Ethics and the CPA Code of Professional Conduct

It is a fundamental principle of the profession that members who provide assurance services must do so with unimpaired professional judgment and objectivity. Learn more about independence, the cornerstone of assurance engagements.

• Acting as Executor or Trustee for Your Client (2021)
• Annual Communication of Independence Matters (2021)
• Guide to Canadian Independence Standard (2016)
• Independence Rules – Long Association of Senior Personnel on Audit Engagements (2021)
• The Public Accountant’s Role at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (2021)

Ethical behaviour is the foundation of the trusted work of CPAs. Learn more about working with non-members, paying or receiving commissions, resigning from engagements and matters related to ethical decision making. 

• Ethical Leadership series in an Era of Complexity and Digital Change (CPA Canada, ICAS, IESBA, IFAC, 2022)
• Ethical Leadership in a Digital Era: Applying the IESBA Code to Selected Technology-Related Scenarios (IESBA, JICPA, 2022)
• Association with Non-Members (2021)
• Commission or Similar Compensation Arrangements (2021)
• Resigning from an Assurance Engagement (2021)
• Setting and Collecting Fees (2021)
• Understanding How the CPA Code Applies to Members (2021)

CPAs are required to protect confidential information acquired because of professional, employment and business relationships.  Learn more about your obligations related to confidential information and document retention.

• Confidentiality of Information (PDF) (2021)
• Retention of Documentation and Working Papers (2021)
• Electronic Record Keeping (CRA)
• Personal Information Retention and Disposal: Principles and Best Practices (Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, 2021)
• Keeping Records (CRA)
• Anti-money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing Requirement Associated with Record Keeping and Reporting to FINTRAC (PDF) (CPA Canada, 2021)

Fraud at an organization can have far-reaching effects on its operations. Learn more about the responsibilities of CPAs pertaining to fraud and how organizations can design and implement policies and procedures to prevent fraud.

• Fraud Risk Management Guide: 2nd Edition Executive Summary (COSO, 2023)
• Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing Guide (CPA Canada, 2022)
• Anti-money Laundering/Anti-Terrorist Financing Developments: Know Your Client Rules for CPAs (CPA Canada, 2021)
• Fraud and going concern: Closing the expectation gap in audit (ACCA, CA ANZ, AASB, CPA Canada, 2021)
• Illegal Acts: The External Auditor’s Responsibilities (CAQ, 2021)
• An Ounce of Prevention: Combatting Fraud in Not-for-Profits (AICPA, 2020)
• Implementation tool for auditors: Testing journal entries & responding to the risk of management override of controls (CPA Canada, 2015)