Calibrating my Ethical Compass in 2021

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Join us for this 2-hour event on ethical values and attitudes

Expert panelists discussing ETHICS in the context of the South African accountancy and auditing professions

Compulsory professional development

On 6 April 2021, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) again emphasized the utter importance of ethical behaviour and accordingly compelled all their members and associates to attend compulsory professional development of 2 hours in ethical values and attitudes (including personal, professional and business ethics).

Should I attend this event?

Did you know that the SAICA Code of Professional Conduct (CPC) has been recently updated and that SAICA members are required, in terms of the 2020 outcome based CPD policy, to review the CPC at least annually?

Did you note that SAICA has increased their minimum required level of proficiency in all competencies relating to ETHICS from a level 3 to a level 4 (the highest possible required level of proficiency)?

The case for professional development in ETHICS

When last have you calibrated your ethical compass?

What are your views on the hypothetical statements listed below?

"I don't pay/receive bribes to anyone! I'm ethical!".

"Looking the other way every now and then, is not fraud! Fraud entails TAKING PART in the fraudulent activities and being enriched by them. I'm still ethical!".

"Looking out for people I know in the business world and circumventing the tender process every now and then, is not illegal, it's only human. I'm still ethical".

"Declaring compliance with the new 2020 SAICA outcome based CPD policy, without my supporting CPD Reflective Plan in place, is okay - it was Covid-19 and I am a very busy professional person! I'm still ethical!".

"When I've registered for a CPD webinar that I view from home, I sometimes let the webinar play in the background while I continue working. Hey, I'm busy - what can I say? I still think I'm ethical!".

"Compiling or independently reviewing a set of annual financial statements for compliance with the IFRSs or the IFRS for SMEs, without having the necessary technical skill set to do so, is not unethical, it is called post-Covid-19 SURVIVAL! I'm still ethical!".

"Auditing a set of annual financial statements that I was the preparer of, is not unethical, it's superb client service as I know my client inside out! I'm very ethical!".

"I have a "home office" for tax purposes that is dedicated to the work that I do from home (between you and me, it's my dining room table!). SARS will never know the layout of my house! I'm still ethical!".

"The Auditor General SA has just confirmed how taxpayers' money was again misappropriated in the most recent financial year. Tax evasion is justified under these circumstances as my tax money is being wasted! I'm still ethical!".

Do some of these resonate with you?

The learning event

Date: Thursday, 20 May 2021

Time: 09h00 to 11h00 (a recording will be made available to those who could not attend the live event)

Cost: R390pp

In this thought-provoking learning event, a panel of experts will investigate what ETHICS really mean within the context of the South African accountancy (and auditing) professions and we challenge the status quo around the thinking about ethical behaviour.

Note: This event is suitable to address SAICA's requirement for mandatory professional development and reflection in the category: "ethical values and attitudes", as was announced by SAICA in April 2021 in respect of the 2021 calendar year.

The learning event is structured as follows:

• an information sharing session by our guest speaker, Dr. Jacqui Poltera, and
• a panel discussion tackling practical issues within the context of the South African accountancy (and auditing) professions.

About the main speaker

Dr. Jacqui Poltera is an ethics specialist with professional experience as a senior management consultant and project manager. Jacqui is currently working part-time as the Lead: Special Projects for Primary Health Tasmania and pursuing other projects in her capacity as a Certified Ethics Officer. Jacqui formerly supervised and trained professionals and postgraduates in the areas of governance, leadership, anti-corruption and ethics.

Jacqui has worked in the private, government, tertiary education and non-government organisation (NGO) sectors in roles focused on business ethics consulting, redressing inequities, clinical and corporate risk management and quality assurance. She holds a PhD in Ethics and is passionate about training people to make more ethical, informed decisions.

Jacqui's approach is strategic, hands-on, considered, and practical. She values meaningful engagement, open communication, and solutions-focused thinking.

Should you have any enquiries about the event or its content, please don't hesitate to contact me on the details listed below.

I look forward to hosting you!

Regards

Anton van Wyk M. Com CA(SA)

[email protected]

+2782 805 1593