However, the IESBA Code is augmented with additional requirements and guidance that are appropriate to ACCA and its members in arriving at the ACCA Code of Ethics and Conduct (CEC). The CEC is binding on all members and students of ACCA and sets out five fundamental ethical principles, and provides a framework for addressing ethical problems:

The five fundamental principles of ethics for professional accountants set out in Section A of our Code are:

• Integrity – to be straightforward and honest in all professional and business relationships.

• Objectivity – not to compromise professional or business judgments because of bias, conflict of interest or undue influence of others.

• Professional Competence and Due Care – to:

(i)  Attain and maintain professional knowledge and skill at the level required to ensure that a client or employing organization receives competent professional service, based on current technical and professional standards and relevant legislation; and

(ii)  Act diligently and in accordance with applicable technical and professional standards.

• Confidentiality – to respect the confidentiality of information acquired as a result of professional and business relationships.

• Professional Behavior – to comply with relevant laws and regulations and avoid any conduct that the professional accountant knows or should know might discredit the profession.

Download the ACCA Code of Ethics and Conduct, effective 15 December 2024