54. A CPA sole practitioner purchased stock in a client corporation and placed it in a trust as an educational fund for the CPA's minor child. The trust securities were not material to the CPA but were material to the child's personal net worth. Would the independence of the CPA be considered to be impaired with respect to the client?
A. Yes, because the stock would be considered a direct financial interest and, consequently, materiality is not a factor.
B. Yes, because the stock would be considered an indirect financial interest that is material to the CPA's child.
C. No, because the CPA would not be considered to have a direct financial interest in the client.
D. No, because the CPA would not be considered to have a material indirect financial interest in the client.
AT – Code of Professional Ethics Red Sirug Page 1
AUDITING THEORY Red Sirug
CODE OF ETHICS FOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS
IN THE PHILIPPINES
(with Multiple Choice Questions)
Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants in the Philippines:
The
Code of Ethics for CPAs in the Philippines
is the document that contains the norms and principles
governing the practice of the accountancy profession in the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Preface to the Code of Ethics:
Based on the revised Code of Ethics developed by the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC),
with certain modifications
Approved by the Board of Directors of PICPA and recommended for adoption by the BOA
Adopted by the BOA and approved by the PRC as part of the rules and regulations of the BOA for the
practice of the accountancy profession
Sets the fundamental principles and provides guidance as to the application of such fundamental
principles to typical situations
Compliance with the Code is mandatory for all CPAs and is applicable to all professional services
performed in the Philippines
In case of noncompliance: Failure to comply with Code may result in an investigation into the
CPA’s conduct.
When provision of the Code is in conflict with Philippine statutory requirement the Philippine statutory
requirement shall prevail.
Reasons why the Code was adopted:
a. To ensure the highest quality of performance; and
b. To maintain public confidence in the profession
Parts of the Code of Ethics:
1.
Part A
– general application of the Code and it applies to all professional accountants
Part A establishes the fundamental principles of professional ethics for professional accountants
and provides a conceptual framework that serves as a guide for applying those principles
2.
Part B
– applies to professional accountants in public practice
3.
Part C
– applies to professional accountants in business
Fundamental Principles:
The fundamental principles arethe basic ethical requirements which are required to be observed and
complied with by professional accountants in order to achieve the objectives of the accountancy profession.
1. Integrity – A professional accountant should be straightforward and honest in all professional and
business relationships.
Integrity implies not merely honesty but also fair dealing and truthfulness.
To maintain integrity, a professional accountant should avoid association with information
(reports, returns, communications and other information) that contains materially false,
incomplete or misleading information or information that contains statements or information
furnished recklessly
2. Objectivity – A professional accountant should not allow bias, conflict of interest or undue influence of
others to override or compromise his professional or business judgment.
Objectivity is a combination of impartiality, intellectual honesty and a freedom from conflicts of
interest.
Relationships that bias or unduly influence the professional judgment of the professional
accountant should be avoided.
3. Professional competence and Due care:
a. Professional competence. A professional accountant has a continuing duty to maintain
professional knowledge and skill at the level required to ensure that a client or employer receives
competent professional service. Competent professional service requires the exercise of sound
judgment in applying professional knowledge and skill in the performance of such service.
Two phases of professional competence:
a. Attainment of professional competence: A professional accountant should have
initially a high standard of general education, followed by specific education, training,