Professional Ethics

Report an Ethics Complaint

• File a complaint with PICPA
• File a complaint with Pa State Board of Accountancy

File a complaint with PICPA

The PICPA Professional Ethics Committee investigates complaints against PICPA members for violations of the Code of Professional Conduct. PICPA will conduct an initial review of all complaints and, if necessary, an investigation under the Joint Ethics Enforcement Program (JEEP)procedures. Investigations can result in disciplinary action including suspension or termination of membership, but will not affect the individual’s state CPA license.

• Get the answers to your ethics questions:
  • Check the Ethics Resource Center
  • Call the PICPA Ethics Hotline at (888) 272-2001
  • E-mail ethics@picpa.org
• Complaints against members must be submitted in writing:

Professional Ethics Committee
Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs
1650 Arch Street, 17th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103
ethics@picpa.org

• Find out if someone is a member by calling PICPA at (888) 272-2001 or e-mail info@picpa.org
• Note that JEEP procedures require investigations be conducted in a confidential manner. Results will be strictly confidential, with some exceptions.

File a complaint with the Pa. State Board of Accountancy (SBOA)

The Pa. Department of State – Professional Compliance Office investigates complaints against all practitioners in Pennsylvania on behalf of the SBOA for violation of the Pennsylvania CPA Law and Rules and Regulations. Investigations can result in disciplinary actions against individuals, including suspension of their CPA licenses.

• The SBOA Web site has information about the Pennsylvania’s ethics procedures, including a complaint form for download
• Find out if someone if licensed in Pennsylvania using the Department of State’s License Verification Web site

Complaints regarding unlicensed practitioners should be directed to the SBOA.