Keys to Maintaining Objectivity and Professional Skepticism
Choose The Right Path When Difficult Situations Occur CPE = 1
Every professional faces situations and scenarios where they feel their independence and objectivity related to an issue is impaired. They may feel pressured by management to minimize their report findings or, in some cases, look the other way. When these situations occur professionals are faced with the dilemma of "what do I do?" or "how do I handle this situation?". These are the types of scenarios for which our university programs and business schools do not adequately prepare us. Experience can often be a good teacher. However, all individuals should be armed with some basic concepts that will prepare them to choose the right path when such difficult situations occur.
- Explore the requirements of professional skepticism
- Explore the rules defining independent roles
- Identify the difference between legality and ethics
- Explore the top five techniques to execute independence
- Explore the top five techniques to assist when employing objectivity
- Recognize what to do when management challenges you
Field: Auditing
CPE: 1
Delivery Method: Self-Study
Format: Video
Your Instructor
Consultant, CPA, CGMA, CRMA, MBA, Past Chief Audit Executive
Business Consultant, Trainer, Author
Ms. Fountain has over 40 years of experience in the business profession, which includes public and industry accounting and over 20 years within internal and external auditing combined. She is a nationally recognized trainer and speaker and also a published author. She is a subject matter expert and specializes in Internal Audit, Sarbanes-Oxley, Enterprise Risk Management, Fraud, Governance and Compliance. Ms. Fountain has held two Chief Audit Executive positions for international companies. She currently performs consulting for companies on internal audit, risk management, internal controls, SSAE 18, financial reporting and accounting along with performing training. She has also been instrumental in the establishment of ERM, Sarbanes-Oxley and Governance frameworks.
Ms. Fountain has authored a publication for the Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation (IIARF) titled “Raise the Red Flag – The Internal Auditors Guide to Fraud Evaluations”. The publication will be released April 20, 2015. In addition, she is authoring a publication for Auerbach on “The Realities of performing the Chief Audit Executive Role”. The publication will be released in the Fall 2015. In addition, she has performed as an adjunct instructor for the School of Business for Grantham University and the School of Business at the University of Kansas.
Ms. Fountain obtained her BSBA from Pittsburg State University and her MBA from Washburn University in Kansas. She has active, current CPA, CGMA, and CRMA credentials.