The panel discusses the need to address ethical standards, firm culture, and governance in the accounting profession, prompted by recent scandals and public scrutiny. IESBA outlines its 2024–2027 strategy, particularly the priority project on accounting firm culture and governance.
Description
CPA Australia hosts a panel discussion featuring Gabriella Figueiredo Dias, Chair of the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), to explore the role of ethics, governance, and firm culture in maintaining trust in the accounting profession. The discussion focuses on IESBA’s 2024–2027 strategy, which prioritises firm culture and governance as a response to recent ethical failures and increasing public and political scrutiny. Key themes include the need for a more holistic approach to ethics beyond individual misconduct, concerns around incentive structures and transparency, and challenges in applying ethical standards across both audit and consulting divisions.
IESBA emphasises the importance of active stakeholder engagement during this early “discovery” phase, as it seeks to identify gaps and determine whether standard-setting or non-authoritative guidance is needed. The panel highlights the profession’s shared responsibility to act in the public interest and reinforces the urgency of restoring credibility through better culture, governance, and ethical leadership.
Speakers
- Gabriella Figueiredo Dias – Chair, International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA)
- Channa Wijesinghe – IESBA Member and Chair of the Firm Culture and Governance Working Group; CEO, Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board (APESB)
- Dianne Azoor Hughes – 35 years of business experience, specialising in governance, risk and audit. Previously Technical Standards Partner at Pitcher Partners
- Gary Pflugrath – Senior Executive Advisor, Stakeholder Engagement & Policy, CPA Australia (moderator)
Learning objectives
- Understand IESBA’s focus on firm culture and governance
- Recognise ethics’ role in restoring public trust
- Identify challenges across audit and consulting divisions
- Explore how culture and incentives drive behaviour
- Evaluate possible responses to ethical gaps in firms
Audience
This recorded webinar is suited to accounting professionals looking to improve their understanding of ethical standards, firm culture, and governance in the accounting profession.
Online - Self-paced
13755188712 MonthsEnglish