A Basic Ethics Guidebook for Colorado CPAs

A
CPA is challenged in today’s work world to not only serve his/her client or
employer but also to protect the public interest by ensuring that there is
transparency in financial reporting or there is fair administration of the tax
laws.  In balancing the two interests, a
CPA may find him or herself in an ethical dilemma. This course covers not only
basic ethical frameworks, but also specific rules governing CPA practice and
responsibilities. It concludes with a section on how a CPA can put his or her
ethics into action.

Learning
 objectives: 

• To educate licensees in
  ethics of professional accounting as CPAs. 
• To convey the intent of
  the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and Colorado Rules &
  Regulations in the performance of professional accounting services/work,
  not to adhere to the mere technical compliance of such rules. 
• To assist the CPA in
  applying ethical judgment in interpreting the rules and determining public
  interest. Public interest should be placed ahead of self-interest, even if
  it means a loss of job or client. 
• To review and discuss
  the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and the Colorado Rules and
  Regulations and their implications for persons in a variety of practices,
  including: 
  • • CPAs in client practice of public accountancy who perform attest and
      non-attest services.
    • CPAs employed in industry who provide internal accounting and auditing
      services.
    • CPAs employed in education or in government accounting or auditing.
• This course discusses the
  Colorado Statutes and Rules that pertain to CPAs licensed to practice in
  the state of Colorado. Students will become familiar with the Colorado
  Revised Statutes, the Rules of the State Board of Accountancy, and the
  Policies adopted by the Board currently in effect and how the statutes,
  rules, and policies pertain to them. 
  Specific rules reviewed include the following:
  • •  Organization and duties of the Board
    •  State
      Board of Accountancy Website (overview)
    •  Certified Public Accountant Designation
• Proper use – Holding Out
• Types of Certificates
• Status and maintenance of Certificates
• Licensure – Examination and certification
• Continuing professional education
• Disclosures
• Names
• Mobility/Practice Privilege and reciprocity
• Peer Review

  Professional Conduct

• Unlawful Acts
• Accountant/Client Privilege
• Grounds for disciplinary Action
• Client Records

 Firms

• Firm Registration
• Firm Names
• Peer Review
• Disclosures