Webinars On-Demand

Professional Ethics

This webinar on demand is part of a series of webinars. Click here to read more

Overview 

This webinar highlights the importance of understanding and applying the principles and framework of the IFAC Code of Ethics to uphold professional integrity, objectivity, and trust in the accounting profession. As the accounting profession continues to face complex ethical challenges, it is critical for professionals to navigate these situations with clarity, consistency, and confidence. The IFAC Code, developed by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), provides a globally recognised ethical framework that guides professional accountants in maintaining the highest standards of conduct. This session will explore key areas of the Code, including the five fundamental principles, the conceptual framework approach, and the role of professional accountants in serving the public interest. It will also offer practical insights on applying the Code in real-world scenarios, including how to address threats to ethical compliance and respond to non-compliance with laws and regulations. 

Join Caryn Maitland CA(SA) as she unpacks the IFAC Code of Ethics and equips you with the tools to confidently address ethical dilemmas, strengthen your professional judgement, and uphold the core values that sustain trust in the accounting profession. 

Learning objectives 

Attending this webinar will equip you with the following skills:  

• Obtain a clear understanding of the five fundamental principles of the IFAC Code of Ethics. 

• Learn to identify ethical threats and apply appropriate safeguards. 

• Gain insight into the conceptual framework and its application in real-world situations. 

• Understand professional accountants’ responsibilities to clients, employers, regulators, and the public. 

• Attain the ability to make ethically sound decisions under pressure or in complex circumstances. 

Content

The webinar will cover the following topics:   

• The IFAC Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code) 

  •  Overview of the IESBA Code and its global relevance 

  • Structure of the Code: Part 1 (General), Part 2 (PAs in Business), Part 3 (PAs in Public Practice) 

• The Five Fundamental Principles 

  • Integrity 

  • Objectivity 

  • Professional competence and due care 

  • Confidentiality 

  • Professional behaviour 

• The Conceptual Framework Approach 

  • Identifying threats to compliance with the fundamental principles 

  • Types of threats: Self-interest, self-review, advocacy, familiarity, intimidation 

  • Applying safeguards to eliminate or reduce threats to an acceptable level 

  • Documentation and professional judgement 

• Application in Practice 

  • Ethical decision-making under pressure 

  • Conflicts of interest in business and practice 

  • Responding to non-compliance with laws and regulations (NOCLAR) 

  • Handling internal or external ethical breaches 

• The Role of the Professional Accountant in Public Interest 

  • Accountability to the public and stakeholder trust 

  • Balancing professional duties and commercial pressures 

  • Working with audit committees, boards, and regulators 

  • Ethics in advisory, tax, audit, and financial reporting roles