Ethics and fraud in business case collection available for reference.

A collection of stimulating case studies and commentaries on ethics and fraud has been published by the Business and Industry team to help improve members' awareness, competence and confidence in dealing with difficult and possibly illegal accounting and business decisions. Written in the style of case studies published in Harvard Business Review, the collection has been added to the AICPA's Antifraud and Corporate Responsibility Center at www.aicpa.org/antifraud.

Cases illustrate managerial ethical dilemmas, including instances when the CPA stood up to management on unethical or illegal accounting practices. The corresponding commentaries offer alternatives on how to face unfamiliar situations, and expose potential dangers in the situation's resolution. Commentaries were prepared by experts on business ethics issues, including attorneys, professors and business executives.

The case studies aim to enable members to sharpen their professional judgment and make more appropriate business decisions. Funding for the project was provided by the AICPA and the AICPA Foundation.

Sarbanes-Oxley Hotline, Web Page Available to Help Members

The toll-free hotline set up by the AICPA last year to help members understand and comply with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is still available. Members should call 866/265-1977, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., ET. You will receive a response within 24 hours.

An additional resource is the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act/PCAOB Implementation Central" page located online at www.aicpa.org/Sarbanes/index.asp. There, you can find or link to a summary of the Act, SEC rulemaking actions and PCAOB developments.

Second Program in Fraud Webcast Series Scheduled for May 21

The second program in the four-part "AICPA Antifraud Series," Aggressive Accounting--The Games People Play, Part 2: Expense and Liability Recognition (No. CPWBC05210300O), will take place on May 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:55, p.m., ET. In this program, the AICPA explores situations where aggressive accounting and financial fraud lead to manipulation of earnings through improper recognition of expenses and liabilities.

This live program qualifies for 2 CPE credits. Price: $79. For details or to register, visit www.cpa2biz.com/webcasts or call 888/777-7077 (option 3, Web Support). A CD archive (No. 737117HSCPA05) also will be available (price: $59; no CPE credit--to order, see page 4).