Professionalism and Accounting Ethical Practices of Accountants: A Case of all District Assemblies in the Western Region of Ghana

Abstract

Every profession that wants to improve its professional capabilities and create overall corporate efficiencies must adhere to certain ethical norms and principles. The main aim of the study was to examine how professionalism affect the accounting ethical practices of accountants at all the district assemblies in the Western region of Ghana. Five research objectives and hypotheses guided the study. The study employed the explanatory research design and approached the study through the quantitative research approach. The study targeted all district assemblies in the Western region of Ghana. The total number of accountants at all the fourteen district assemblies in the Western region is eight hundred and forty (840). A sample of two hundred and seventy-one (271) accountants were selected for the study and they were convinced to participate. A self-administered questionnaire solicited the accountants’ views on the stated objectives of the study. Firstly, the study's findings revealed that professional behaviour has an influence on accounting ethical practices. The study also discovered that professional competence and due care has an effect on accounting ethical practices. In addition, confidentiality also has an effect on accounting ethical practices. Furthermore, it was found that objectivity has an effect on accounting ethical practices. Finally, the study found that integrity has an effect on accounting ethical practices. It is also recommended that confidential information acquired as a result of professional and business relationships should not be used for the personal advantage of the professional accountant or third parties.