Handling Ethical Dilemmas: A Guide from Commerce Student to Professional Accountant

Imagine a student starting an accounting internship and being asked to change an expense entry without any proper reason. Should they follow the instructions or raise a question? Situations like these are called ethical dilemmas.

Understanding how to handle them is an important part of becoming an accountant.

Accountants work with financial records, company expenses, tax information and business reports. Their work can affect decisions taken by business owners, employees and investors.

An ethical dilemma happens when a person must choose between different actions, especially when professional responsibilities and outside pressure come into conflict.

For example, a manager may ask an accountant to delay recording an expense so that the company’s profit looks higher.

The accountant must understand whether the request follows accounting rules. Making the wrong decision may affect the reliability of financial reports and create legal or professional problems.

Students may first come across ethical questions during projects, internships or early accounting jobs.

Some common situations include:

Being asked to adjust accounting entries without proper supporting documents.

Facing pressure to leave out financial details that may affect business decisions.

Being asked to share company information with someone who is not authorised to receive it.

Finding incorrect entries but avoiding reporting them because of pressure.

Receiving gifts or favours that may influence professional judgement.

These situations teach students why accountants must follow proper procedures even when the decision is uncomfortable.

When students face an ethical problem, they should avoid making decisions in a hurry.

The first step is to understand the situation properly. They should check the available documents, accounting rules and reasons behind the request.

For example, if a senior asks them to change a transaction date, they should first understand whether it is a genuine correction or an attempt to misrepresent information.

If the request appears improper, they can seek guidance from an authorised supervisor or use the organisation’s reporting procedure.

Students must also learn that professional ethics does not mean accusing someone without evidence. It means examining facts and acting responsibly.

Professional accounting is based on principles that guide financial work and decision-making.

Important principles include:

Being honest while preparing and presenting financial information.

Making decisions without personal bias or improper influence.

Maintaining the knowledge and skills needed to perform accounting work correctly.

Protecting private business and financial information.

Following applicable laws, regulations and professional responsibilities.

Understanding these principles helps students recognise when a request may conflict with their professional duties.

A B.Com (Hons.) with ACCA Certification programme connects commerce subjects with professional accounting knowledge.

Along with financial accounting and auditing, ACCA-aligned learning introduces students to professional ethics, financial reporting, business risks and internal controls.

For example, while learning auditing, students may study how financial records are checked and why auditors must remain objective.

Similarly, financial reporting lessons can help students understand why companies must present reliable financial information.

These subjects can help students develop the habit of questioning unusual transactions and supporting their decisions with proper evidence.

Parul University offers commerce education covering accounting, finance, taxation, auditing, economics and business law.

Its B.Com programmes connect theoretical knowledge with practical learning through case studies, projects and industry-linked activities.

The university also offers a four-year B.Com (Hons.) with ACCA Certification programme. Its curriculum combines commerce education with ACCA-aligned learning in global financial reporting, performance management, risk assessment and professional ethics.

These subjects can help students understand situations where financial accuracy, business responsibility and ethical judgement are important.

Practical learning also gives students opportunities to discuss business problems and understand how accounting decisions affect different people.

Ethical behaviour does not begin only after getting an accounting job. Students can practise it while completing assignments, preparing project reports and working in groups.

Using correct data, avoiding copied work and acknowledging mistakes are simple ways to develop professional responsibility.

Later, when a student becomes an accountant, these habits may help them handle difficult workplace situations.

A small decision involving an expense entry or financial document may test their judgement. Students who understand the importance of ethics can approach such situations with greater care.

Those interested in developing accounting knowledge alongside professional values can explore the B.Com (Hons.) with ACCA Certification programme at Parul University and prepare for a career where honesty matters as much as financial skills.