Overview 

AI is transforming the way accountants work, offering powerful tools for analysis, reporting, and decision-making, but with these benefits come significant ethical responsibilities. Accountants must ensure that integrity, confidentiality, professional judgment, and public trust remain central in an environment where automation and machine learning increasingly influence outcomes. The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Code of Ethics provides a vital framework for navigating these challenges, helping professionals balance innovation with accountability. 

Join Caryn Maitland CA(SA) on 28 October 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 as she unpacks how accountants can apply ethical principles when integrating AI tools into practice, preserving the profession’s credibility while embracing technological change. 

Learning objectives 

Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:  

• Learn how to apply the IFAC Code’s Fundamental Principles (integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality, and professional behavior) when working with AI. 

• Understand the limits of professional competence when delegating or relying on AI-driven outputs. 

• Explore ethical issues including bias, privacy risks, data security, and accountability when using AI platforms. 

• Develop practical guidelines for using AI responsibly in audits, tax work, financial reporting, and advisory services. 

• Reflect on how accountants can preserve human judgment and ethical responsibility in a machine-assisted profession 

Content 

The webinar will cover the following topics:   

• Introduction to AI in Accounting 

  • Current applications: drafting, data analysis, risk assessment, advisory support 

  • Benefits vs risks: efficiency, accuracy, accountability 

• Ethical Framework: The IFAC Code 

  • Integrity: ensuring truth and fairness in AI-assisted work 

  • Objectivity: guarding against bias and undue influence from automated outputs 

  • Professional competence & due care: understanding limits of AI reliance 

  • Confidentiality: protecting client and firm data when using third-party tools 

  • Professional behavior: reputation, credibility, and compliance with laws 

• Key Ethical Questions 

  • Who is accountable for AI-generated errors? 

  • Can client-sensitive data be shared with third-party AI platforms? 

  • How do we ensure AI does not compromise independence or objectivity? 

  • Attribution: when and how should reliance on AI be disclosed? 

• Practical Scenarios & Case Studies 

  • AI use in audits: risk flagging, substantive testing, and fraud detection 

  • AI in tax: drafting opinions, preparing returns, and compliance risks 

  • AI in advisory: modelling, valuations, and decision-making support 

  • Real-world dilemmas: data leaks, bias, over-reliance on automation 

• Developing Ethical AI Guidelines 

  • Establishing firm-level policies 

  • Educating staff and clients on AI limitations 

  • Monitoring and review of AI-generated work 

  • Balancing innovation with ethical responsibility 

Obtaining your CPD certificate 

This training is compliant with the International Education Standard (IES7) issued by the International Federation of Accountants and recognised for CPD by relevant professional bodies including ACCA, CIMA, IAC, IIA, SAICA and SAIPA. 

All attendees are issued with a CPD certificate available in an online profile.   

About the presenter 

Caryn Maitland CA(SA)  

Caryn Maitland is a Chartered Accountant (SA). She has been a member of IRBA as a registered auditor and accountant since 2002 and is also a registered member of SAICA.  

Caryn has lectured Auditing and Accounting at various institutions and has conducted independent workshops and seminars for professional accountants since 2006 on various topics. She has presented on the national tour for the annual Legislation Update with ProBeta Training (Pty) Ltd in 2014 and 2015, as well as on the FASSET national tour for the Tax Administration Act in 2014.  Caryn is also involved with the annual SAICA SMP Technical tour. 

Who should attend? 

The following persons will benefit from attending this webinar: 

• Practising accountants including: CA(SA), Professional Accountant (SA), AGA(SA), FCCA, BAP(SA), BA(SA) and ACCA. 

• Registered auditors. 

• Independent reviewers. 

• Trainee accountants. 

Price 

• R 265.00 - Online admission - Individual.  

• Group Price 1 - From R184 per person (up to 5 users)  

• Group Price 2 - From R121 per person (up to 10 users)  

• Group Price 3 - From R109 per person (over 11 users)  

Steps to register for the event:  

If you already have a profile, login and register for the webinar. 

If you don’t have a profile, create a free profile then login and register for the webinar. 

Click here to create a free profile (There is no charge to create a profile and gain access to our free Monthly Practice Management Series). 

Click here to find out about the Technical Resource Centre & CPD Subscription options. 

Additional material 

By attending this webinar you will be provided with: 

• A summarised slide presentation. 

• Reference documents and/or course material where available. 

• You can ask questions during the webinar and you will also have access to the presenter after the webinar

Corporate training solutions 

At SA Accounting Academy, we recognise the evolving needs of businesses in today's dynamic environment. Beyond our standard webinar offerings, we provide tailored corporate training solutions designed to empower your team with the latest in accounting and professional skills. Whether you're looking for online sessions or face-to-face training, our programs are crafted to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience.  

Drawing inspiration from modern training methodologies, our corporate solutions are interactive, adaptable, and focused on real-world applications. We prioritise hands-on learning, ensuring your team can immediately apply their newfound knowledge in practical scenarios.  

Interested in a bespoke corporate training experience? Reach out to us at [email protected] or call 010 593 0466. Together, let's design a training program that elevates your team's capabilities and aligns with your organisational goals.  

Contact us   

Have any questions or need any assistance? Contact us today!   

• Online chat through our website.   

• WhatsApp: Start chatting (+27635026114)   

• Phone: 010 593 0466   

• E-mail: [email protected]