Nasba Center for the Public Trust

Ethics Advancement Program. The NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) manages several areas of activities under the Ethics Advancement program. CPT offers two online tools: (1) a resource made available to CPA Society organizations with fresh content that can be used in continuing professional education courses in the area of ethical leadership and (2) a training program in ethical leadership for professionals. CPT also publishes an Ethics Matters newsletter which include articles highlighting ethics and ethical behavior in business and accounting communities as well as the current activities of CPT. In addition, CPT honors the accomplishments of individuals and organizations that demonstrate exemplary practices of ethics in leadership and strong corporate citizenship through the Being A Difference Award. This award has been granted to Fortune 500 executives, Olympic athletes, a Big Four Audit firm, a public water utility and individuals who unselfishly serve their community.

Conferences Program. CPT holds an Annual Auditing Conference with Baruch College of the City University of New York. The annual conference provides a forum for interaction between business, public accounting, academics, and professional standards setters such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). It also examines the current best practices of ethics and independence within the auditing profession.

Student Program. The CPT created Student Center for the Public Trust (StudentCPT) chapters to focus on educating and engaging future business leaders on ethics, accountability and integrity. StudentCPT chapters are student-run organizations, based on college campuses throughout the United States. Students have the opportunity to participate in a student leadership conference, an ethics video competition, community service activities and Campus Being a Difference Awards. StudentCPT events also feature dynamic speakers and case studies to help students identify ethical issues and make the best decisions. Chapter events also provide opportunities to network with business leaders throughout the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), Boards of Accountancy and others. CPT also impacts students with the online Ethical Leadership Certification program. This certification program uses interactive presentations, videos and thought-provoking poll questions to analyze the causes, effects and solutions of real-world ethical dilemmas.