Professional accountants in Spain: a comparative study of ethical and professional values

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe loss of professional identity and a greater orientation towards commercial goals on the part of professional accountants have been considered as one of the main causes of the financial scandals. This ‘deprofessionalization’ has focused on auditors, with few studies analysing other accounting professionals. This study, carried out among more than 800 members of the Consejo General de Economistas, analyses the differences in the professional identity and values as well as the ethical judgment of accounting professionals employed in a company, accounting and tax advisors and external auditors. The results of this paper reinforce the importance of the accreditation and regulation of the professional accountant. Further, findings suggest important measures to be taken by professional corporations and public law institutions to improve commitment to the profession as well as the ethical and professional values of the professional accountants in different work settings.