Surgent's Ethical Considerations for CPAs

Overview

As accounting firm’s non-attest offerings to their attest clients become more diversified, such engagements increase firms’ exposure to independence violations. In order to thread the needle of providing value-added services and upholding their independence obligations, firms need to have a strong foundational understanding of the applicable ethical and independence rules which govern these engagements. In this course, we’ll review the relevant sections of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct regarding independence, objectivity, and conflicts of interest. The course will focus on the Code’s Independence Rule and common threats to auditor’s independence. In particular, the course will focus on those unique considerations related to non-attest services, both from the perspective of AICPA interpretations and other applicable rules and regulations. PLEASE NOTE: THIS COURSE COVERS GENERAL ETHICS AND IS APPLICABLE IN STATES IN WHICH STATE-SPECIFIC ETHICS IS NOT REQUIRED.

Highlights

Auditor independence and its importance to the public accounting profession
Common threats to auditor independence
AICPA’s framework for assessing conflicts of interest
Unique threats related to non-attest services to attest clients
Common safeguards to help assure compliance with relevant rules and regulations

Prerequisites

Experience in financial reporting

Designed For

All CPAs

Objectives

Identify the key sources of guidance on auditor independence
Recall key components of applicable independence guidance from the AICPA, SEC and other regulators
Assess independence risks related to common client situations