2022-2023 Ethics for Washington CPAs

COURSE DESCRIPTION

A CPA is challenged in today’s work world not only to 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 tax laws.
In balancing the two claims, 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:

After reading the course material, you will be able to:

• To educate licensees in the ethics of professional accounting as CPAs.
  
• To convey the intent of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and Washington 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 the loss of a job or client.
  
• To review and discuss the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and the Washington 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 the industry who provide internal accounting and auditing services.
    
  • CPAs employed in education or government accounting or auditing.
    
• This course discusses the Washington Statutes and Rules that pertain to CPAs licensed to practice in the state of Washington. Students will become familiar with the Washington Statutes, the Rules of the State Board of Accountancy, the Policies adopted by the Board currently in effect, and how the statutes, rules, and policies about them. Specific rules reviewed include the following:
  
  • Organization and duties of the Board
  • 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
    

Who Should Attend:

• All Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)

Qualifies and Approved with all State Boards of Accountancy and the following sponsorships: