International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards)

Professional accountants are required to comply with the fundamental principles and apply the conceptual framework set out in Section 120 to identify, evaluate and address threats.

Acting without sufficient expertise creates a self-interest threat to compliance with the principle of professional competence and due care. This section sets out specific requirements and application material relevant to applying the conceptual framework in such circumstances.

The principle of professional competence and due care requires that a professional accountant only undertake significant tasks for which the accountant has, or can obtain, sufficient training or experience.

A self-interest threat to compliance with the principle of professional competence and due care might be created if a professional accountant has:

• Insufficient time for performing or completing the relevant duties.

• Incomplete, restricted or otherwise inadequate information for performing the duties.

• Insufficient experience, training and/or education.

• Inadequate resources for the performance of the duties.

Factors that are relevant in evaluating the level of such a threat include:

• The extent to which the professional accountant is working with others.

• The relative seniority of the accountant in the business.

• The level of supervision and review applied to the work.

Examples of actions that might be safeguards to address such a self-interest threat include:

• Obtaining assistance or training from someone with the necessary expertise.

• Ensuring that there is adequate time available for performing the relevant duties.

The requirements and application material in Section 270 apply when a professional accountant is pressured to act in a manner that might lead to a breach of the principle of professional competence and due care.