Case studies

According to research supported by Chartered Accountants Ireland, professional accountants prefer “true to life” examples and case studies, which allow them to consider ethical dilemmas in practical ways, relevant to their own experience. In response, we have collated on this page a collection of practical case studies based on real life ethical scenarios. The case studies provided are illustrative only and should be read with the relevant section of the Code of Ethics.

CCAB ethical dilemmas case studies

In 2022, the Consultative Committee of Accounting Bodies (CCAB), of which Chartered Accountants Ireland is a member, developed five sets of case studies which illustrate how the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants can be applied by members working in business, not-for-profits, the public sector, public practice and as non-executive directors. The tailored case studies reflect ethical dilemmas that can arise in Ireland and UK. They are suitably designed to outline key principles and processes that could be considered when attempting to identify, evaluate and address ethical threats in line with the Chartered Accountants Ireland Code of Ethics. The case studies, reproduced on this page, are also available from the CCAB website.

Accountants in business case studies

Accountants in public practice case studies

Accountants working as non-executive directors case studies

Accountants working in the not-for-profit sector case studies

Public sector case studies

In June 2006 the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accounting (CIPFA) adopted a new Standard of Professional Practice (SOPP) of Ethics which is based on a CIPFA foreword and the IFAC Code of Ethics.

In addition, CIPFA published an accompanying guide titled ‘Ethics and You’ which is targeted specifically at professional accountants working in public practice.

Members of Chartered Accountants Ireland working in public practice are required to following the Institute’s Code of Ethics. However, as it is also based on the IFAC Code, it uses the same fundamental principles and much of the same content as the CIPFA code. Members may therefore find it helpful to refer to the Ethics and You guide which includes a discussion on the interaction between the IFAC fundamental principles and the Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles). In addition the guidance contains a number of case studies on issues of particular relevance to those working in public practice.