Promoting high ethical standards in the profession

As the first state society established in the United States, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (“NYSSCPA” or “Society”) continues to play a leading role in the development and promotion of high ethical standards within the profession. The Society’s bylaws state that the membership shall be bound by the Society’s Code; however, it is advisable for Society members who are also members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“AICPA”) to apprise themselves of the applicable laws and related regulations of governmental agencies that regulate certified public accountants in the United States.

One of the cornerstones of the profession of public accountancy is the high ethical standards of its members. Such standards are set forth in the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct (the “Code”). While high ethical standards are essential in achieving public trust and confidence, such trust can be maintained only if the public is confident that the profession can regulate itself and discipline those members who violate or ignore the Code.

The AICPA adopted a revised Code that became effective December 15, 2014. The Conceptual Framework for Members in Business and the Conceptual Framework for Members in Public Practice became effective December 15, 2015. For updates to the Code, see the Table of Contents, Appendix C - Revision History Table.