Professional ethics and accountability
Our commitments are grounded in the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants in the Philippines, as adopted and amended by the PRC Board of Accountancy, and applicable professional standards.
Five fundamental ethical principles
Our core values explain how integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care, confidentiality, and professional behavior guide our work.
Applicable independence requirements
Independence — Our assurance commitment
For audit, review, and other assurance engagements, we uphold applicable independence requirements to safeguard the credibility of our professional conclusions.
Independence is an additional assurance-related requirement, not a sixth fundamental ethical principle. Providing advisory services and a statutory external audit to the same client requires a separate independence evaluation; some combinations of services are prohibited.
Client acceptance and continuance
Engagements built on mutual trust and professional responsibility
At SSCPA, client acceptance is a thoughtful professional decision.
We evaluate engagements based on client integrity, the nature and circumstances of the work, professional competence, available resources, potential conflicts of interest, independence requirements, and compliance with applicable professional standards.
We welcome clients seeking assistance with historical compliance deficiencies, business improvements, and corrective actions, provided transparent disclosure and professional cooperation are maintained.
We may decline or discontinue engagements where applicable ethical and professional requirements cannot be met, subject to contractual and professional obligations.
Our commitment to quality
We are committed to delivering professional services through competence, diligence, appropriate supervision, sufficient documentation, and continuous improvement.
Our quality-management approach is guided by applicable Philippine professional standards, including the Philippine Standards on Quality Management for engagements within their scope.
We believe quality is reflected not simply in reports issued or deadlines met, but in the reliability, credibility, and professional judgment supporting our work.
Professional accountability
A CPA’s signature represents professional accountability and public trust. Our professional conclusions depend on the engagement scope, evidence obtained and applicable standards. Fees do not determine opinions or conclusions.
We build trust through integrity, deliver clarity through competence, and protect credibility through independent professional judgment.
Our responsibility extends beyond compliance to the credibility of financial information, the integrity of professional judgment, and the trust placed in the accounting profession.
Professional framework
Our work is subject to relevant Philippine laws and professional regulations, applicable Philippine Standards on Auditing and other engagement standards, the Philippine Standards on Quality Management, and relevant PICPA and IESBA professional ethics guidance as applicable in the Philippines.
- PRC Board of Accountancy: professional regulations and adopted ethics code
- IESBA: ethical principles and independence framework
- AASC: Philippine Standards on Quality Management
SEGUNDO C. SANCHEZ, CPA
Accounting and Audit Office
Building Trust.
Clarity for what comes next.