The accountant has a responsibility to her clients and to the public to perform her duties with integrity. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission oversees the activities of accountants and, in some cases, will bring action against those that behave in unethical or illegal ways.

First, visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website at http://sec.gov/ and examples of an action that the SEC has brought against an accountant. (Use this case)

[ 2009-180
www.sec.gov/news/press/2009/2009-180.htm

Aug 6, 2009 ... SEC Charges Hank Greenberg and Howard Smith for Roles in Alleged AIG Accounting Violations. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2009-180.]

Second, write a paper in which you address the following prompts

(Be sure to answer each prompt, total of three)

1. Identify the securities laws involved.

2. Describe what the SEC alleges that the accountant has done.

3. Recommend what the accountant could have done alternatively to avoid the situation.