AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics SAICA CPC (code of professional conduct) has 3 parts: PART A: General applications of code PART B: CA in PUBLIC practice PART C: CA in BUSINESS CPC PART A: GENERAL APPLICATION OF THE CODE Fundamental Principles: Threats: COPPI 1. Confidentiality 1. Self-interest threats 2. Objectivity 2. Self-review threats 3. Professional Competence & Due Care 3. Advocacy threats 4. Professional behaviour 4. Familiarity threats 5. Integrity 5. Intimidation threats S I A S FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES Implies that auditor always have to act in straightforward, honest manner and may not be associated with: 1. INTEGRITY 2. OBJECTIVITY False information Misleading reports Cover up information Or be part of committing or obscuring of information causing it to be misleading CA must always remain objective IN EVERY SITUATION Never compromise professional judgement because of bias, conflict of interest or any kind of influence of others Maintain professional knowledge and skill: Attainment of professional competence Maintenance of professional competence (Continuous Professional Development – attend workshops, seminars conferences etc.) 3. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE & DUE CA needs to ensure that he and those under his supervision are continuously up to date to ensure clients receive best service possible CARE If not up to date – CA may not accept engagement CA not competent to perform required service, CA may not continue to perform service UNLESS: There is someone available who is competent that can provide assistance to ensure appropriate level of insurance is obtained 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 1 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics 4. PROFESSIONAL CA should always act in manner that his actions will not discredit profession BEHAVIOUR Thus acting in manner that reliable, informed 3rd party who has knowledge of all facts will reach same conclusion Professional behaviour situations: Publicity, CAs must be honest & truthful – therefore do not: advertising & solicitation Make exaggerated claims for services they are able to offer, qualifications they possess, or experience they have gained Make disparaging references or unsubstantiated comparisons to work of others When preparing & authorising material that will be used in advertising, publicity, cold calling & direct mailing – remember responsibility to profession & public Content has to be OBJECTIVE & in GOOD TASTE Advertisements may refer to basis on which fees for services are calculated – may not state hourly or other charging rates Multiple firms CA may be member at more than 1 firm CA may practise under different firm names – clearly state is – not misleading Clear distinction should be made between member who are qualified as CA and those who aren’t to ensure AP Act is not contravened. Signing CA may not delegate responsibility of signing audit report, review report, other convention for certificates to any person who is NOT audit partner, or fellow director. reports/ Certain circumstances allowed: certificates Emergencies of sufficient gravity arise, and Full circumstances that gave rise to delegation is reported to client & regulatory board Audit, review, assurance report should reflect following: Recruiting Individual accountant’s full name Capacity in which report is signed (e.g. Director/Partner) Designation needs to be provided underneath (CA) Name of CA’s firm Employment MAY NOT be offered directly to potential employee will still working at another CA firm WITHOUT informing employer first CA is allowed to respond to advertisement out of his own free will, provided he has INFORMED CURRENT employer of intentions 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 2 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics Responsibilities to CA shall always conduct himself in manner which promotes co-operation & good colleagues relationships between members. Also extend same courtesy to non-members: Promote co-operation and good relations between CAs Assist fellow CAs in complying with this Code Co-operate with appropriate disciplinary authorities in applying code Not seek to displace another CA in client relationship by negative means Not act in any way that reflects negatively on fellow CA’s Extend same professional considerations to non-member where professional relationship; same procedures for change in appointment 5. CONFIDENTIALITY CAs should refrain from: Disclosing confidential information acquired as result of professional/business relationships without proper authority Use confidential information acquired to his or 3rd party’s advantage Signing of confidentiality agreements = NB (applies to CA and those under his supervision) Confidentiality = NB, even after engagement is completed May disclose information in following circumstances: 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Required by law (e.g. court case) Permitted by law & authorised by client / employer Professional duty / right to disclosure & not prohibited by law: o Quality review conducted on company o Protect interest of CA when he is engaged in public proceedings