This four-hour CPE ethics course is designed to provide Texas CPAs with an online course that will enable practitioners to meet the CPE ethics requirements as mandated by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the general idea of ethics—what they are and why we as a profession need ethics. First, we will look at what ethics means and why it is important to study ethics as accountants. Next, we will work through the problems involved with moral reasoning and using this reasoning as the basis of ethical decision making. We will examine the steps that can be followed when faced with ethical dilemmas. We will work through some cases that will allow us to apply the process in a real world setting. Then, we will look at the Rules of Professional Conduct as set by the TSBPA that Texas CPAs should know. The major aspects of the Rules will be discussed with particular emphasis on recent changes. Finally, we will examine some case situations in which Texas rules apply.

Use of Materials

Audio or DVD
The user should begin by watching the DVD segment or listening to the audio CD for the chapter before reading the text. The user may wish to make notes of the most important concepts and any terms that are new. Next, the user should review the learning objectives at the beginning of the chapter and read the chapter. The user should work through each of the examples. It may be helpful to highlight important material and/or to make additional notes. Next, the user should complete the study questions at the end of the chapter and review the answers. If the user answers a study question incorrectly, s/he should review the section of the text that is indicated at the end of the explanation to the study question to assure comprehension of the material. The user should review the learning objectives once more to consider achievement of the objectives. After the user has finished watching the DVD or listening to the audio CDs and reading the text and working through the study questions, s/he may wish to review her/his notes and any sections of the text or DVD or audio CDs that were difficult. When the user is ready, s/he should complete the quizzer. Reviewing notes periodically will increase retention of the material.

Online
The user should begin by watching the streamed video segment, if any, or listening to the streamed audio segment, if any, for the chapter before reading the text. The user may wish to make notes of the most important concepts and any terms that are new. Next, the user should review the learning objectives at the beginning of the chapter and read the chapter. The user should work through each of the examples. After the user has studied each chapter, s/he should click on the link at the left to complete the interactive study questions. If the user answers a study question incorrectly, s/he should review the section of the text that is indicated at the end of the explanation to the study question to assure comprehension of the material. The user should review the learning objectives once more to consider achievement of the objectives. After the user has finished watching the streamed video, if any, or listening to the streamed audio, if any, and reading the text and working through the study questions, s/he may wish to review her/his notes and any sections of the text or video/audio, if any, that were difficult. When the user is ready, s/he should click on the link to the left to complete the quizzer. The user's CPE certificate will be provided immediately upon successful completion of the quizzer.

Software
The user should begin by reviewing the learning objectives at the beginning of the chapter and read the chapter. The user should work through each of the examples. As the user studies each chapter, s/he should complete the interactive study questions that appear in the lower panel of the screen. If the user answers a study question incorrectly, s/he should review the section of the text that is indicated at the end of the explanation to the study question to assure comprehension of the material. The user should review the learning objectives once more to consider achievement of the objectives. After the user has finished reading the text and working through the study questions, s/he may wish to review her/his notes and any sections of the text that were difficult. When the user is ready, s/he should click on the link at the far left to complete the quizzer. The user should email her/his quizzer statistics using the quizzer submission link in the software and the user's CPE certificate will be mailed to her/him.

Chapter 1 introduces the user to the topic of ethics and why the accounting professional needs ethics.

Chapter 2 focuses on the ethical responsibility of an accountant and her/his priority of duty and loyalty.

Chapter 3 covers moral reasoning.

Chapter 4 explains the importance and relevance of an effective code of conduct.

Chapter 5 discusses the various aspects of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, as well as other pertinent independence rules a CPA must follow.

Chapter 6 evaluates additional Texas rules that a Texas CPA must follow.

Helpful Guidance

Throughout this program, the user will find explanations and discussions regarding some of the issues that often face practitioners. In order to enhance the user's comprehension of the material and highlight important practical considerations, this program includes the following designations:

A Biskpoint presents analysis or commentary that attempts to explain or clarify authoritative guidance.

A Bisktip provides practical advice that may be used to help improve client service or service to the practitioner's organization.

• Identify the Texas ethics requirements for mandatory CPE requirements

• Explain what ethics are and why the accounting professional needs ethics

• Define important ethics-related terms

• Identify the ethical responsibilities of an accountant

• Define relationship and stakeholder

• Determine what a CPA's primary responsibilities are

• Identify and explain different moral reasoning methods

• Discuss the importance and relevance of an effective code of conduct

• Discuss ethical decision-making

• Describe the 5 question approach to analyzing a decision

• Discuss the AICPA independence rules

• Explain financial and business relationships within various types of engagements

• Discuss the Texas, SEC, PCAOB, and GAO rules on independence

• Explain the CPA's responsibilities to the client, public, and the profession

• Discuss the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy Rules and Ethics rulings