Ethics

Integrity

Objectivity

Professional competence and due care

Confidentiality

Professional behavior

Integrity requires accountants to be straightforward and honest in all professional and business relationships.

Objectivity means accountants must not allow bias, conflicts of interest, or undue influence from others to override their professional judgment.

Accountants must maintain professional knowledge and skill at the required level to provide competent services, acting diligently and in accordance with applicable technical and professional standards.

Confidentiality ensures that accountants do not disclose information acquired in the course of their professional work unless legally obligated or authorized to do so.

Professional behavior means complying with relevant laws and regulations and avoiding any action that discredits the profession.

The CIMA Code of Ethics is based on the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Code of Ethics.

Self-interest threat

Self-review threat

Advocacy threat

Familiarity threat

Intimidation threat

A self-interest threat arises when a professional accountant has a financial or other personal interest that could unduly influence their judgment or behavior.

A self-review threat occurs when a professional accountant is in a position to evaluate their own previous work.

An advocacy threat occurs when a professional accountant promotes a client’s or employer’s position to the extent that their objectivity is compromised.

A familiarity threat arises when a close relationship with a client or employer results in undue influence on an accountant’s professional judgment.

An intimidation threat occurs when a professional accountant is deterred from acting objectively by actual or perceived pressures.

Implementing strong internal controls

Seeking independent professional advice

Declining or removing oneself from engagements where ethical threats cannot be mitigated

Regular ethics training

Consulting CIMA’s ethics helpline or guidance

Follow the organization’s whistleblowing procedures

Consult CIMA’s ethical guidance

Consider reporting to relevant authorities if necessary