o Compliance with technical standards & requirements of CPC Page 3 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics THREATS 1. SELF-INTEREST THREATS 2. SELF-REVIEW THREATS CA or close family have direct financial or other interest in client e.g. significant shareholding in company being audited e.g. 40% shares CA has to review previous judgement or services rendered previously by himself or by another CA at the same firm. CA promotes opinion / position to point that subsequent objectivity may be compromised 3. ADVOCACY THREATS e.g. CA recommends a financial manager and then later has to audit the work of the person she recommended Close relationship, CA becomes too sympathetic to a situation 4. FAMILIARITY THREATS E.g. John needs to audit a firm. His wife is also a CA but was appointed at firm John as to audit as a financial manager. Threat since John’s audit client is also source of their second income & employer of his wife. He will not want to do anything to jeopardise his wife’s job. 5. INTIMIDATION THREATS CA may be deterred from acting objectively by threats, actual or perceived E.g. You stumble upon an irregularity during audit – question the relevant person and that person threatens you e.g. you will not make partner if you report the irregularity DEALING WITH AN ETHICAL ISSUE ‘FRAMEWORK’: Step 1: Identify the issue Step 2: Identify the threats Step 3: Identify the fundamental principles Step 4: Consider the significance Step 5: Implement safeguards Step 6: If safeguards does not reduce risk to an acceptable level – take action 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 4 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics PART B: CAs IN PUBLIC PRACTICE Professional Appointment Custody of Client assets Conflict of Interest Second Opinions CAs in Public Practice NEW: Responding to noncompliance with Laws & Regulations Gifts & Hospitality Lowballing Marketing Fees & other types of remuneration Referral Fees 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Contingency Fees Page 5 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics EXAMPLES OF THREATS IN PUBLIC PRACTICE (READ – NOT STUDY!) Direct financial interest Material indirect interest Dependence on total fees (Enron) 1. SELF-INTEREST Close business relationship THREATS Concern over losing client (Enron) Potential employment by client Contingent fees for assurance engagement Loan/guarantee to/from client or directors/ officers of client Having prepared the original data used to generate records for the subject matter of the engagement. Being involved with financial systems design and implementation and then reporting on operation Member of team previously director/employed by client in a position to exert a direct and significant influence 2. SELF-REVIEW THREATS over the subject matter. Performing service that directly affects subject matter of assurance engagement Discovering of a significant error during re-evaluation of work done 3. ADVOCACY Promote shares/securities – then that client becomes assurance client THREATS Acting for client in litigation/resolving dispute with 3rd party Member of team – close family with director of client Member of team – close family with employee with influence on subject matter of engagement Former partner of firm being director/employee with influence over subject matter of the audit Long association of senior team member with client Acceptance of significant gifts/ hospitality Threat of replacement/ dismissal Threat of litigation Threat to reduce extent of work to reduce fees 4. FAMILIARITY THREATS 5. INTIMIDATION THREATS 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 6 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics Professional Appointment: Before accepting client, specific engagement or replacing another CA – CA in public practice should determine if there are any circumstances that may create threats to compliance with fundamental principles. Threats should be evaluated Safeguards should be applied Client Acceptance Threats Safeguards Threats to: Professional Behaviour & Integrity managers and those responsible for governance and bus Client involvement in illegal activity activities Dishonesty Questionable financial reporting practice Engagement Acceptance Self-interest Threats: 1. Changes in professional Appointment 3. Obtain understanding of nature of client’s business, CA should only agree to provide those complexity of operations, purpose, specific nature and services he is competent to perform scope of work Determine if there’s any reason, engagement 2. Securing client commitment to improve corporate governance practices or internal controls Acquiring knowledge of industry/subject matters Assigning sufficient competent staff Using experts Agreeing on realistic time frames Complying with quality control policies and procedures Discuss the client’s affairs fully and freely with the existing professional or other, not to accept accountant Ask the existing accountant, preferably in writing, to provide Communication with existing accountant information on any professional reasons which should be depends on: known before accepting the appointment within a o Client’s permission reasonable time o