Accounting Ethics Definition Examples Why It Is Important

What is Accounting Ethics?

Accounting ethics refers to following specific rules and guidelines set by governing bodies that every person associated with accounting should follow to prevent misuse of the financial information or their management position.

Example of Accounting Ethics

There is a company, Y ltd. Who appoints a company as its auditor for conducting the audit of the company’s financial statements for the fiscal year 2018-19. At the time of deciding the fees of the audit assignment, the company offered the payments of $ 15,000 if the auditor gave a clean audit opinion about the company. Is it right to accept this offer from the auditor?

In the above case, company Y ltd. Offers the fees of $ 15,000 to the auditor appointed by it if the auditor gives a clean audit opinion about the company’s working.These fees, which have the condition of the fulfillment of specific criteria, are the contingent feeThe Contingent FeeA contingent fee is compensation payable only if the outcome acquired is favourable or a particular objective is accomplished. It is a widely used fee structure in the US, especially in the law practice. Also, it is termed a conditional fee in the England and Wales.read more offered by the client to the auditor. This situation is a win-win situation for both client and the auditor as the auditor will get the extra fees, and the company will get a clean opinion from the auditor for its work.It is affecting the auditor’s independence as with the extra fees the auditor will help the company give a clean audit opinion as required.However, suppose the auditor accepts such contingent fees. In that case, it is misconduct of accounting ethics because the firm is motivating the auditor to give a clean opinion by providing the incentive. Hence the auditor should not accept the terms and conditions of the client.

Advantages of Accounting Ethics

As the different rules and guidelines are set by the governing bodies that govern the person’s activities associated with the accounting profession, this prevents the misuse of the information available to the client by the accountant, auditor, or any other accounting person.If the person does not follow it, then the person will be liable for the punishment decided by the governing bodies. It creates fear in the person’s mind and leads to follow-up appropriately.The businesses that pay proper attention to accounting ethics always do better compared to other businesses. It creates the right image in the eyes of the customers and the other parties and thereby helps increase the business in the long run.It creates a better Professional Environment as everyone has the proper mindset of maintaining a high level of ethical standards. Also, respect is given to that person who follows the ethics accurately in the workplace.There is decreased legal liability. It is so because almost all the things are taken care of well in advance by the concerned persons so that they are liable for any legal actions.

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Disadvantages of Accounting Ethics

As the proper training should be given to everyone associated with accounting to provide the information on the different rules and guidelines for accounting ethics, such training involves a considerable cost.As the person is required to know every aspect that he has to follow and update the information regularly for any changes that take place, it requires lots of effort and time.When a person tries to follow accounting ethics, there are high chances that they will not get support from the company’s management. Management will try to find and work with the person who follows the rules and guidelines that benefit the company.

Important Points

There are various rules and guidelines required to be followed by everyone associated with accounting. Some of these rules include the rule of non-acceptability of the contingent fees, like setting the audit fees based on the net profits of the clients, Confidentiality whereAn auditor is a professional appointed by an enterprise for an independent analysis of their accounting records and financial statements. An auditor issues a report about the accuracy and reliability of financial statements based on the country’s local operating laws.read more the auditorsThe AuditorsAn auditor is a professional appointed by an enterprise for an independent analysis of their accounting records and financial statements. An auditor issues a report about the accuracy and reliability of financial statements based on the country’s local operating laws.read more have to keep all the information of their clients confidential and are not allowed to disclose it to any outsider, duty concerning the reporting of the breach of the rules by anyone, etc.As the different rules and guidelines are set by the governing bodies that govern the person’s activities associated with the accounting profession, this prevents the misuse of the information available to the client by the accountant, auditor, or any other accounting person.

Conclusion

Accounting Ethics is one of the critical concepts according to which every person associated with accounting has to follow certain types of rules and guidelines set by the different governing bodies having the power to set the same. These rules and guidelines prevent the misuse of the different powers given to the variousAccounting is the process of processing and recording financial information on behalf of a business, and it serves as the foundation for all subsequent financial statements.read more accountingAccountingAccounting is the process of processing and recording financial information on behalf of a business, and it serves as the foundation for all subsequent financial statements.read more professionals.

Also, in the areas where the proper accounting ethics are followed, there is decreased legal liability as almost all the things are taken care of well in advance by the concerned persons, and it creates a better Professional Environment as everyone has the proper mindset of maintaining the high level of ethical standards.

What is Accounting Ethics?#

Example of Accounting Ethics#

Advantages of Accounting Ethics#

Disadvantages of Accounting Ethics#

Important Points#

Conclusion#

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