Accounting Ethics, 3rd Edition

Chapter SixThe Rules of the Code of Conduct

After presenting the principles, the AICPA Professional Code of Conduct examines the rules that govern those principles. The code states:

The AICPA bylaws require that members adhere to the rules of the code. Compliance with the rules depends primarily on members’ understanding and voluntary actions; secondarily on reinforcement by peers and public opinion; and ultimately on disciplinary proceedings, when necessary, against members who fail to comply with the rules. Members must be prepared to justify departures from these rules.¹

These rules are formally applicable only to members of the AICPA and people under members’ control. If members violate the rules, they are subject to disciplining by the AICPA. Thus, it is necessary to review these rules to understand the AICPA’s expectations regarding accountants’ behavior.

The rules are presented in three Parts – Part 1 for members in public practice, Part 2 for members in business, and Part 3 for all members. Parts 1 and 2 begin with a conceptual framework for guidance in mitigating threats that are not directly accounted for in the rules. Part 1 of the code breaks down the rules into eight sub‐sections, as follows:

• Sub‐section 1.100 – Integrity and Objectivity
• Sub‐section 1.200 – Independence
• Sub‐section 1.300 – General Standards
• Sub‐section 1.400 – Acts Discreditable
• Sub‐section 1.500 – Fees and Other Types of Remuneration
• Sub‐section 1.600 – Advertising and Other Forms of Solicitation ...