Ethics Assignment Due Sunday, November 15 At 11:45 P.m.

Ethics Assignment Due Sunday, November 15 at 11:45 p.m. Required Read

Read the attached case study, “Carolyn’s Dilemma,” and write a one-page, single-spaced essay that answers the questions at the end of the case in the context of the essay. The essay should be concise, limited to one page with one-inch margins and a standard font such as Times New Roman 12, single-spaced with no additional spacing between lines, and have a line skipped between paragraphs. Your submission must be a Microsoft Word document named lastname_1.docx and submitted to both “Ethics Assignment” links on Blackboard by 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, November 15. Late submissions will not be graded. Use proper citations and avoid plagiarism. The essay should directly address the questions, providing thorough, well-argued responses grounded in ethical reasoning.

Paper For Above instruction

Carolyn’s Dilemma presents a compelling ethical challenge that involves balancing personal financial constraints with professional integrity and legal considerations in the context of preparing for a crucial certification—the CPA exam. As a recent graduate preparing for a significant professional milestone, Carolyn faces the decision of whether to purchase review materials from secondary sources, such as online auctions, that may offer substantial discounts but also carry risks of counterfeit or outdated content. Her dilemma encapsulates core ethical issues related to intellectual property, honesty, and the fair conduct expected within the accounting profession.

From an ethical standpoint, it would be inappropriate for Carolyn to purchase review materials from online auctions or other unofficial sources due to the potential violation of intellectual property rights and the risk of supporting illegal activities such as copyright infringement or counterfeit production. The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and similar laws safeguard intellectual property, and knowingly acquiring counterfeit or pirated materials compromises ethical standards upheld by the accounting profession, which emphasizes integrity and professionalism (AICPA, 2021). Using unauthorized or counterfeit study resources could also harm Carolyn’s reputation and diminish the credibility of the certification process, which relies heavily on the assumption that candidates utilize legitimate and current materials to demonstrate their competence (IFAC, 2019). Furthermore, purchasing invalid resources undermines the fairness of the certification process, disadvantaging those who comply with ethical standards and invest legitimate resources (Gaa & Thibodeau, 2017).

> Conversely, some may argue that purchasing discounted materials from online sources can be justified on the grounds of economic hardship and the high cost of official review courses. For students like Carolyn who face financial constraints, alternative sources might be seen as a practical solution to access quality preparation materials without imposing an undue financial burden on their families or themselves. This line of reasoning posits that the primary goal is to pass the CPA exam, and if obtaining legitimate resources is financially unfeasible, then using discounted or second-hand materials could be viewed as a justifiable exception (Crane, 2020). However, this perspective must be balanced against the ethical obligation to uphold the integrity of the certification process and respect intellectual property rights, emphasizing that legal and ethical considerations should not be compromised simply to reduce costs.

> The most negative consequence of purchasing counterfeit or unauthorized review materials involves undermining the credibility of the CPA certification process and risking professional sanctions. If a candidate is found to have used illegally obtained resources, it could lead to disqualification, suspension, or revocation of certification, thereby damaging their career prospects and professional reputation (AICPA, 2021). More broadly, widespread use of counterfeit materials erodes public trust in the certification process, which is foundational to the accounting profession’s reputation and the public’s confidence in financial reporting. Additionally, supporting illegal markets deprives legitimate vendors of revenue, undermines intellectual property rights, and potentially funds criminal enterprises, exacerbating wider societal harms (WIPO, 2018).

> Apart from Carolyn, three key stakeholders impacted by her choice include: (1) the CPA candidates, whose exam integrity and fairness depend on adherence to ethical practices; (2) Becker Professional Education, which invests significant resources in developing legitimate review materials, and whose reputation could be harmed if counterfeit or unauthorized materials flood the market; and (3) society as a whole, which relies on certified accountants to maintain trust in financial information and ensure compliance with ethical standards. If candidates engage in dishonest practices, the reliability of the CPA designation diminishes, threatening the public confidence essential for functioning financial markets and ethical business practices (IFAC, 2019).

In conclusion, while the financial and emotional pressures faced by candidates like Carolyn are understandable, resorting to the use of counterfeit or unauthorized review materials is ethically inappropriate. Such actions violate intellectual property rights, threaten the integrity of the CPA certification process, and carry significant professional and societal risks. It is crucial for candidates to seek legitimate resources or explore financial aid options offered by testing agencies or professional associations. Upholding the ethical standards of honesty, respect for intellectual property, and fairness not only benefits individual professionals but also sustains the credibility and trustworthiness of the accounting profession at large.

References

  • American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). (2021). Code of Professional Conduct. Retrieved from https://www.aicpa.org/research/standards/codeofconduct.html
  • Crane, J. (2020). Ethical considerations in exam preparation. Journal of Accounting Education, 45, 36-42.
  • Gaa, J. C., & Thibodeau, J. (2017). Ethics in Accounting. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). (2019). Handbook of the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. Retrieved from https://www.ifac.org/publications-resources/2019-handbook-code-ethics
  • World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2018). Intellectual Property and Economic Development. Retrieved from https://www.wipo.int/about-wipo/en/about_wipo/
  • “The Uniform CPA Examination: Purpose and Structure”. (n.d.). Retrieved October 15, 2015, from https://www.aicpa.org/becomeacpa/cpaexam/aboutthecpaexam.html
  • Becker Professional Education. (n.d.). CPA Exam Review Courses. Retrieved from https://www.becker.com
  • Roger CPA Review. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rogercpa.com
  • Yaeger CPA Review. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.yaegercpareview.com

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