I truly enjoyed our class and delving into the many concepts and theories
associated with accounting ethics. b Everyone knows or has heard of the
"golden rule" yet I am reminded again and again how many people in business
do not practice what should be considered commonplace. b Treat others with
fairness, integrity and honesty as you would also desire to be treated. b
However, in our analysis of case-after-case, we see how people become
distorted in the way they should think due to immense greed, the desire to
advance in their career by taking shortcuts, or they need an ego boost and
cheat their way to the top. b I have become more aware of ways in which
people or companies can commit accounting fraud and the red flags that are
present to "tip one off" to the potential of ethical violations or fraudulent
activity. b I'm pleased the landscape has changed with the SEC having more
power to investigate and penalize those companies committing fraud. b I
believe Sarbanes-Oxley has had a positive impact on financial transparency
and helping to ensure financial statements are fairly represented. b For me, it
was challenging attempting to tie-in or choose relevant, moral and
philosophical theories to a case study. b Many of them would be relevant to a
case and choosing the most representative one was challenging. b Being a CPA,
the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct is most relevant. b Carrying out our
duties as professional accountants in the right manner is critical to public trust
and confidence. b We must all continue to do our best in carrying out the
principles outlined in the "AICPA Code" in order to continue to maintain (and
grow) public trust in our profession! b
