In the Aftermath of Crisis: The Post-Enron Implications for Spanish University Accounting Educators

24 Pages Posted: 14 Jun 2005 Last revised: 27 Dec 2016

See all articles by Jose A. Gonzalo-Angulo

Jose A. Gonzalo-Angulo

Universidad de Alcala de Henares

Anne M. Garvey

Universidad de Alcala de Henares

Date Written: December 6, 2004

Abstract

This paper is a consideration of the role that ethics must play in accounting education followed by a set of implementation proposals. It is based on the lack of response by the profession in Spain, as in some other European countries, to the crisis produced by recent financial scandals, both at a national and international level. Three proposals are made in the article to reintroduce ethics into accounting education. Firstly, a case is made for a more contextual learning of accounting standards. This would help to avoid teachers and future professionals becoming passive and blind adopters of accounting rules. Secondly, the paper advocates the introduction of ethical reasoning in all accounting courses, as the best way for students to understand that there is more to the preparation of accounts than just following accounting standards. Thirdly, the paper points critically to the lack of accountability by professionals who prepare financial statements in corporations and supports them being made more responsible for their actions. This set of proposals is seen to be consistent with the notion of an accounting profession that is ethical at an individual level and responsible at a social level.

Keywords: Accounting education, ethics, accounting education

JEL Classification: M41, M44, M47, M14, A20

Suggested Citation

Gonzalo-Angulo, Jose A. and Garvey, Anne M., In the Aftermath of Crisis: The Post-Enron Implications for Spanish University Accounting Educators (December 6, 2004). European Accounting Review, Vol. 14, No. 2, 2005, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=741009

Jose A. Gonzalo-Angulo

Universidad de Alcala de Henares ( email )

Plaza de la Victoria 3
Alcala de Henares
E-28802 Madrid
Spain

Anne M. Garvey (Contact Author)

Universidad de Alcala de Henares ( email )

Plaza de San Diego s/n
E-28801 Madrid
Spain

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