Why You Should Always Consider Accounting Ethics in Your Organization
Accounting Ethics: Working with Integrity and Trustworthiness
As a business owner, accounting ethics are an important consideration when hiring a bookkeeper. No matter how big or small your company, having a code of trustworthiness and integrity is a key part of any responsible financial management team.
Accounting ethics help ensure that everybody involved – from clients to employees – is operating honestly and transparently. But with so many different principles and expectations around decisions related to accounting, it can be difficult for small business owners to know what exactly is ethical or not-ethical behavior. Here are a few things you need to know about accounting ethics:
What is Accounting Ethics?
Accounting ethics is the moral compass for the accounting industry and its professionals. It is based on a set of core values and principles that guide the decisions and activities of accounting professionals. Accounting ethics are essential to ensuring trust in financial reconciliation and reporting, audits, as well as other services provided by accountants. With this trust, investors, lenders, regulators, and other stakeholders would have confidence in the accuracy and quality of financial data.
Accounting ethics also encompass the rules, regulations, and codes of conduct that govern the activities of accountants. These standards have been developed by professional accounting organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and national and international regulatory bodies. They guide ethical decision-making in conflicts of interest, professional competence, and integrity.
What Diligence in Following Accounting Ethics Looks Like
Accounting professionals have to serve their clients with integrity and diligence. Their responsibility is great; they must provide ethical services with the utmost care. These include:
- Honesty in all decisions related to client's financial matters, such as sales tax/tax prep
- Explain and be open about charges
- Avoid conflicts of interest
- Protect confidential information
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry regulations and procedures
- Adhere to accepted professional standards and laws related to accounting
- Ensure accuracy and traceability of financial records
- Act with integrity and objectivity at all times
- Develop processes to prevent fraud and other illegal activities
Examples of What it Looks Like to Have it Challenged by a Client
Accounting ethics come up in many situations where clients may attempt to pressure an accountant into unethical behavior. Examples of this include:
- Pressuring the accountant to alter financial records or reports
- Asking the accountant not to disclose certain information
- Pressuring the accountant to ignore applicable laws or regulations
- Making inappropriate requests related to confidential information
- Attempting to influence an audit result by offering favors
These ethical challenges can create a difficult situation for an accountant since a client is usually their employer, and they are expected to be compliant with their requests. However, accountants must stand firm in upholding their values and ethics even when faced with pressure from clients. Examples of the best practices include:
- Setting clear expectations upfront, such as requesting that all requests be put in writing
- Making it clear that any unethical behavior will not be tolerated
- Documenting their conversations with clients, so they can reference them if needed in the future
- Always consult a professional ethics expert when faced with particularly difficult ethical dilemmas
If a client is exhibiting any of these behaviors, it is the responsibility of the accounting professional to refuse any such requests and stand firm on their ethical obligations.
Balance Ethics and Accounting
Accountants need to adhere to a strict code of ethics. This means that they should always work with integrity and be trustworthy. There are many examples of accounting ethics being challenged by clients. However, it is up to the accountant to maintain their ethical standards.
If you need help following accounting ethics or keeping your business afloat,
reach out
to us for a free consultation.
Keep on Booking is based out of Lincoln, Nebraska, but provides exceptional booking and accounting services in Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona.


