Professionalism and the Accounting Profession Essay

Professionalism and the Accounting Profession - Essay Example This avoidance of their core responsibility is therefore described as being ethically incorrect. Engaging in activities that are contrary to social expectations is unprofessional (Johnson 1982, p. 267) Instituting initiatives whose main aim is to violate the existing rules and regulations is as well unethical and unprofessional. The available information and research findings have indicated that accounting firms in developed countries such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom have over the years devised schemes intended at impeding their role of paying taxes to the state. This evasion plays a significant role in spoiling the image of the accounting profession that was once held in high regard. Clever accountancy initiatives aim at fulfilling selfish interests of individuals and firms that seek to evade paying taxes (Habermas, 1976). In this way, clever accountancy does not support state projects and interest. The accounting profession claims to be high in profession alism. However the sale of tax evasion schemes casts them in negative light as regards their claims to professionalism. In application of the Weberian theory, paying taxes is a daily noble responsibility of everyone in the society. Weber describes that the daily activities of individuals in society is defined by practical rationality. Former American President Franklin Roosevelt once said that taxes are the â€Å"dues that we paid for the privileges of membership in an organized society†. Paying taxes is therefore considered a noble activity that one would engage in. In fact, a vast majority of business persons and private individuals pay their taxes effectively and... This essay aims to define clever accountancy, how it came about, how it serves the public interest and how it is cursed by the tax collector. The researcher of this essay also points out how it has massively affected the public image of the accounting profession. In this regard, different academic theories were cited to explain how clever accountancy has led to professionals being painted in bad light. Historical as well as contemporary evidence were documented to support some claims and opinions. The essay, among all other things, discusses how accounting could be done more professionally today. Clever accountancy was at first seen to enhance professionalism in the accounting field. It has, however, played as paying taxes is a major ethical responsibility of the members of the society to the state. Everyone in the society has an important part to play in paying taxes to enhance service delivery. However, accounting firms constantly use their social position and influence in the econ omy to evade their core responsibility of paying taxes. The researcher then concluds that accounting profession is the major culprit in the evil when it comes to unethical practice as it is often the main tool of the crime. A change for the better for the profession can help in alleviating the problem. The accounting profession, as indicated earlier, wields a lot of power in the current world. With such power it ought to be on the frontline in championing for positive social ideals. This can have ripple effects considering the power it has.