The Importance of the Integrity of Financial Auditors - An Analysis Based on a FEE Study

Author:Alexandra ARDELEAN, Ph. D. Student

JEL:M14, M41, M 42, M53, M59, G02

DOI:

Keywords:integrity, fundamental principles, ethical behaviour, ethics code, threats, disciplinary process

Abstract:
An ethical behaviour defines the auditors whose activity is established on a good reputation, especially considering that they represent and serve the society`s interest. The foundation of such a behaviour embodies also the principle of integrity on which the author conducted a statistical analysis of frequencies. The support of the research carried was produced by the responses received in a study conducted by The Federation of European Accountants (FEE). The main goal aims at highlighting the principle of integrity as core amongst the other principles. The results obtained lead to an even definition for integrity based on honesty and reliability, showing that integrity has a central role within the professional behaviour and identifies the threats on an ethical behaviour, as well as the methods, appreciated by the rate of success of integrity implementation. The clarification of these aspects regarding integrity serves to consolidate trust in the moral quality of auditors. Therefore, the principle of integrity channels the other fundamental principles with the aim of adopting a professional and ethical behaviour according to the public`s expectations of engagement and honesty.\r\n\r\n

---