Professional behavior for an accountant centers on adhering to the AICPA or IESBA codes, which require integrity, objectivity, competence, confidentiality, and professional conduct. They must be honest, avoid conflicts of interest, comply with laws, maintain confidentiality, and avoid actions that discredit the profession.
“The concept of professional behaviour implies that it is appropriate for professional accountants to conduct themselves with courtesy and consideration towards all with whom they come into contact when performing their work.”
You must comply with the fundamental principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence, due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour in all your dealings.
What is professional behaviour?
All ICAEW Chartered Accountants are bound by ICAEW's Code of Ethics, which is based on five fundamental principles: integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentially and professional behaviour.
These accountant qualities and traits can help you thrive while earning your bachelor's degree in accounting and when you're on the job after graduation.
The revised Code establishes a conceptual framework for all professional accountants to ensure compliance with the five fundamental principles of ethics:
Think of them as the five pillars of professional behavior: Respect, Discipline, Accountability, Communication, and Consistency.
Professional behavior in the workplace is a combination of attitude, appearance and manners. It includes the way you speak, look, act and make decisions. The main principles of professional work behavior include: Treating your managers, colleagues and clients with respect. Projecting a positive attitude.
The 5 P's of professional growth and career development offer the ideal framework to guide this process: Purpose, Personal Brand, People, Performance, and Plan. Let's explore each element and how it can contribute to your professional growth.
They include confidentiality, integrity, and professional competence. Confidentiality mandates that all accountants should not disclose financial information to third parties. Integrity expects accountants to be honest in their financial dealings.
Proven ability to perform core accounting functions including financial transactions, general ledger tasks, monthly closings and financial statements. Resourceful in troubleshooting problems and implementing solutions with excellent communication and organizational skills.
Essential elements of professional behavior include knowledge and skills about the field, communication and relationship skills, work ethic, moral and ethical behavior, accountability, intention, and passion.
Examples of ethical behaviors in the workplace includes; obeying the company's rules, effective communication, taking responsibility, accountability, professionalism, trust and mutual respect for your colleagues at work.
Professionalism is a cornerstone of the ACCA Qualification and develops progressively as you advance through the ACCA levels. It is more than technical expertise – it encompasses attributes such as reliability, honesty, self-control, flexibility, respect, and maintaining a professional image.
Punctuality/attendance and appearance are professional behaviors, while strong communication skills and interpersonal skills are skills and knowledge. Thus, the characteristics of professionalism employers noted were a blend of professional behaviors and skills and knowledge.
Professionals are dependable and keep their commitments. They do what they say they will do and don't overpromise. Professionals respond to colleagues and customers promptly and follow through on their commitments in a timely manner. Punctuality is a key aspect of this professional characteristic.
The noun professionalism is usually used to describe the type of behavior you would expect from a professional person. For example, showing up to work on time, and focusing on the task at hand. And not fighting with your coworkers (unless you're a professional wrestler).
Some professional organizations may define their ethical approach in terms of a number of discrete components. Typically these include honesty, trustworthiness, transparency, accountability, confidentiality, objectivity, respect, obedience to the law, and loyalty.
Five fundamental principles of ethics inform the CPA and Student Codes:
As explained by the AICPA, the AICPA Code of Conduct requires members to “act with integrity, objectivity, due care, competence, fully disclose any conflicts of interest (and obtain client consent if a conflict exists), maintain client confidentiality, disclose to the client any commission or referral fees, and serve ...