Professionals possess knowledge and skills of a highly sophisticated kind, which the rest of the population needs.
This expertise puts them in a position of power. As the British historian Lord Action (1834-1902) reminded us, power can easily corrupt. Recognising this reality, SAICA has adopted and enforces a strict code of conduct for its trainees, members and exam candidates.
This code of conduct rests upon ethical principles.
Thus there is an essential connection between true professionalism and ethics without which public trust in its professionals would soon erode, for trust is directly related to the core ethical values of integrity and concern for the interests of clients which society expects from its professionals.
This in turn means that ethics is a vital part of the education and training of accountants. Like other aspects of their competence, it needs to be supported and enhanced.
This programme will be presented in association with Tall Trees Profiles.
Our presenters are qualified Chartered Accountants, SAICA assessors and qualified Tall Trees Facilitators.
Trainees will join a 3 to 4-hour interactive workshop.
After attending the workshop, trainees will complete a PoE (Proof of Evidence File), containing the application of hands-on tools on how to apply ethical principles in practice, reflect on interactive discussions during the workshop, collaborate and apply thinking and behavioural skills in the workplace.
For SAICA Trainees:
The following PC(C) skills will be assessed on completion of the PoE file:
PC(C) 1 Being straightforward and honest in all business and professional relationships
PC(C) 2 Identifies and adequately responds to potential ethical dilemmas
PC(C) 3 Carries out work with due care
PC(C) 4 Not allowing bias, conflict of interest or undue influence of others to override professional or business judgement
PC(C) 5 Respects and protects the confidentiality of information
PC(C) 6 Maintains and enhances the profession’s reputation
PLUS any three choices of a Management and leadership skill - ML (C)
PLUS any three choices of a Personal Attribute skills – PA(C)
For SAIPA Trainees as part of the Logbook Training Programme:
Practice management / Clients / G: Ethics and Professional behaviour
Office Administration and Processes / I: Conduct Internal Meetings, resolutions, manage conflict
Top-up option for SAICA CA Trainees:
Once the workshop has been attended and the PoE file has been assessed, the trainee may elect a top-up assessment for the remainder of the other PSR skills at any time during the training programme and for the next ANA cycle. This process will also be facilitated between the trainee and Assessor at an additional fee.
Complete a temperament profile test with Tall Trees Profiles – learn what type of tree you are so you can become a deep-rooted YOU! Gain self-knowledge, confirmation where you can make your greatest contribution. You will receive your own personalised Growth Plan!
Gain knowledge of others: conflict management, cultural diversity, communication styles, time management
Tailor communication to different audiences, including interviewing the client, verbal, non-verbal and social media skills
Start building your own brand
“Ethics and Temperament in Business and everyday life.. how susceptible are you to being unethical??” – we explore your Tall Trees report from a totally different angle!
What ethics are
Why ethics are important
How to build reputation and trust through ethics in one’s career and business
The consequences of ethical failure
What drives ethical choices
Different values and how they underpin behaviour in the workplace
How to integrate ethical principles and apply them to scenarios that typically arise in the accounting industry
Practical tools to help improve ethical behaviour
How to make ethical decisions in complex situations
The role of the chartered accountant in ensuring ethical and effective governance in organisations and his/her responsibilities in this regard
The role of the manager/employee in building an ethical culture in organisations and his/her responsibilities in this regard.
Understand the role of the Code of Professional Conduct in guiding ethical behaviour
Time allocation:
Pre-course work: 15-minute completion of the on-line Tall Trees Leadership Profile Report
Course day (includes class interactivities and case studies): 3 to 4 hours top-up workshop and 1- hour Group Chat session
Post course work (PoE Assessments): 2 full days (+/- 16 hours). Appropriate time will be allocated to delegates to complete the PoE file for assessment purposes. The proposed PoE submission date can also be agreed between the training officer and the facilitator.
SAICA introduced a compulsory ethics programme which is effective from 1 January 2019 in respect of all trainees whose contracts end after 31 March 2019.
All SAICA Trainees who already attended the Basic Ethics course and would like to receive complete sign-offs on PSR skills for the next ANA discussion.
Delegates must have the following available on the course day:
Own computers (PC or laptop) with Excel and MS Word loaded onto the machine
Stable internet Connection (Wi-Fi or 3G) with sufficient data for the two days
Headset (microphone, speakers) for each delegate
Webcam (external or built-in) – recommended
Google Chrome loaded onto the machine (breakout functionality)
For the engagement activities and online tools, other devices such as the iPad and iPhone are NOT recommended.
Please ensure that you are logged in 15 minutes prior to the start of the session
