No matter how livings are earned, CPAs will often need ethical guidance in relation to particular circumstances. CPAs who are engaged in professional practice or who in any way provide professional services to clients, may on occasion need guidance on the correct course to pursue in their dealings. Members in salaried employment are subject to the terms of contracts of employment. In many respects they are in a very similar position to CPAs in practice.

All CPAs are under obligation to avoid conduct which would bring discredit to their employers, themselves or the accountancy profession. Any of such conduct may involve disciplinary proceeding under the Disciplinary Committee of Council. Thus a member is expected under normal circumstances to follow the guidance given through the code of ethics issues by the Institute. Whereas failure to follow the code of ethics is not a disciplinary matter in itself, such departure would place the onus on the CPA to justify his or her actions.