Linda Kidwell, Senior Fulbright Scholar for the spring of 2015, delivered a series of four lectures in February and March at Academia de Studii Economice din București (ASE), also known as the Bucharest University of Economic Studies.  She spoke to accounting students in four programs at ASE about the importance of business ethics in general, as well as following ethics expectations of the accounting profession specifically.  She addressed in depth the Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), a code which has been adopted not only by the various professional accountancy bodies in Romania but in over 100 countries globally, and she also contrasted the international approach to the American approach.

Whether in mature or transitioning market economies, accountants are often the watchdogs over businesses for complying with fiscal laws, reporting their financial status accurately, being accountable to shareholders and tax payers, and increasing transparency to the public. Professor Kidwell stressed the importance of remembering that professional accountants owe their ultimate duty to the public and must uphold the public trust. These lectures reflect Professor Kidwell’s research activities as well, in that she is studying the state of corporate governance in Romania.  She has been meeting with leaders from business and the accounting profession to learn what progress has been made in Romania’s business environment in recent years as well as to identify areas where improved practices could help Romania become a more attractive destination for foreign investment and trade activity.