Is Ethical Accounting Becoming an Oxymoron?

The IUP Journal of Accounting Research & Audit Practices, Vol. XII, No. 2, April 2013, pp. 57-67

Posted: 13 Jun 2013

See all articles by Miriam Gerstein

Miriam Gerstein

Brooklyn College

Hershey H. Friedman

Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Date Written: June 12, 2013

Abstract

A good reputation can be lost in a minute. If something is not done, accountants and auditors may find themselves perceived by the public the way lobbyists and used car sales persons are. The accounting profession is not examining itself and taking responsibility for many of the problems that led to the Great Recession of 2008. The purpose of this paper is to generate a realization that it is crucial for the accounting profession to stress to its members that the job is not only about pleasing clients but about making sure that financial statements are accurate and honest. Financial and auditing statements should be transparent and above board, and not have the potential of deceiving any of the firm’s stakeholders including government, investors, society, employees, and customers.

Suggested Citation

Gerstein, Miriam and Friedman, Hershey H., Is Ethical Accounting Becoming an Oxymoron? (June 12, 2013). The IUP Journal of Accounting Research & Audit Practices, Vol. XII, No. 2, April 2013, pp. 57-67, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2278174

Miriam Gerstein (Contact Author)

Brooklyn College ( email )

New York, NY
United States

Hershey H. Friedman

Brooklyn College of the City University of New York ( email )

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