Legal or ethical requirements Request permission (in writing) to If communication with existing accountant is not possible, obtain communicate with the existing info about any possible threats by other means: accountant. (NB! Existing accountant Inquiries of 3rd parties should not volunteer info without Background investigations on senior management or those permission) 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Obtain knowledge and understanding of the client, owners, charged with governance Page 7 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics Conflict of interest: CA in public practice may be faced with conflict of interest when performing professional service. Threats are mainly to objectivity but other fundamental principles do also apply. Threats Safeguards Threats to: Objectivity If threats are INSIGNIFICANT: competes directly with client; or has material business relationship notify client of firm’s business interest or activities = conflict, and obtain consent to act with direct competitor of client notify all known relevant parties that you act for 2 or more Conflict of interest parties in conflict, and obtain consent Threats to: Objectivity & Confidentiality notify client that you do not act exclusively for any one client in provision of services, and obtain consent performs services for clients whose interest are in conflict; or clients are in dispute with one If threats are SIGNIFICANT: another use separate engagement teams procedures to prevent access to information guidelines to teams w.r.t issues of security and confidentiality confidentiality agreements regular review of application of safeguards by senior management Second Opinions: 2nd Opinions CA is asked to express a second opinion. Threats Safeguards Threats to: Compliance with Fundamental seeking client permission to contact existing accountant Principles describe limitations surrounding any opinion in provision of second opinion on application of accounting, auditing, communications with client, and providing existing accountant with copy of opinion reporting or other standard or principles to specific transactions or circumstances by or on behalf of company or entity not an existing client 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 8 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics *(NB!!!!!!) Lowballing Fees & Other types of remuneration: Definition Threats Safeguards Charging lower tariff Self-interest threat to professional than previously competence engagement, i.e. basis on which fees are charged or charged by charged and services covered fee that is quoted is so low that another accountant it may be difficult to perform But still comply with engagement in accordance technical standards with applicable technical making client aware of terms of assigning appropriate time and qualified staff Generally used for certain Self-interest threat to objectivity types of non-assurance the nature of the engagement engagement the range of possible fee an advance written agreement with the client w.r.t basis of remuneration amounts *(NB!!!!!!) Contingency Fees standards disclosure to intended users of work performed and basis of remuneration the basis for determining the quality control policies and procedures fee review by an objective 3rd party of work performed whether outcome or result will be reviewed by an Commission/ referral fees independent 3rd party Examples: Self-interest threat to objectivity pay referral fee to and professional competence and obtain client due care disclosing to the client any arrangements to pay a referral fee receive from 3rd party for work referred (e.g. disclosing to the client any arrangements to receive a referral fee obtaining in advance agreement from client software vendor) for commission arrangements in connection receive referral fee for with 3rd parties referring continuing client to another professional accountant 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 9 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics Marketing Professional Services: Threats Safeguards Self-interest threat to compliance with Consult Regulatory Board or SAICA for the appropriateness of professional behaviour if: proposed form of advertising Marketing Professional Services Services, achievements or products marketed in a way inconsistent with principles Should be honest and truthful and should not: o make exaggerated claims for services offers, qualifications possessed or experience gained, or o make disparaging references to unsubstantiated comparisons to the work of another Gifts & Hospitality Gifts & Hospitality: Threats Significance Depends on: Self-interest threat to objectivity if a gift from a client is accepted 1. Nature Intimidation threat to objectivity may 2. Value result from possibility of such offers being 3. Intent behind offer made public Offers made in normal course of business will not pose a significant threat, e.g. Audio CD from record company audited. 