New Conflict of interest guidance
With the increased focus on recent corporate failures, more public scrutiny is being placed on accountancy firms and their perceived ability to “manage” any conflict of interest that may exist in the work they are undertaking or intending to undertake.
In order for there to be confidence and trust in the accountancy profession with regard to conflict of interest, a fresh approach is required.
The conflict of interest provisions within the ICAS Code of Ethics are still appropriate. However, ICAS believes that greater emphasis needs to be placed on ethical and public interest aspects, such that the question becomes whether the firm or member “should” undertake an engagement which involves a conflict of interest as opposed to “could”.
This conflict of interest guidance provides details of best practice for firms on how to apply the existing provisions on conflict of interest within the ICAS Code of Ethics when assessing whether to accept an appointment.
