Program Pembelajaran Etika IAI Part 2.1

Summary

This video discusses the ethical framework for accountants in Indonesia, focusing on those working in business environments. It highlights the diverse roles accountants can hold, from staff positions to senior executives, and the impact of their decisions on organizational practices. The script outlines potential ethical challenges such as conflicts of interest, personal biases, and pressures to violate ethical principles. Senior accountants, with their access to information and decision-making power, are positioned as ethical role models. The video emphasizes the importance of adhering to ethical standards and addresses how accountants can manage threats and ensure ethical practices in their work.

Takeaways

• 😀 Accountants can work in various sectors such as business, government, non-profit, and education, including both permanent and temporary roles.
• 😀 The Indonesian Code of Ethics distinguishes between two types of accountants: those working in business and those providing public services through accounting firms.
• 😀 Accountants in business can have diverse roles, including finance managers, directors, or even volunteers, all of whom contribute to the financial operations of organizations.
• 😀 Senior accountants in business hold significant influence over decisions related to the allocation and control of resources within their organizations.
• 😀 Senior accountants should act as role models for junior accountants, influencing their ethical behavior and adherence to professional standards.
• 😀 The role of a senior accountant is crucial in promoting an ethical culture within an organization, as their actions impact both the organization and junior staff.
• 😀 Ethical challenges faced by accountants include potential threats such as personal financial interests, conflicts of interest, and undue pressure from stakeholders.
• 😀 Accountants must evaluate potential threats to their ethical standards by considering factors such as organizational policies, leadership, and internal controls.
• 😀 In extreme situations, if ethical threats cannot be mitigated, accountants may need to consider resigning from their positions to uphold professional integrity.
• 😀 Ethical challenges include issues such as conflicts of interest, ensuring adequate expertise, pressures to compromise on ethical principles, and responding to non-compliance with regulations.

Q & A

What are the two types of accountants in a professional environment according to the Indonesian Code of Ethics for Accountants?

The two types of accountants are accountants working in business sectors and accountants who serve the public through public accounting firms.

Can accountants working in business sectors hold non-permanent positions?

Yes, accountants working in business sectors can hold permanent, non-permanent, or even volunteer positions in various organizations such as businesses, government agencies, or non-profits.

What types of businesses or sectors can accountants in business work in?

Accountants in business can work in sectors like trade, industry, services, public sector, education, non-profit organizations, or in professional associations or regulators.

What is the role of senior accountants in business according to the Indonesian Code of Ethics?

Senior accountants in business are responsible for making significant decisions regarding the organization's financial resources, controlling organizational assets, and setting strategic directions, often influencing both financial and non-financial aspects of the business.

How does the behavior of senior accountants influence junior accountants?

Senior accountants, due to their authority and role, set an example for junior accountants. Their actions—whether ethical or unethical—can shape the behavior and decision-making of junior accountants within the organization.

What are some ethical threats that accountants may face in the business environment?

Ethical threats include personal financial interests, involvement in compensation and incentive schemes, access to company assets for personal use, offering or accepting gifts, personal relationships affecting business decisions, and potential intimidation or coercion.

What should accountants do to evaluate ethical threats they face in their work?

Accountants should evaluate the level of threats based on factors like the nature of their professional activities, the ethical leadership within the organization, available reporting mechanisms, and the strength of internal controls and corporate governance systems.

What factors should accountants consider when deciding if an ethical threat is acceptable?

Accountants should consider factors like the leadership's emphasis on ethical behavior, communication channels for ethical concerns, the robustness of internal monitoring and performance systems, and the organization's hiring practices for ethical competence.

What should accountants do if they encounter ethical threats they cannot resolve?

If an ethical threat cannot be mitigated, accountants may need to consider resigning from the organization to avoid compromising their ethical standards and professional judgment.

What specific ethical issues will be discussed in the following sections of the script?

The script will discuss specific issues such as conflicts of interest, acting with adequate professional competence, financial interests related to financial reporting, bribery, compliance with regulations, and pressure to violate ethical principles.