.800 Form of Organization and Name Rule | 50 |
| Review Questions | 52 |
Appendix I. AICPA Glossary55
Appendix II. Answers and Explanations to Review Questions67
| Section I. Current Ethical Issues in the Accounting Profession | 67 |
| Section II. AICPA Code of Professional Conduct | 68 |
Index73
Endnotes
Course Details
Author: Beacon Hill Financial Educators
Publication/Revision Date: 1/1/2026
Course Exam Questions (Online): 15 (multiple-choice)
Program Delivery Method: NASBA QAS Self-Study
Available Formats of Course Text: Downloadable PDF, Printed/Mailed
Course Level, Prerequisites, and Advance Preparation Requirements
| License | Course Level | Prerequisites | Advance Preparation Requirements |
|---|
| CPA | Overview | None | None |
* This program is appropriate for professionals at all organizational levels.
Sponsor ID Numbers
National Registry of CPE Sponsors I.D.: 107615
State CPA Board Sponsor ID Numbers (where applicable)
Florida Division of Certified Public Accounting: 0004761
Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy: 14003
New York State Board for Public Accountancy: 002146
Ohio Accountancy Board: CPE .51 PSR
Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy: PX178025
Texas State Board of Public Accountancy: 009349
Learning Objectives
As a result of studying the course material, you should be able to meet the objectives listed below:
- Define ethics in the context of being ethical versus acting ethically.
- Identify the types of accounting services in which the fiduciary standard applies.
- Recognize the primary components that serve as the foundation of the AICPA ethical standards.
- Distinguish between the AICPA Principles of Professional Conduct.
- Distinguish between the AICPA Rules of the Code of Professional Conduct.