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 10 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics Custody of client assets: Should not assume custody of client monies or assets, unless: permitted by law in compliance with any additional legal duties imposed Custody of client assets Threats Safeguards Self-interest threat to professional separately from personal or firm assets behaviour use such assets only for the purpose for which they are intended Self-interest threat to objectivity at all times, be ready to account for those assets, any income, dividends or gains generated to entitled persons comply with all relevant laws and regulations When CA in course of providing professional services is entrusted with client monies or property, CA shall: Monies 1. Other property Keep monies in a separate bank account (separate 1. from CA’s own bank account 2. 3. Maintain records to ensure that property can be identified as being property of the client Appropriately designate such account (account in 2. Safeguard documents against unauthorized use in name of CA of client) cases where property is in form of documents of title Deposit client monies directly without delay to credit to money of such account Objectivity – all services Objectivity – All services 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Threats Safeguards When you are not independent in mind or withdrawing from the engagement team appearance or you have a direct relationship supervisory procedures with someone at management level, Terminating business/ financial relationship giving rise to consider the following safeguards threat Discuss issue with higher levels of management within firm Discuss issue with those charged with governance at client Page 11 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics Independence – Assurance Engagements Independence of mind Independence in appearance To provide opinion Avoid fact & circumstances Free of influences Which would make reasonable/informed third party Professional judgment with integrity, objectivity and believe scepticism Integrity, objectivity and professional scepticism had been compromised Responding to non-compliance with Laws & Regulations CAs must always act in public interest Objective of responding to non-compliance with L&R: o Compliance with fundamental principles: integrity & professional behaviour o Alerting management / TCWG to: o Enable them to rectify, remediate / mitigate consequences of non-compliance OR Prevent non-compliance where it has not yet occurred Take further action as appropriate in public interest Generally CA not required to comply with this section w.r.t. matters that are clearly inconsequential on client, stakeholders & general public This section excludes personal misconduct unrelated to business activities of client APPROACH: 1. Obtaining understanding of matter 2. Addressing matter 3. Determining wheter to disclose matter to appropriate authority 4. Documentation 1. Obtain understanding of matter: Obtain understanding of non-compliance / suspected non-compliance o Whether in course of performing engagement OR o Information provided by other parties CA not expected to have level of knowledge that is greater than what is required to undertake engagement Confidential consultation with others in firm, network firm / professional body permitted depending on nature & significance of matter CA should discuss matter with appropriate level of management 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 12 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics 2. Addressing matter: Advise management / TCWG to take appropriate action: o Rectify, remediate / mitigate consequences of non-compliance o Prevent non-compliance where it has not yet occurred o Disclose mater to appropriate authority where required to do so by law/considered in public interest Component auditor shall consider communicating actual/suspected non-compliance with Engagement partner unless prohibited by law/regulation to do so Determining whether further action is needed assess: o Appropriateness of response by management / TCWG Further actions: o Disclose matter to appropriate authority it not required to do so by law o Withdrawing from engagement CA shall on request of successor accountant provide all info regarding actual/suspected non-compliance 3. Disclose matter to appropriate authority: Precluded if doings would be contrary to law/regulation Deciding whether or not to disclose: o Consider actual/potential harm cause by matter to investors, creditors, EEs, general public Decision also influenced by: o Whether there is appropriate authority able to receive & deal with information o Whether robust & credible protection exist from civil, criminal / professional liability / retaliation o Whether there are threats to physical safety of any person 4. Documentation: Document: How management / TCWG have responded to matter Courses of action considered, judgements & decision made by CA How CA has fulfilled his responsibility in public interst 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 13 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics PART C: CAs IN BUSINESS Conflict of Interest NEW: Responding to non-compliance with Laws & regulations Preparing & Reporting of info CAs in Business Practice Inducements Sufficient expertise Financial Interest 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 14 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics