Ethics for Forensic Accountants

Ethical standards apply to forensic accounting.

The government and corporations use forensic accounting for legal cases. The Institute of Certified Forensic Accountants maintains a code of ethics to guide the decisions and actions of the professionals who perform this work.

Integrity

Forensic accountants are not allowed to change any information or facts they discover. They must report their findings precisely. They also must document all of the evidence they find, including their conclusions and the reasons behind them.

Objectivity

Ethics rules for forensic accountants require them to be objective and without prejudice. They should avoid all biases when reaching a forensic conclusion.

Confidentiality

The ethics code states that confidentiality is essential, even after the case is finished. An exception to confidentiality requirements may occur if the forensic accountant uncovers a crime, such as fraud or money laundering. Many different misdeeds fall into this category.

Conduct

Forensic accountants should behave professionally and with courtesy at all times, according to the code of ethics.

References

• Institute of Certified Forensic Accountants: Code of Ethics

Resources

• All Business: The Forensic Accountant: The Sherlock Holmes of the Accounting World
• Old Dominion University: Forensic Accountants: Hot Old Profession