ЕТИЧКА ПИТАЊА (ДИЛЕМЕ) И МОГУЋИ УТИЦАЈ ПРАВИЛА ЕТИЧКОГ ПОНАШАЊА НА КВАЛИТЕТ РАДА РАЧУНОВОЂА И РЕВИЗОРА
ETHICAL ISSUES (DILLEMAS) AND THE POSSIBLE INFLUENCE OF THE RULES OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOR ON THE QUALITY OF THE WORK OF ACCOUNTANTS AND AUDITORS

Author(s): Dragan Kulina
Subject(s): Business Economy / Management, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Accounting - Business Administration, Business Ethics
Published by: Savez računovođa i revizora Republike Srpske
Keywords: Accounting; professional ethics; misrepresentation of financial statements; agency problem; auditing and public interest;
Summary/Abstract: The main purpose of the research presented in this paper is to contribute to the incresed knowledge about the importance of ethics in the accounting profession in terms of the impact on the quality of the work of accountants and auditors. Consistent following of the principles of reliability, transparency and accuracy when preparing and auditing financial reports is a prerequisite for achieving the required level of quality of these services. In this sense, the paper tries to find a connection between the appropriate ethical behavior of professional accountants and auditors and overcoming (removing) ethical dilemmas that arise in practice. Under ethical behavior is considered moral behavior, i.e. objective, independent, competent, correct and honorable behavior in professional and business relations. The research used the methodology of a qualitative systematic review of carefully selected literature, which includes published scientific papers, books in the field of accounting, auditing and management, as well as professional regulations. In this way, a basis was formed that guarantees the quality of the evidence on which the findings and conclusions presented in the paper are based. Our findings indicate that there are numerous moral and ethical dilemmas that can significantly affect the quality of accounting records and financial statements. They can only be overcome by the strict application of ethical principles and standards, as this is a guarantee for obtaining reliable financial information. This is supported by the fact that the last two decades were marked by the bankruptcy of several multinational companies that, among other things, misrepresented the position in their financial reports and committed financial fraud. Unfortunately, individuals from the accounting profession were also involved in those dishonest actions. That is why special attention is paid to the analysis of the role of accountants and auditors in major financial scandals and financial frauds. The general conclusion is that the professional and personal ethical values of accountants and auditors are very important for overcoming ethical dilemas that arise in practice, which, if not properly removed, can negatively affect the reputation of the accounting profession.

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