CPA Australia, along with other professional accounting bodies, established the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board (APESB) as an independent ethical standards board to set the code of professional conduct and professional standards by which their members are required to abide.

The formation of the APESB was very much in the public interest. In the co-regulatory environment, post CLERP 9, it is important to place focus on self-regulation. Having standards set by an independent body ensures they are more robust and transparent; especially important now as professional standards interact with auditing standards which have the force of law.

The APESB sets its own business plan, promulgates, reviews and oversees ethical and professional standards.

Responsibilities

The APESB's vision is to be recognised by its stakeholders for its leading contribution in achieving the highest level of professional and ethical behaviour in the accounting profession.

APESB board

The members of the board are:

• Kate Spargo, chairperson, APESB
• Dr Ken Levy RFD FCPA, past president, CPA Australia
• Professor Jack Flanagan FCPA, professor of accounting, Notre Dame University
• Stuart Black FCA, partner, Chapman and Eastway, and past president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia
• Harley McHutchison FCA, recently retired chairperson, Deloitte
• Bob Sendt FCPA, chairperson, Job Futures

Further information

• read About us on the APESB website
• read Board members on the APESB website
• access Standards and guidance on the APESB website