EXAMPLES OF THREATS IN BUSINESS (READ - NOT STUDY!) Incentive compensation schemes Inappropriate personal use of corporate assets 1. SELF-INTEREST Concern over employment security THREATS Financial interests, loans or guarantees Commercial pressure from outside the employing organisation Decisions or data reviewed by same CA responsible for making decisions or preparing data In position to influence financial/ non-financial reporting or business decision and immediate/ close 2. SELF-REVIEW THREATS 3. FAMILIARITY THREATS family member in position to benefit from such Long association with business contacts – influence business decisions Acceptance of a gift unless value is clearly insignificant. Threats of dismissal/ replacement of self or immediate/close family member due to dispute over 4. INTIMIDATION THREATS 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) application of accounting principles or financial reporting Dominant personality trying to influence decision making Page 15 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics Threats Safeguards Financial interest Internal/external audit procedures Up-to-date education on ethical matters and legal restrictions Self or immediate/close family members regarding insider trading Policies and procedures for committee of independent manager – level of remuneration Disclose relevant interests, plans to trade shares to those charge with governance Inducement Actions to consider: When an inducement is offered Inform higher levels immediately inappropriately to influence professional Inform third parties of offer – Professional body/employer of judgement of third party. Not permitted, whether received by a CA Consultation with relevant bodies individual who made offer Advise immediate or close family members of relevant threats and or paid by a CA. safeguards where potentially in positions that might result in offers of Significance of threat – nature inducements POTENTIAL CONFLICTS Potential Conflicts Safeguards Financial interest Obtaining advice where appropriate from: Employer’s ethical objectives vs. compliance with o Within employing organisation fundamental principles o An independent professional advisor Exert pressure on employee to: o Relevant professional body o Act contrary to laws/regulation o Act contrary to technical or professional standards o Facilitate unethical or illegal earnings management Existence of formal dispute resolution process with organisation Seeking legal advice strategies o Lie to / intentionally mislead auditors or regulator o Issue false/misleading statements, i.e. tax, legal, afs 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 16 of 21 AUD300 Summary Preparation and reporting of information o Fairly, honestly and in accordance with relevant professional standards Acting with sufficient expertise o Module 12 – Professional Ethics Undertake significant tasks for which has, or can obtain sufficient specific training or experience Threats to prof competence& Due care o Insufficient time for properly performing or completing duties o Incomplete, restricted or otherwise inadequate info to perform duties o Insufficient experience, training/education o Inadequate resources for proper performance of duties Safeguards o Obtain additional advice/training o Ensure adequate time is available to perform duties o Obtain assistance from someone with relevant expertise Responding to non-compliance with Laws & Regulations CAs must always act in public interest CAs have responsibility to obtain understanding of legal / regulatory provisions & how non-compliance with L&R should be addressed, should it exist in a jurisdiction Objective of responding to non-compliance with L&R: o Compliance with fundamental principles: integrity & professional behaviour o Alerting management / TCWG to: o Enable them to rectify, remediate / mitigate consequences of non-compliance OR Prevent non-compliance where it has not yet occurred Take further action as appropriate in public interest Generally CA not required to comply with this section w.r.t. matters that are clearly inconsequential on client, stakeholders & general public This section excludes personal misconduct unrelated to business activities of employing organisation APPROACH: 1. Obtaining understanding of matter 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) 2. Addressing matter 3. Determining wheter to disclose matter to appropriate authority 4. Documentation Page 17 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics 1. Obtain understanding of matter: Obtain understanding of non-compliance / suspected non-compliance o In course of performing professional activities Confidential consultation with others in organisation / professional body permitted depending on nature & significance of matter 2. Addressing matter: Discuss with immediate supervisor (except if immediate supervisor is involved), then discuss with next higher level authority in organisation Should take appropriate steps to: o Communicate matter to TCWG o Comply with applicable L&R o Rectify, remediate / mitigate consequences of non-compliance o Prevent non-compliance where it has not yet occurred o Reduce risk of re-occurrence