Library: Accounting Programs: Standards and Ethics

Standards

National
International

These organizations set accounting, auditing, and other standards and are excellent starting points when searching for accepted practices and procedures in accounting and auditing.

AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) The AICPA issues auditing and other standards for the profession, most particularly the Statements on Auditing Standards
FASAB (Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board) The FASB assists preparers and other practitioners in their understanding and ability to consistently apply new standards.
FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) The FASB sets authoritative standards for the US private sector. FASB Standards and Interpretations are now available online, and also in print.
GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) The GASB sets authoritative standards for US government accounting.
IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) IFRS Standards are set by the International Accounting Standards Board and are used primarily by publicly accountable companies—those listed on a stock exchange and by financial institutions, such as banks
IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) IMA publishes Statements on Management Accounting, many of which are available in print.
IRS (Internal Revenue Service) United States Internal Revenue Service tax code, regulations and official guidance
PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) PCAOB was created by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and establishes auditing and related attestation, quality control, ethics, and independence standards and rules to be used by registered public accounting firms.
SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) SEC administers and enforces the securities laws of the United States including issuing rules and releases regulating financial reporting of public companies. EDGAR documents available at this site.

CICA (Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants) CICA supports the setting of accounting, auditing and assurance standards for business, not-for-profit organizations and government. It issues guidance on control and governance, publishes professional literature, and represents the CA profession nationally and internationally.
FRC (Financial Reporting Council) The FRC comprises the Accounting Standards Board, Auditing Practices Board, and many other UK accounting bodies. The UK’s standards for corporate governance and its regulatory framework are respected around the world and often copied.
IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) IFRS standards are currently required in more than 140 jurisdictions and permitted in many more.
IFAC (International Federation of Accountants) IFAC also issues international standards for Auditing and Assurance, Accounting Education, Ethics standards for accountants, and Public Sector accounting.

Ethics

"These Principles of the Code of Professional Conduct of the American Institute of Certified Public Accounts express the profession's recognition of its responsibilities to the public, to clients, and to colleagues. They guide members in the performance of the professional responsibilities and express the basic tenets of ethical and professional conduct. The Principles call for an unswerving commitment to honorable behavior, even at the sacrifice of personal advantage." [Section 0.300.010: Preamble .02 (2017)]

AICPA (Association of International Certified Professional Accountants: Code of Professional Conduct) Online access with updates.
American Accounting Association - Public Interest Sponsors the Annual Ethics Research Symposium.and publishes the journal Accounting and the Public Interest through their Public Interest Section.
Corporate Finance Institute: Accounting Ethics Code of professional conduct at the CFI. "The code of professional conduct, however, is a specific set of rules set by the governing bodies of chartered accountants."
PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) "A non-profit established by Congress to protect investors and the public interest by promoting informative, accurate, and independent audit reports."

Email: scref@south.edu

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