An accounting ethics case from multiple perspectives

• Published in: Journal of accounting education Vol. 43; pp. 63 - 75
• Main Authors: Dow, Kevin E., Watson, Marcia Weidenmier, Shea, Vincent J., Kern, Sara
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2018
• Subjects: AICPA code of professional conduct; Ethical decision making; Ethical frameworks; IESBA code of ethics for professional accountants; Professional codes of conduct; Ethical frameworks; AICPA code of professional conduct; Professional codes of conduct; IESBA code of ethics for professional accountants; Ethical decision making
• ISSN: 0748-5751; 1873-1996
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccedu.2018.04.003

•Addresses ethical accounting issues often faced by professional accountants.•Explores why professional accountants may be tempted by the criminal “dark side”.•Exposes students to a variety of ethical frameworks (e.g., Utilitarianism).•Exposes students to a variety of professional codes for conduct/ethics. This case addresses ethical accounting issues often faced by the accounting profession using the activities of the investment group WWM, Inc. Based on the actions of real individuals and their companies, WWM, Inc. helps financially-distressed businesses obtain loans from financial institutions via a “Leveraged Asset Plan,” which provided necessary collateral for loans. Acting as a member of an Accounting Regulatory Board, you will examine the circumstances surrounding this company from multiple ethical perspectives and professional codes of conduct. The goal of the case is to (1) increase your understanding of ethical frameworks and professional codes of conduct and (2) learn how to apply these ethical frameworks to decision making.