Determine whether disclosure to auditor is necessary to enable auditor to perform audit Determining whether further action is needed assess: o Appropriateness of response by management / TCWG Further actions: o Informing management of parent company o Disclose matter to appropriate authority (even if not required to do so by law) o Resignation 3. Disclose matter to appropriate authority: Precluded if doings would be contrary to law/regulation Deciding whether or not to disclose: o Consider actual/potential harm cause by matter to investors, creditors, EEs, general public Decision also influenced by: o Whether there is appropriate authority able to receive & deal with information o Whether robust & credible protection exist from civil, criminal / professional liability / retaliation o Whether there are threats to physical safety of any person 4. Documentation: Document: Matter Results from discussions with superiors, TCWG & other parties How above parties have responded to matter Courses of action considered, judgements & decision made How CA is satisfied that all his responsibilities have been fulfilled 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 18 of 21 AUD300 Summary AP ACT: Module 12 – Professional Ethics IMPROPER CONDUCT s45 Reportable Irregularity NB!! Definition: Any unlawful act or omission conducted by any person responsible for the management of the entity, which: Has caused or is likely to cause material financial loss to the entity, or to any partner, shareholder, creditor or investor OR Is fraudulent or amounts to theft OR Represents a material breach of any fiduciary duty owed by the person to anybody mentioned above Actions: Written report to IRBA (without delay) Within 3 days notify management of the entity (accompanied with copy of report) Not later than 30 days o Discuss report with management o Another report to IRBA No RI took place RI has been resolved RI still taking place IRBA to take necessary action (disclosure) Auditor can carry out any investigation to gather info from any source on the RI 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 19 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics Auditing Profession Act (CHAPTER 1 DYNAMIC AUDITING) – read only! Everything in this summary from this point forward SHOULD ONLY BE READ – do NOT study it!! AP ACT READ Registration of individuals as RAs (s37) Requirements Registration refused Applicant should apply to IRBA. IRBA must be happy i.t.o. the following: Previously removed from office of trust because of misconduct Completed training contract & passed exams Convicted of fraud, theft, forgery etc. Complied with prescribed competency requirements Unsound mind/unable to manage own affairs Applicant resident within Republic Disqualified from registration under sanction Applicant is a fit and proper person to practise the (punishment) imposed by APA profession Registration of firms as RAs (s38) Firms that can register: 1. Partnerships (all partners are individuals and RAs) 2. Sole proprietors (proprietor must be RA) 3. Companies (See requirements below) Requirements for companies to register as RAs: Incorporated & registered i.t.o Companies Act and have share capital Memorandum Of Association provides that all directors shall be liable jointly & severally together with company liable all debts Only RAs may be shareholders Every director must be a shareholder = RAs Shareholder dies/ceases to qualify -> estate/self may hold shares for 6 months Members may not appoint other persons than members to act as proxies at meetings Practice (s41) Only auditor registered with IRBA and paid fees is permitted Following ARE NOT prohibited: to: Perform Audit Engaging in public practice (PP) Present self as RA in PP Use designation “RA” 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Salaried person employed using title accountant/internal auditor Auditor-General permitted hire any staff that are unregistered to conduct audits Page 20 of 21 AUD300 Summary Module 12 – Professional Ethics Limitation of Liability (s46) Auditor will incur a liability i.t.o. opinion expressed or report issued if it is proved that the opinion/report issued mailiciously/negligent in his conduct. RA is liable if the 3rd party can prove opinion/report was relied upon and a financial loss was suffered: o If RA knew/reasonably knew that it would be relied upon by 3 rd party o If RA knew/reasonable expected to know that 3rd party will make decision based on this o If RA indicated to 3rd that opinion was correct although RA knew it wasn’t RA is liable if he does not report the reporting irregularity Inspections (Practice Reviews) (s47) IRBA may from time-to-time review the practice of RA but must review RA’s work at least every 3 years Confidentiality obligation of RA will have to be set aside and will have to present to the reviewer all the required info Investigation of charge of improper conduct by RAs (s48) IRBA may order inquiry into circumstances RA failed to perform duties etc. Impose a punishment deemed appropriate Examples: o Professional fees - RA will not be permitted to share/transfer any audit fees or share profits to anyone not registered with IRBA oOo 2025-02-21 (4:48 PM) Page 21 of 21