New challenges of the IFAC International Code of Ethics. The case of the Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of the paper is to provide empirical evidence on certified auditors’ perceptions in the Republic of North Macedonia (RNM) about the new IFAC International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants. Methodology/approach: A survey was conducted by distributing a questionnaire to the certified auditors in RNM, and the answers were then analyzed. Findings: The results indicate that the observance of the Code of Ethics affects the quality of audit engagements in domestic practice. The majority of practitioners believe that the fundamental principles are sufficiently clearly elaborated and can provide an appropriate basis for ethical conduct. The principle of objectivity is most exposed to threats, while the most common threat is familiarity. Safeguards created by the profession, the law, and regulations are more effective in addressing threats. Finally, practitioners agree that the innovations brought by the new Code of Ethics represent a significant benefit to the auditors’ mission to preserve and strengthen their independence. Research implications/limitations: The research provides empirical evidence of ethical behavior in domestic audit practice, but no similar research has been done before to make a comparative analysis. Originality/value: This research is the first of this type in RNM and fills the research gap in the field of ethical behavior in the domestic audit practice.