American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Practice Exam

Does personal involvement in significant firm decisions affect a CPA's independence regarding clients?

1. No, it does not affect independence

2. Only for public companies

3. Yes, it can impair independence

4. Only if it involves financial transactions

The correct answer is: Yes, it can impair independence

A CPA's independence is a fundamental principle that ensures objectivity and impartiality while delivering services to clients. Personal involvement in significant firm decisions can indeed impair a CPA's independence because such involvement could create conflicts of interest or lead to situations where personal relationships or financial interests may unduly influence the professional judgment of the CPA. When a CPA participates in critical decisions that affect the firm, particularly those related to financial interests or client relationships, their ability to remain objective may be compromised. For example, if a CPA is involved in choosing clients, structuring fees, or making decisions about the audit approach, there may be a risk that the interests of the CPA or the firm could take precedence over the best interests of the client. Such scenarios could lead to a perception that the CPA is not acting in the best interest of the client, which is essential for maintaining trust and integrity in the profession. In contrast, the other options do not fully capture the implications of personal involvement in decisions. The notion that independence is unaffected (the first choice) overlooks the significant dangers such involvement poses. Limiting the scope of impairment only to public companies or financial transactions fails to recognize the broader impact of significant firm decisions across all client types and varied circumstances. Therefore, the understanding that personal