What are the fundamental principles of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants?

A reminder of what they are before the new Code of Ethics becomes effective

The nature of accountancy and the complexity of the work that accountants, tax advisers, insolvency practitioners and auditors do, means that this work needs to be trusted, and demonstrate the highest standards of professional conduct. 

The Code of Ethics and its obligations are therefore a key part of the accounting profession’s commitment to these standards. 

Early this year, Chartered Accountants Ireland (among the other professional bodies that subscribe to the IESBA Code) will be launching a new Code of Ethics. If you want to get a sneak peek at what the new Code will look like, have a look at the UK ICAEW Code here at Code of Ethics, updated from 1 January 2020. 

It is not expected that there will be many changes of substance to the Professional Accountancy Bodies Codes of Ethics. One of the primary differences, however, is expected to be the new style of language used in writing the Code. The purpose of this change is to make the new Code easier to navigate and to help with the understanding and application of ethical practice. For example, it will be clearer which parts of the new Code are requirements, and which are guidance.

Before this new Code comes into effect, as a reminder, let’s look at the five fundamental principles (which will remain unchanged) of the existing code. These principles govern all ethical behaviour for accountants in practice and in business and indeed accountancy students:

Fundamental Principles of Ethical Behaviour: 

1. Integrity – to be straightforward and honest in all professional and business relationships. Integrity also means that members must not knowingly be associated with misleading information.
2. Objectivity – not to compromise professional or business judgements because of bias, conflict of interest or undue influence of others. If undertaking an assurance engagement, members must also be and appear to be independent.
3. Professional Competence and Due Care – to attain and maintain professional knowledge and skill at the level required to ensure that a client or employing organisation receives competent professional service, based on current technical and professional standards and relevant legislation; and act diligently and in accordance with applicable technical and professional standards.
4. Confidentiality – to respect the confidentiality of information acquired as a result of professional and business relationships. Confidential information must not be disclosed outside the organisation without authority, unless there is a duty or right to disclose, or disclosure is in the public interest and permitted by law.
5. Professional Behaviour – to comply with relevant laws and regulations and avoid any conduct that the professional accountant knows or should know might discredit the profession.

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