Do you know the fundamental ethical principles applicable to ALL members?
As a member of CPA Australia, you are obliged to comply with the Code of Ethics for Professional Accounts (APES 110). It applies to all members, not just those in public practice, and not just to those who are providing auditing and assurance services. For example, it also applies to members providing other professional services (e.g., taxation or valuation services), and to members who are employed by another company (e.g., a CFO in a private company or a financial analyst in an investment bank). The ethical principles with which you must comply are:
- Integrity
- Objectivity
- Professional competence and due care
- Confidentiality
- Professional behaviour
Members are required to act ethically in the public interest, this means for the "collective well-being of the community of people and institutions that the Members serve". If you need to be reminded of your obligations, check out the code.