Trust is the bedrock of the bookkeeping profession. Every day, businesses place their confidence in us to safeguard their financial well-being. This responsibility is profound, and we earn that trust not simply through technical skill, but through consistent honesty, careful stewardship, and an unwavering commitment to ethical principles.
At CPB Canada, we understand that ethics is more than a professional obligation—it is a promise we make to the people and communities who depend on us. We are steadfast in our commitment to supporting our members and upholding the highest standards of integrity. The 2025 Annual Ethics Update is a testament to this promise, offering insight into how we navigate ethical challenges with transparency, fairness, and compassion.
Why Ethics Matters
Ethics is not simply a set of rules. It is the heart of our profession; shaping the value and care we bring to every client and business we serve. Ethical conduct ensures transparency, builds lasting confidence, and safeguards not only individual reputations but the collective credibility of our entire profession.
When CPB Canada members commit to a strong ethical framework, it sends a clear and reassuring message to employers, clients, and the public: you can trust a CPB to act with integrity, professionalism, and genuine care.
The 2025 Annual Ethics Update
The 2025 Ethics Update provides an in-depth look at how CPB Canada handles ethical complaints. It highlights the work of our Investigators and the Ethics and Discipline Committee in how they deal with complaints, investigate concerns, and ensure accountability. This is done all while maintaining transparency and fairness.
This year’s update shows a robust system in action:
- Complaints are carefully vetted to protect members from frivolous accusations.
- Valid concerns are thoroughly investigated to uphold the profession’s standards and trust of the public.
- Trends in complaints are analyzed to identify areas where education can prevent future issues.
The report also outlines specific investigations and their ultimate result – be it clearance or a disciplinary sanction. Recognizing this approach, CPB Canada is prioritizing education to help members avoid potential pitfalls.
Education and Prevention: A Proactive Approach
CPB Canada’s ethics work goes beyond resolving complaints—it’s about equipping members with the tools they need to make sound, ethical decisions. This year, we’ve introduced resources like:
- A complimentary Ethics Seminar Series led by Arun Mathur, FCPA, FCA.
- Practical sessions at the 2025 IGNITE Conference to tackle real-world scenarios.
Additionally, ethics training is a requirement in annual continuing professional development (CPD) compliance.
Raising the Bar for the Profession
The ripple effects of strong ethical standards are profound. When members act with integrity, it elevates the reputation of the entire bookkeeping profession. Looking ahead, CPB Canada is implementing new measures to keep ethics at the forefront. Starting in 2026, all CPBs will be required to reaffirm their commitment to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct on an annual basis. This simple act reinforces our collective dedication to serving the public interest with integrity.
Access the Full Update
The 2025 Annual Ethics Update is a resource exclusive to CPB Canada members. It provides detailed insights into complaint trends, case outcomes, and strategic initiatives that are shaping the future of our profession.
Members can access the full 2025 Ethics Update through the Community Hub.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to upholding the integrity of bookkeeping in Canada. Your dedication and compassion make a real difference—not just for our profession, but for every business and community we serve. Together, we are building a legacy of trust, excellence, and unwavering ethics.
Rick Johal, CAE, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
CPB Canada
