Reading: What is Ethics?
End of the Module
You have completed the Professional Ethics module. The purpose of this module was not only to explain rules, but to strengthen the professional character expected from every learner.
What you have learnt
In this module, you have been introduced to the main ethical responsibilities of accountants and accounting technicians. You have also seen how ethical conduct protects financial information, organisations, clients, employers, and the public.
Meaning of ethics
Ethics helps accountants decide what is right, fair, honest, and responsible in professional situations.
Fundamental principles
You have learnt about integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality, and professional behaviour.
Threats to ethical conduct
You have learnt how self-interest, self-review, advocacy, familiarity, and intimidation threats may affect judgement.
Safeguards
You have learnt how consultation, review, documentation, disclosure, rotation, and proper controls can reduce ethical threats.
Independence
You have learnt that independence must exist in mind and in appearance, especially in audit and assurance work.
Record retention
You have learnt that records should be complete, secure, accessible, and retained for the required period.
Your responsibility after this module
Ethics is not only for examinations. It should guide how you handle records, money, information, reports, clients, employers, colleagues, and the public.
- Do not record figures that are not supported by evidence.
- Do not sign documents that you have not checked.
- Do not disclose confidential information without proper authority.
- Do not accept gifts, pressure, or relationships that affect judgement.
- Do not hide errors, fraud, weak controls, or misleading information.
- Ask for guidance when you are unsure.
- Keep proper records and protect them from loss, misuse, or alteration.
ICPAS is your institute
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Somaliland exists to support and strengthen the accounting profession in Somaliland. As a learner, member, or future member, you are part of a profession that depends on trust.
Being associated with ICPAS is not only a title. It is a responsibility to protect the name of the profession and to serve society with competence and integrity.
Professional commitment
As you complete this module, carry the following commitments into your studies and work:
- I will act honestly and avoid misleading records or reports.
- I will protect confidential information entrusted to me.
- I will perform my work carefully and ask for guidance when needed.
- I will avoid conflicts of interest and disclose them when they arise.
- I will respect the profession and the public interest.
- I will remember that ethical conduct is part of my responsibility before Allah and before the profession.
End of the Module
You have completed the Professional Ethics module. The purpose of this module was not only to explain rules, but to strengthen the professional character expected from every learner.
What you have learnt
In this module, you have been introduced to the main ethical responsibilities of accountants and accounting technicians. You have also seen how ethical conduct protects financial information, organisations, clients, employers, and the public.
Meaning of ethics
Ethics helps accountants decide what is right, fair, honest, and responsible in professional situations.
Fundamental principles
You have learnt about integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality, and professional behaviour.
Threats to ethical conduct
You have learnt how self-interest, self-review, advocacy, familiarity, and intimidation threats may affect judgement.
Safeguards
You have learnt how consultation, review, documentation, disclosure, rotation, and proper controls can reduce ethical threats.
Independence
You have learnt that independence must exist in mind and in appearance, especially in audit and assurance work.
Record retention
You have learnt that records should be complete, secure, accessible, and retained for the required period.
Your responsibility after this module
Ethics is not only for examinations. It should guide how you handle records, money, information, reports, clients, employers, colleagues, and the public.
- Do not record figures that are not supported by evidence.
- Do not sign documents that you have not checked.
- Do not disclose confidential information without proper authority.
- Do not accept gifts, pressure, or relationships that affect judgement.
- Do not hide errors, fraud, weak controls, or misleading information.
- Ask for guidance when you are unsure.
- Keep proper records and protect them from loss, misuse, or alteration.
ICPAS is your institute
The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Somaliland exists to support and strengthen the accounting profession in Somaliland. As a learner, member, or future member, you are part of a profession that depends on trust.
Being associated with ICPAS is not only a title. It is a responsibility to protect the name of the profession and to serve society with competence and integrity.
Professional commitment
As you complete this module, carry the following commitments into your studies and work:
- I will act honestly and avoid misleading records or reports.
- I will protect confidential information entrusted to me.
- I will perform my work carefully and ask for guidance when needed.
- I will avoid conflicts of interest and disclose them when they arise.
- I will respect the profession and the public interest.
- I will remember that ethical conduct is part of my responsibility before Allah and before the profession.
Definition of Ethics
Ethics helps professional accountants decide what is right, fair, and responsible, especially when laws or rules alone do not provide a complete answer.
What is ethics?
Ethics influences decisions in situations where laws, rules, or written procedures are insufficient. In accounting, ethics helps professionals apply judgement, act in the public interest, and protect trust in financial information.
Examples of ethical behaviour
Law vs Ethics
Law and ethics are related, but they are not the same. Something may be legal but still unethical. Professional accountants are expected to comply with the law and also uphold ethical principles.
| Law | Ethics |
|---|---|
| Rules established by governments. | Moral principles guiding behaviour. |
| Mandatory and enforceable by legal authorities. | Voluntary in nature, but expected from professionals. |
| Violation may lead to legal penalties, fines, or imprisonment. | Violation may lead to professional consequences, loss of trust, disciplinary action, or reputational damage. |
Definition of Ethics
Ethics helps professional accountants decide what is right, fair, and responsible, especially when laws or rules alone do not provide a complete answer.
What is ethics?
Ethics influences decisions in situations where laws, rules, or written procedures are insufficient. In accounting, ethics helps professionals apply judgement, act in the public interest, and protect trust in financial information.
Examples of ethical behaviour
Law vs Ethics
Law and ethics are related, but they are not the same. Something may be legal but still unethical. Professional accountants are expected to comply with the law and also uphold ethical principles.
| Law | Ethics |
|---|---|
| Rules established by governments. | Moral principles guiding behaviour. |
| Mandatory and enforceable by legal authorities. | Voluntary in nature, but expected from professionals. |
| Violation may lead to legal penalties, fines, or imprisonment. | Violation may lead to professional consequences, loss of trust, disciplinary action, or reputational damage. |