The Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) has teamed up with 10 other state CPA groups to introduce a new course focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and accounting ethics. This collaborative effort, entitled AI Ethics 2023: Balancing on the Tightrope, aims to equip finance professionals with the knowledge and understanding needed to navigate the ethical challenges presented by AI in the field of accounting.
The course, which is part of the VSCPA’s suite of Essential Ethics courses, is delivered in partnership with various CPA societies, including those in Alabama, California, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Washington. Designed to provide practical insights, the course utilizes real-world cases and discussions to dive deep into AI-related topics. It examines the evolving regulatory frameworks for AI, examines vulnerabilities and risks associated with the technology, offers strategies for mitigating risks to ensure ethical practices, and delves into the ethical dilemmas posed by AI.
Stephanie Peters, President, and CEO of the VSCPA, highlighted the sense of urgency to develop a comprehensive course due to the increasing implementation of AI and the recent introduction of ChatGPT. This course, led by entrepreneur Ace Callwood from the Envoy consulting firm, features esteemed guests such as David Vogeleer, CTO of online insurance provider Buddy, and Jamie Jones Miller, dean and CEO of the Arlington Campus of Northeastern University.
Available on-demand via webcast, the course fulfills the ethics requirement for Virginia CPAs, offering two Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for ethics and 0.5 credits for technology. It is also accessible to CPAs, finance professionals, and business professionals nationwide. The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy has approved the course, ensuring its value and relevance.
In addition to the AI Ethics course, the VSCPA’s Essential Ethics program covers a range of other crucial subjects such as recruiting and retaining diverse talent, tales of corruption, and tax ethics. These courses, along with the newly introduced AI Ethics course, contribute to the organization’s commitment to promoting integrity and ethical conduct within the accounting profession.
By collaborating with multiple state CPA groups and gathering insights from experts across industries, the VSCPA aims to equip finance professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to embrace AI ethically. Through this comprehensive course, accountants can gain a deeper understanding of the ethical implications surrounding AI implementation and navigate the complexities of the evolving regulatory landscape in the field of accounting.
