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Courses/Ethics/Ethics for Accountants

Ethics: The Pressure is Real

Why does pressure persist for professional accountants? How do we overcome it?

Created byMaureen Gillis, FCPA FCA
4.9
(659 reviews)
BeginnerUpdated Aug 11, 2025
Ethics: The Pressure is Real

What You'll Learn

check_circleDescribe the prevalence of pressure experienced by professional accountants to manipulate financial results.
check_circleList common threats to objectivity.
check_circleIdentify when a conflict of interest might be present.
check_circleList ways to avoid exerting pressure or succumbing to pressure.
check_circleIdentify if an issue is an accounting problem or an ethical problem.

About This Course

Welcome to "Ethics: The Pressure is Real," a course designed to equip Professional Accountants with enhanced ethical awareness to navigate complex workplace pressures. In the demanding world of professional accounting, ethical dilemmas are not just theoretical; they are a daily reality that can challenge even the most seasoned professionals.

This course begins by exploring insights from studies on workplace pressure, particularly those faced by CFOs. You will gain an understanding of how widespread the pressure to manipulate financial results can be and learn about the delicate balance between short-term gains and long-term organizational sustainability. We delve into contextual factors influencing CPAs' responses to pressure, addressing not only professional expectations but also personal and organizational pressures, drawing on concepts like moral disengagement and the obedience trap.

We specifically examine key topics such as:

  • The importance of supporting an ethics-based culture within organizations.
  • Strategies for pushing back against undue influence and communicating effectively.
  • Understanding and mitigating both external and internal threats to independence and objectivity, including self-interest and various biases.
  • How to apply ethical theories (consequentialism, deontology, virtue ethics) to resolve dilemmas.
  • Distinguishing between accounting problems and ethical challenges, and identifying root causes.
  • Recognizing and addressing implicit biases such as anchoring and confirmation bias.
  • The critical role of individual choices in upholding professional standards and public perception.

By the end of this course, you will be better prepared to:

  • Enhance your awareness of ethical dimensions in professional situations.
  • Formulate ethical intentions and align your behavior with professional standards.
  • Effectively analyze and address ethical conflicts using structured frameworks.
  • Reinforce your commitment to integrity and lead by example in maintaining the reputation of the accounting profession.

This course is your guide to fortifying your ethical compass, ensuring you can confidently uphold the highest standards of integrity in all professional endeavors.

Your Instructor

Maureen Gillis, FCPA FCA
Maureen Gillis, FCPA FCA

FCPA, FCA

menu_book11 courses
star7,690 reviews

Maureen R Gillis, FCPA FCA, is a highly sought after facilitator. She facilitates adult learning in topics related to leadership, ethics, success, and human behaviour. With formal training in adult learning and professional training in human resources management along with a designation as a Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant, Fellow Chartered Accountant (Canada) Maureen brings a multi-disciplinary perspective to her courses. She has taught at three universities and facilitated professional development sessions for members of professional organizations. With three decades of professional leadership experience, across sectors, she brings professional and practical insight to her courses. During her career, Maureen has also been active in volunteer roles as a coach and with organizations such as the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Public Sector Accounting Board, Chartered Professional Accountants Canada, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia, Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia, the Financial Management Institute, and the Chamber of Commerce, among others. She also served as a volunteer financial advisor for an NGO in Ghana, West Africa. Today, Maureen enjoys delivering relevant professional development courses to leaders and members of professional associations on current topics that supports their ongoing development and growth.

Credit Information

Do these courses count toward my professional development requirements?

This portal is provided as a training and development resource for City of Markham employees. Every course is delivered by a qualified subject matter expert or learning organization, is quantifiable in hours, and is verifiable — you receive a documented certificate of completion for every course you finish, stored on LearnFormula indefinitely.

If you hold a professional designation (for example in engineering, accounting, human resources, or law), courses may be counted as professionally relevant, verifiable learning activities toward your continuing professional development. Individual practitioners are responsible for confirming that an activity meets the requirements of their professional body. For questions about the City of Markham's training and development policies, please speak with your people leader or Human Resources.

What Students Are Saying

4.9
Student's Choice
659 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

We are a registered provider with 327+ associations and regulatory bodies worldwide. We operate across 29 global markets including Canada, the US, Australia, and the UK. Every course page clearly displays its specific accreditations. Upon completion, you receive a professional certificate that can be validated online. Our certificates include all necessary accreditation details, credit hours, and completion dates, and are formatted specifically to meet the submission requirements of most global regulatory bodies.