A New Code for Accountants

This article, which appeared in the GAO Journal, No. 1, Spring 1988, discusses the rationale of a developing proposal to redefine the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' (AICPA) professional standards. To address problems caused by poor public opinion, professional misconduct, and poor-quality services, AICPA developed standards regarding: (1) ethical and professional conduct; (2) public responsibility; (3) self-regulation through a quality review process; and (4) professional education requirements.