ETHICS AND PROFESSIONALISM IN FIDUCIARY ACCOUNTING SERVICES
Abstract
This research examines the importance of ethics and professionalism in the provision of fiduciary accounting services. The objectives are to identify the key ethical challenges faced by fiduciary accountants, to assess the impact of ethical practices on client trust and satisfaction, and to evaluate the role of professional standards in maintaining ethical conduct. A survey research design was employed to gather data from practicing fiduciary accountants and their clients, enabling an in-depth understanding of ethical issues and professional behaviors. The sample size of 350 was derived using Taro Yamane's formula from a population of 150,000, ensuring a robust representation of the target population. The case study was conducted in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, known for its diverse professional services sector. The survey instrument demonstrated a reliability coefficient score of 0.88, indicating excellent consistency. Findings indicate that adherence to ethical standards significantly enhances client trust and satisfaction, while breaches in ethics lead to reputational damage and client attrition. The study recommends that regulatory bodies enforce stricter ethical guidelines and that fiduciary accountants undergo regular ethics training to uphold the highest standards of professionalism.