Ethics and how important it is for accounting professionals but after I
know see it from many ways. My mind works very matter of fact,
what is right and what is wrong, but I have now been introduced to
many different methods of coming to a decision on an ethical matter.
I found it so fascinating to read the cases and see how often and what
high dollar amounts of fraud go on. Does it start of small and then
snowballs out of control? Or do people really think they will
somehow cover up the millions that they lied about financially. The
most challenging aspect to me is the Corporate Culture and how
companies can instill this in their workplace. Getting employees to all
buy in and commit to true ethical behavior seems to be challenging. I
also struggled with the payouts that Whistleblowers receive. I
watched a movie about an accountant that had found and reported
some fraud and of course people came after him and killed him before
he had the chance to testify. I would think that is why the payouts are
so high. When the person committing the fraud is facing jail time and
losing millions, it could get dangerous. A lot to think about if you were
in that position.
I have been an accountant for 12 years in a corporation. It is not a
public company, but I do hear about and come across ethical issues
from time to time. I am blessed currently to report to the Corporate
Controller who is very smart, very ethical and will always stand up for
what is right. This makes it easier for our department to also follow
suit. I do know that after reading cases, and fellow classmates
discussions, that I will have a better eye to notice accounting
misstatements and manipulations, even though I hope to never be put
in that situation. a
