The Six Principles
The AICPA Code rests on six principles: Responsibilities, The Public Interest, Integrity, Objectivity and Independence, Due Care, and Scope and Nature of Services. These aren't just guidelines — they're the ethical foundation every CPA must follow.
Responsibilities
CPAs must exercise sensitive professional and moral judgment in all activities. As professionals, they have a responsibility to cooperate with each other to improve the art of accounting and maintain public confidence.
Public Interest
CPAs should act in a way that serves the public interest, honor the public trust, and demonstrate commitment to professionalism. When a CPA's client interest conflicts with the public interest, the public interest prevails.
Integrity in Practice
A CPA discovers their client overstated revenue by $2 million. Even though correcting this will upset the client, integrity requires the CPA to insist on proper reporting. Integrity means being honest even when the consequences are uncomfortable.