In this in-depth exploration of ethics within the accounting profession, participants will engage with rich dialogue and real-world scenarios presented during an Ethics Roundtable event hosted by CPA Alberta. The course is designed to provide a holistic view of the ethical challenges and considerations that Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) face, fostering a collaborative environment for discussion and learning.

The course begins with an insightful introduction to the event, led by Brad Webb from Copoint, who details the services and success of Copoint in tax credit submissions. Participants will get to know the esteemed panel of accounting professionals including Randy Nichols, Larry Brownoff, Erica Kubik, and possibly Terry Harder, as their backgrounds and contributions to the accounting field are highlighted.

Randy Nichols kick-starts the roundtable with a presentation on the vital role of ethical considerations in accounting. He draws attention to the CPA code of conduct, providing participants with guidance on how to navigate ethical dilemmas and highlighting the imperative of making ethical decisions to uphold trust in the profession.

The course then delves into a series of scenarios and discussions led by the panel. Topics range from handling situations of previous negligent work by other CPAs, the duty to report breaches of rules, verifying facts, and the importance of maintaining the reputation of the accounting profession. Participants will be encouraged to actively engage, share experiences, and voice opinions, creating a dynamic learning experience.

Building upon these discussions, the course addresses specific themes such as the balance between building a reputation and making sound ethical decisions, client communication challenges, legal fee considerations, reporting breaches from other provinces, and navigating ethical dilemmas in client acceptance and resignation.

Further exploration into ethical considerations in client engagements, transparency, professionalism, and adherence to legal and ethical standards is undertaken. Participants will examine the importance of maintaining client confidentiality, addressing potential conflicts of interest, and the protection of whistleblowers.

In addition to accounting-specific topics, the course touches on the relevance and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, into the accounting and tax domain. The limitations, accuracy, and the need for human oversight when using such tools will be critically examined.

The course concludes with a session from Rachel Miller, CEO of CPA Alberta, who shares strategic priorities for the CPA Alberta, the development of new certification programs, and the importance of recruitment efforts in sustaining and growing the accounting profession.

Throughout the course, participants will be immersed in discussions on regulatory challenges, ongoing collaborations, and the future landscape of the CPA profession in Alberta. The course not only provides a comprehensive understanding of ethical considerations in accounting but also fosters critical thinking, ethical judgment, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

Participants will leave this course with a deepened understanding of the complexities of ethical decision-making in accounting, equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate ethical dilemmas confidently and uphold the integrity of the profession.