Ethics In Accounting
Overview
Accounting ethics is an integral aspect of the accounting profession that focuses on ensuring that accountants act in a professional and ethical manner in their practices. It involves adhering to moral principles and values while conducting accounting activities to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability. The significance of ethics in accounting cannot be understated, as it ultimately contributes to the credibility and reliability of financial information provided to stakeholders.
One of the primary objectives of incorporating ethics in preparing and presenting accounting reports is to promote honesty and fairness in financial reporting. Accountants are tasked with the responsibility of accurately documenting and reporting financial transactions to provide a true and fair view of an organization's financial position. By upholding ethical standards, accountants can enhance the trust of stakeholders, such as investors, creditors, and regulatory bodies, in the financial information presented.
Integrity is another essential quality that accountants should possess when preparing accounting reports. Integrity in accounting involves being honest and straightforward in financial dealings, without compromising professional standards or engaging in fraudulent activities. Accountants must demonstrate a high level of integrity to maintain public trust and confidence in the financial information they produce.
Transparency is a key principle in accounting ethics that emphasizes the importance of disclosing relevant financial information openly and accurately. Transparent financial reporting enables stakeholders to make informed decisions based on the disclosed information, fostering accountability and trust. Accountants play a crucial role in ensuring transparency by providing clear and comprehensive financial reports that reflect the true financial position of an organization.
Accountability is also a fundamental quality expected of accountants in their professional practice. Accountants are accountable for the accuracy and integrity of the financial information they present, as well as the decisions and actions taken based on that information. By being accountable, accountants take responsibility for their work and are held liable for any errors or discrepancies in financial reporting.
Fairness is a principle that underpins ethical behavior in accounting and involves treating all stakeholders impartially and without bias. Accountants must ensure that financial information is reported objectively and without favoritism to any particular group or individual. Fairness in accounting promotes trust and confidence in the financial reports produced, as stakeholders rely on the impartiality of the information presented.
Objectives
- Use Ethics In Preparing And Presenting Accounting Reports
- List Qualities Of An Accountant Such As Honesty, Integrity, Transparency, Accountability, And Fairness
Lesson Note
Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Ethics In Accounting. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- What is an important quality for an accountant when it comes to preparing and presenting accounting reports? A. Creativity B. Honesty C. Flexibility D. Speed Answer: B. Honesty
- Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of an Accountant? A. Integrity B. Transparency C. Assertiveness D. Accountability Answer: C. Assertiveness
- When preparing accounting reports, what should an accountant prioritize to ensure ethical behavior? A. Accuracy B. Speed C. Completeness D. Opacity Answer: A. Accuracy
- What is a key aspect of an accountant's role in maintaining ethics in financial accounting? A. Avoiding laws and regulations B. Misreporting financial information C. Acting in the best interest of the public D. Exercising professional judgment Answer: D. Exercising professional judgment
- Which of the following is an essential quality for an accountant to maintain integrity in accounting practices? A. Consistency B. Deception C. Compliance D. Transparency Answer: D. Transparency
- Why is fairness an important quality for an accountant in financial accounting? A. To promote bias B. To mislead stakeholders C. To ensure accurate reporting D. To manipulate financial statements Answer: C. To ensure accurate reporting
- What does accountability mean in the context of an accountant's ethical responsibilities? A. Blaming others for errors B. Taking ownership of actions and decisions C. Hiding financial information D. Avoiding transparency Answer: B. Taking ownership of actions and decisions
- Which of the following is a crucial aspect of an accountant maintaining ethics in accounting information? A. Embezzlement B. Honesty C. Insider trading D. Tax evasion Answer: B. Honesty
- In financial accounting, what is the primary purpose of an accountant following ethical guidelines? A. To maximize personal profits B. To deceive stakeholders C. To protect public interest and trust D. To ignore legal requirements Answer: C. To protect public interest and trust
Recommended Books
|
Financial Accounting
Subtitle
Principles and Applications
Publisher
Pearson Education
Year
2020
ISBN
978-0135183980
|
|---|---|
|
|
Accounting Made Simple
Subtitle
A Beginner's Guide to Financial Accounting
Publisher
Harper Business
Year
2018
ISBN
978-0062414855
|
Past Questions
Wondering what past questions for this topic looks like? Here are a number of questions about Ethics In Accounting from previous years
Question 1 Report
It is the tradition of the club to write off an amount equal to 25% of the subscriptions received as other expenses.
Determine the club's excess of income over expenditure
Question 1 Report
a. The authorized and issued share capital of Ozideli Limited comprised 400,000 ordinary shares of Le 1 each and 100,000 8% preference shares of Le 1 each. The trial balance at the end of the year was as follows:
Trial Balance as at 31st December 2018
| Dr | Cr | |
| Le | Le | |
| Sales | 1,500,000 | |
| Purchases | 1,000,000 | |
| General expenses | 280,000 | |
| Debenture interest | 8,400 | |
| 7% Debentures | 120,000 | |
| Ordinary share capital | 400,000 | |
| 8% Peference share capital | 100,000 | |
| Plant and machinery at cost | 160,000 | |
| Motor vehicle at cost | 70,000 | |
| Profit and loss account (31/12/17) | 8,600 | |
| Creditors | 172,400 | |
| Debtors | 500,000 | |
| General reserve | 10,000 | |
| Provision for depreciation: | ||
| Plant and Machinery; | 20,000 | |
| Motor vehicle | 10,000 | |
| Bank | 22,600 | |
| Stock (31/12/17) | 300,000 | |
| 2,341,000 | 2,341,000 |
Additional information:
(i) Stock on hand at 31/12/2018 was Le 400,000;
(ii) The directors were to receive remuneration of Le 70,000;
(iii) Depreciation is to be calculated on plant and machinery at Le 32,000 and motor vehicle at Le 14,000;
(iv) The directors decided to transfer Le 12,000 to general reserve;
(v) Preference dividend for 2018 will be paid on 10/01/2019.
You are required to prepare:
Trading, Profit and Loss and Appropriation Account for the year ended 31st December 2018;
b. The authorized and issued share capital of Ozideli Limited comprised 400,000 ordinary shares of Le 1 each and 100,000 8% preference shares of Le 1 each. The trial balance at the end of the year was as follows:
Trial Balance as at 31st December 2018
| Dr | Cr | |
| Le | Le | |
| Sales | 1,500,000 | |
| Purchases | 1,000,000 | |
| General expenses | 280,000 | |
| Debenture interest | 8,400 | |
| 7% Debentures | 120,000 | |
| Ordinary share capital | 400,000 | |
| 8% Peference share capital | 100,000 | |
| Plant and machinery at cost | 160,000 | |
| Motor vehicle at cost | 70,000 | |
| Profit and loss account (31/12/17) | 8,600 | |
| Creditors | 172,400 | |
| Debtors | 500,000 | |
| General reserve | 10,000 | |
| Provision for depreciation: | ||
| Plant and Machinery; | 20,000 | |
| Motor vehicle | 10,000 | |
| Bank | 22,600 | |
| Stock (31/12/17) | 300,000 | |
| 2,341,000 | 2,341,000 |
Additional information:
(i) Stock on hand at 31/12/2018 was Le 400,000;
(ii) The directors were to receive remuneration of Le 70,000;
(iii) Depreciation is to be calculated on plant and machinery at Le 32,000 and motor vehicle at Le 14,000;
(iv) The directors decided to transfer Le 12,000 to general reserve;
(v) Preference dividend for 2018 will be paid on 10/01/2019.
You are required to prepare:
Balance sheet as at that date