Dr. Robert (Rob) Tennant’s session, “Accounting Ethics in the Digital Age,” provides a practical, case-based exploration of how modern technology is reshaping ethical expectations in the accounting profession. In this 90–120 minute workshop, he briefly outlines why digital transformation — including automation, cloud systems, data analytics, and AI — has elevated the complexity of ethical decision-making. Participants will revisit key professional ethical principles (AICPA/IMA) and learn how they apply when decisions involve algorithms, digital reporting tools, and real-time data.
A central feature of the session is interactive group work using contemporary case studies. Scenarios may include AI-driven reporting bias, pressure to manipulate automated forecasts, mishandling of confidential cloud-stored data, or misleading digital disclosures. Using a structured ethical decision-making framework provided by Dr. Tennant, groups analyze dilemmas, discuss trade-offs, and present solutions.
Attendees receive practical takeaways such as: an ethics checklist for technology-based decisions, warning signs of digital misconduct, guidance for escalation and documentation, and phrasing to respond professionally to unethical requests. The session closes with a Q&A for real-world challenges. Participants leave with actionable tools to strengthen ethical awareness and oversight in technology-enabled accounting environments.