When looking at this case, the first thing that stands out to me for the
professional care and objectivity is looking for conflict of interest.
According to ACFE Standards of Professional Conduct, this is one of
the first steps and if conflicts are found, should be disclosed to the
client (Rufus et al., 2015). Next, I would also make sure that I am
competent to complete what is asked of me. This is also part of the
ACFE Standards of Professional Conduct. In agreeing to complete the
worked asked, but not knowledgeable, this makes for a poor
professional appearance and lacks in integrity. This can also lead to
not being able to complete the tasks properly as well. If one does not
know what to look for in order to request data and information, then
it may be missed. As discussed in our text, we need to be able to show
all ways that the fraud may or may not have happened. If we are not
knowledgeable then we can not show all ways. This lack of knowledge
goes against all of the principles expressed in the AICPA Principles of
Professional Conduct (Rufus et al., 2015). One must also make sure
that data and evidence is obtained with care and due diligence.
Evidence that is acquired by illegal means can show poor professional
care.
“Independence in appearance is the avoidance of circumstances that
would cause a reasonable and informed third party, who has
knowledge of all relevant information, including safeguards applied, to
reasonably conclude that the integrity, objectivity or professional
skepticism of a firm or member of the attest engagement team is
compromised.” (AICPA, 2021) Based on this definition, I feel that
independence of appearance means that you can no be influenced by
another party to show favoritism or compromise judgement. a This
may be difficult in some situations, as you have been hired to show
that someone did or did not commit a crime. I feel that if the
accountant does their best to show all the ways that something may
have happened then they are independent in appearance.
AICPA. (November 2021). Plain English guide to independence.
Retrieved
https://us.aicpa.org/content/dam/aicpa/interestareas/professionaleth
ics/resources/tools/downloadabledocuments/plain-english-guide.pdf
Rufus, R., Miller, L., & Hahn, W. (2015). Forensic accounting. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
