A Basic Ethics Guidebook for New York CPAs

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, the New York Rules, Regulations and Education Law. These sources govern the practice and responsibilities of New York CPAs. It concludes with a section on how a CPA can put his or her ethics into action.

Publication Date: April 2020

Designed For
NYS licensed CPAs or CPAs practicing in NYS, all Internal Auditors, accountants, EAs, tax preparers and anyone who needs to learn the basics about the profession's ethics standards.

Topics Covered

• Basic ethical frameworks
• Specific rules from the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct
• New York Rules, Regulations and Education Law
• Practice and responsibilities of New York CPAs
• How a CPA can put his or her ethics into action
• Real-life case studies demonstrating ethical dilemmas faced by accountants

Learning Objectives

• Differentiate the rules of ethics for CPAs and professional accountants licensed in New York
• Identify the intent of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and the New York Rules, Regulations and Education Law in the performance of professional accounting services/work, not to adhere to the mere technical compliance of such rules
• Recognize how to 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 and apply the New York law that pertain to CPAs licensed to practice in the state of New York
• Recognize New York Revised Statutes, the Rules of the State Board of Accountancy, and the Policies adopted by the Board currently in effect and how the statutes, rules, and policies pertain to them

Level
Basic

Instructional Method
Self-Study

NASBA Field of Study
Regulatory Ethics (4 hours)

Program Prerequisites
None

Advance Preparation
None