Ethics & Professional Conduct for Pennsylvania CPAs - Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Chapter 1
• Explain the function of ethics.
• Discuss the theory of utilitarianism.
• Describe the history of ethics in Western civilization.
• Contrast the term “positive laws” with “natural laws.”
• Discuss whether the AICPA code of ethics is a positive law or natural law.
• Explain why people follow rules of laws.
• Chapter 2
• Discuss how professional codes of ethics protect consumers and promote the CPA profession.
• Explain how being ethical will lead to greater professional success.
• Describe the difference between blindly following the ethical rules and truly applying the ethical concepts to one’s thought process.
• Chapter 3
• List the six guiding principles in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct.
• Explain the difference between the principles and the rules.
• Discuss how to apply the rules to specific actions common to the CPA community.
• Chapter 4
• Discuss how rule interpretations apply to the rules themselves.
• Discuss the interpretations as they apply to your practice as a CPA.
• Discuss how you would apply the interpretations in a variety of specific circumstances.
• Describe the difference between principles, rules, and interpretations.
  
• Chapter 5
• Discuss the Internal Revenue Service Requirements as outlined in Circular 230.
• Describe the applicable AICPA guidance on tax practice.
• Apply the AICPA standards and the IRS rules to common ethical dilemmas faced by CPAs in tax practice.
• Chapter 6
• Identify recent changes in state laws and regulations pertaining to Pennsylvania CPAs.