Chapter 4 - Ethics and acceptance Flashcards
The ACCA code of ethics and conducts provides what?
guidance to members on the ethical behaviour expected of them
What is independence?
freedom from situations and relationships where objectivity would be perceived to be impaired by a reasonable and informed third party
What are the two main approaches to ethical guidance?
- Principles based
- Rules based
What is a principles based approached?
use fundamental principles to guide behaviour at all times, even when there are no rules
What is a rules based approach?
Easier to follow, needs updated more frequently, virtually impossible to deal with every situation. Rules set out for people to folow.
A conceptual framework relies on what approach?
a principles based approach
What are the five fundamental ethical principles?
Integrity
Objectivity
Professional competence and due care
Confidentiality
Professional behaviour
What is integrity?
- straightforward and honest in all relationships
What is objectivity?
members must exercise professional or business judgement without being compromised by bias, conflicts of interest etc
What is professional competence and due care?
Members must attain and maintain professional knowledge and skills at the level required
What is confidentiality?
information on clients must not be disclosed without appropriate authority
What is professional behaviour?
members must comply with relevant laws and regulations, behave in a manner consistent with the profession’s responsibility
What are the different threats that could occur?
- self interest
- familiarity
- self-review
- advocacy
- intimidation
What is self interest and give examples?
Putting your own interest ahead of what is right e.g., gifts and hospitality
What is self review and give examples?
Unlikely to find, or admit, to errors in our own work e.g., accounts prep, internal audit