Earning the Trust of the Public

Source: Current Accounts

This article contains a comprehensive discussion of the elements of integrity—ethical sensitivity, ethical reasoning, ethical character, and ethical courage.

To enjoy public trust, CPAs must be sensitive to the existence of unethical situations, have the wisdom to know what is right, and be aware of the importance of ethical values, but most of all they need courage.

Putting audit quality above profit on the job may require ethical courage. To promote this kind of behavior requires the right signals from top management. If management stresses profits and ignores integrity, people in the firm are likely to cut corners.

The culture at Arthur Andersen seemed to promote profit and the happiness of the client.

For the complete article, click here and select January/February (2009).

From Current Accounts, Georgia Society of CPAs, January/February 2009, “A Call for Ethical Courage,” https://www.gscpa.org/Content/22439.aspx.