The early 21st century witnessed a series of corporate scandals in the U.S., highlighting the critical need for ethical business practices and robust financial governance. This course tackles these issues by examining the root causes of these scandals, focusing on deceptive accounting practices and the failure of corporate governance. It agitates the ongoing issue of financial misreporting, emphasizing the importance of understanding the techniques used to manipulate a company’s financials. The course provides solutions by exploring the regulatory responses to these scandals, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act’s impact on corporate behavior and audit quality. Participants will learn about the basics of stock-based compensation accounting, regulations safeguarding investors, and the role of good corporate governance in protecting shareholder value. Additionally, the course delves into the concepts of business ethics and corporate social responsibility, offering insights into maintaining high levels of accountability and transparency in business operations.