How Ethics Courses Are Different From Code of Conduct Training

by | Nov 13, 2013 | Accounting

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Many professions require you to take an ethics exam as part of your overall course structure before you can apply for your license. Ethics CPE Courses, CPA continuing education courses and many other professional courses are designed to provide equality among peers as well as to ensure people understand the laws that apply to them in their chosen field. Code of conduct training applies to behavior guidelines set out by a corporation, organization, or facility to provide direction to staff. The training teaches them how to conduct themselves appropriately while on the job.

 

Understanding Code of Conduct Training

 

Many businesses and corporations both large and small are providing internal code of conduct training in order to build guidelines to which employees are expected to adhere. This may sound vague, but it allows staff members at all levels to understand the rules of the company. It also clearly defines what the specific company finds to be acceptable conduct. For example, in some business environments very little might be done if staff members use sexual connotations, inappropriate language, or even have a few drinks at lunch, whereas another business might not only frown upon such behaviour, but actually feel that they are grounds for dismissal. All companies have different rules and principles that employees are expected to adhere to, so it is important to understand the ground rules before signing up to take the job.

 

Ethics Training for CPA Professionals

 

In positions in which accounting and finances are involved, staff members must adhere to very strict rules and regulations as defined by the Sarbanese Oxley Act that governs accounting, auditing, and reporting procedures. Many CPA professionals will take ethics CPE courses online, as it allows them to work at their own pace. Online courses can fit into their schedules for convenience, as opposed to attending set classes. Ethics courses are important, and some states require them as a part of continuing education course requirements for licensed CPA professionals. Many people are confused on what the difference is between code of conduct and ethics training. Ethics training adheres to rules and regulations defined by law, whereas code of conduct training deals with behavior in general and can address something as simple as dress code.