CIMA's Code of Ethics updated and relaunched

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"We can no longer leave the question of ethics to chance; the longer we leave this issue, the greater the chances for repercussions for organisations, individuals and the good standing of the profession," says Zahra Cassim, CIMA head of South Africa. " As a result of the changing nature of business we need to continually refresh to ensure that we help our members and students to deal with situations where professional integrity may not exist."

The CIMA Code of Ethics is supported by an ethical checklist that organisations and individuals alike can utilise to benchmark against the principles of the Code of Ethics.

"Guided by the principles of integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality and professional behaviour, the CIMA Code of Ethics steers our members and students through conditions where their professional conduct may be in question," says Cassim.

Ensuring high standards

The Code of Ethics provides the principles that guide the CIMA policy, programmes and decisions that its members and students are required to uphold in order to ensure the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

The CIMA Code of Ethics is twofold - Parts A and B are based on the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Code of Ethics that was developed with the help of input from CIMA and the global accountancy profession.

Part C of the Code was developed in cooperation with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The AICPA and CIMA joined together to create a designation for management accountants, the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). This designation is designed to elevate management accounting and emphasize its importance for businesses worldwide. Part C of the Code provides guidance to all CIMA members around the world and those who hold the CGMA designation.

Further support is available for members and students via a confidential helpline, email and an online library where users can find latest articles, blogs, thought leadership related to ethics and sustainability.