The ethical resources include the following:
(1) The report Managing
responsible business – a global survey on business ethics explores the
importance placed on business ethics, ethical performance and ethical
management within organizations, and the specific role played and challenges
faced by accounting professionals. The survey findings show that there are
pressure points and ethical gaps within organizations and highlights the role
accountants can take in reducing those gaps.
(2) Accountants add value by supporting and driving the right
decisions in all areas of a business. They help colleagues understand income,
costs, risks and opportunities. Focusing on an organization’s future prospects,
in addition to understanding and learning from past performance, accountants
know how the different parts of a business come together. Responding
to ethical dilemmas: CGMA ethics resources provides links to resources to
help accounting professionals navigate ethical dilemmas and respond in a manner
that upholds their career success.
(3) The CGMA
case study: Navigating ethical issues highlights issues related to
non-disclosure at the corporate level that come to the attention of
non-executive financial managers and controllers. This case study features the
role of corporate controller for a large public company, making decisions that
will affect the future of the controller and many others. The facts of this
hypothetical case cover integrity and objectivity, confidentiality, internal
accounting controls, and procedures for investigating and reporting
irregularities.
(4) The Ethical
reflection checklist was designed to provide organizations and individuals
with an overview of how well ethical practices are embedded in the business.
Firms can leverage this checklist with their clients to open the discussion on
business ethics in the workplace. Questions cover areas such as ethical
statements and codes of conduct, training, collection of ethical data and
reporting of ethical issues, and support when faced with ethical dilemmas.
With the backing of a strong ethical culture, all
accountants can be highly effective in playing a key role—drawing on both their
training and understanding of professional ethics, as well as their skills in
obtaining, analyzing and acting upon management information—to guide their
organizations, or those of their clients, to long-term sustainability. Explore
these and the many other resources available on cgma.org.
Also, read the article “Fostering
a More Ethical Business Culture” at AICPA Insights online.
