Ethics news and resources - Journal of Accountancy

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September 16, 2025

PEEC releases guidance on attest client association, simultaneous employment

The Professional Ethics Executive Committee guidance in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct adds a new interpretation that includes a reporting requirement triggered by a member’s intent to accept an attest client’s offer of employment.

September 15, 2025

PEEC seeks feedback on guidance for providing tax services to attest clients

An exposure draft addresses potential threats to independence when members perform tax advisory and tax planning services. The comment deadline is Dec. 15

June 5, 2025

PEEC exposure draft seeks to clarify requirements for SSAE engagements

PEEC released for comment proposed changes to the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct related to engagements subject to the AICPA Statements on Standards for Attestation Engagements.

May 8, 2025

Professional liability Q&A: AI disclosure, retired-partner risk, and more

An author of the JofA’s Professional Liability Spotlight column explains why the answer to the question “Should I disclose my use of generative AI to clients?” isn’t simple. Listen to the podcast episode or read the Q&A.

March 10, 2025

AICPA seeks feedback on independence rules related to private equity

In response to increasing private-equity investment in accounting firms, a Professional Ethics Executive Committee (PEEC) task force has issued a discussion memorandum related to independence rules in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.

February 26, 2025

PEEC releases final revised guidance for Sec. 529 plans

The revisions focus on monitoring challenges and independence threats related to an account owner’s financial interest in Sec. 529 plans.

February 19, 2025

AICPA ethics committee corrects authoritative guidance

The Professional Ethics Executive Committee updated a list of examples related to meeting independence standards when providing recruiting services for attest clients.

December 16, 2024

PEEC issues recruiting guidance, exposure draft on simultaneous employment

The Professional Ethics Executive Committee’s guidance is related to recruiting services for attest clients, and the exposure draft includes a new definition and interpretation of simultaneous employment or association.

October 17, 2024

Analysis, clarity, and a quiz: A preview of the National Tax Conference

Two tax experts detail sessions of note and what practitioners can gain from the event in mid-November in Washington. Listen to the episode or read the Q&A.

August 30, 2024

PEEC releases ethics exposure draft for Sec. 529 plans

The proposed revisions relate to monitoring challenges and independence threats related to an account owner’s direct financial interest in Sec. 529 plans.

July 22, 2024

A&A Focus recap: The ethics of using AI in an audit

The July installment of the monthly newscast series also featured a look at the recently released ACFE Report to the Nations, and the first in a series of conversations about revenue recognition and digital assets.

June 10, 2024

PEEC releases exposure drafts on recruiting and tax services

The proposed changes to several interpretations were identified to keep the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct “fit for purpose.”

December 11, 2023

PEEC releases new ethics guidance related to public interest entities

The committee’s actions include a new definition of publicly traded entity and a revised definition of public interest entity. The changes will have two-tiered effective dates.

December 1, 2023

Auditor independence threats and malpractice claims

When questions of independence arise in malpractice claims related to audit services, plaintiff ’s counsel often second-guesses the firm’s independence, painting a picture that the auditor’s professional skepticism was tainted.

November 1, 2023

How mental shortcuts expose you to wire fraud risk

Despite warnings and trainings, wire fraud claims continue to increase in frequency and severity. Here are some tips to help short-circuit your natural responses to this threat.

September 15, 2023

PEEC addresses attest client fees and ethics in professional education

The AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee has approved changes to the Code of Professional Conduct related to attest client fees and ethical responsibilities for testing for professional qualifications and competencies.

July 1, 2023

A guide on when, where, and how to blow the whistle safely

The “Responding to Noncompliance With Laws and Regulations” (NOCLAR) interpretations included in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct answer questions members in business may have about reporting fraud.

July 1, 2023

Compliance is good, but a culture of ethics is better

Finance and ethics expert Clare Levison, CPA, CGMA, explores the connection between the good life and knowing and adhering to all the standards and laws that govern the profession.

July 1, 2023

What’s your fraud IQ?

Test your knowledge of ethics standards and how to properly administer and enforce ethics polices within an organization to promote ethical decision-making.

June 15, 2023

PEEC seeks feedback on proposed changes to the Code of Professional Conduct

The AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee is releasing proposed changes to the Code to align definitions of public interest entities and publicly traded entities with international ethics standards.