Ethics news and resources - Journal of Accountancy

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July 31, 2018

New AICPA technical corrections clarify independence requirements

Technical corrections issued by the AICPA clarify the definition of “covered member” in the AICPA Professional Standards and the independence rules for agreed-upon procedure engagements under the Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements.

July 1, 2018

Ethics for CPA firm mergers and acquisitions

All parties in a CPA firm purchase or sale need to follow rules to protect clients’ confidential information and records.

July 1, 2018

The board’s role in promoting an ethical culture

A board of directors can promote ethical behavior throughout an organization by prioritizing corporate culture, watching for red flags, and setting clear expectations.

June 22, 2018

Proposal would clarify exception to client confidentiality rule

Under a proposal issued by the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee, certain reviews of a tax practice would be explicitly included in exceptions to AICPA Professional Standards client information disclosure rules.

June 1, 2018

New international code clarifies ethics issues

The change includes major revisions to the unifying framework.

May 8, 2018

5 things you need to know about the new international ethics code

A new international Code of Ethics for professional accountants contains new guidance on safeguards, cooling-off periods, and other important issues.

May 1, 2018

The trouble with nondisclosure agreements in attest engagements

CPA firms must take care not to run afoul of professional standards if they are asked to sign nondisclosure agreements.

May 1, 2018

AICPA proposes revising independence rules for information system services

Self-review and management participation threats are addressed.

April 10, 2018

New international code clarifies ethics issues

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants released a new Code of Ethics that is designed to provide clear guidance about how accountants should deal with ethics and independence issues.

March 15, 2018

AICPA proposes revising independence rules for information system services

A proposal issued by the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee would revise independence rules that apply to AICPA members providing nonattest services related to an attest client’s information systems.

January 1, 2018

How data-hosting services affect independence

Taking responsibility for hosting an attest client’s data or records impairs a CPA’s independence, according to a new ethics interpretation.

December 1, 2017

PEEC revises definitions of ‘client,’ ‘attest client’

The changes guide practitioners when the engaging and subject entities are different.

September 27, 2017

How data-hosting services affect independence

Taking responsibility for hosting an attest client’s data or records impairs a CPA’s independence, according to a new ethics interpretation.

August 2, 2017

How to comply with the new AICPA ethics standards for M&A

New AICPA ethics standards address independence, confidentiality, and transfer of client files related to mergers and acquisitions.

April 3, 2017

It’s all relative: How CPAs navigate family businesses

CPAs should help a family business operate in a professional fashion.

February 6, 2017

What does it mean to be transparent?

The goal of transparency is to establish and maintain the trust of the organization’s key stakeholders.

November 21, 2016

New marijuana laws create opportunities, risks for CPAs

Because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, CPAs will need to carefully consider potential risks associated with businesses operating in this industry.

November 1, 2016

Maintaining independence with nonattest services

Clients must meet responsibilities, and safeguards can be put in place to prevent impairments to independence. Education is important for clients and CPAs, and proper documentation is a must.

October 31, 2016