Most ethical failures in accounting don’t begin with fraud, they begin with pressure. Pressure to keep a client, protect cash flow, or avoid a decision that feels financially dangerous. For South African accountants in practice, ethics is rarely tested in theory. It’s tested in private moments, under strain, when no one else is watching. This article explores how ethical compromise happens quietly, why compliance alone is not enough, and how everyday decisions around client pressure, confidentiality, and professional judgement can carry serious long-term consequences. Because in accounting, integrity is not abstract, it’s survival.

Fraud is not just a big-company problem; it’s costing small practices, SMEs, and NPOs millions each year. In Red Flags & Right Choices: Fraud Prevention and Ethics That Pay Off, Leana van der Merwe unpacks real South African cases, showing how fraud happens and how ethics can prevent it. The session gives accountants practical tools to spot red flags early, strengthen controls, and turn ethical advice into a valuable client service that builds trust and protects reputations.

Real stories from CIBA members reveal what happens when doing the right thing isn't so simple. From quiet pressure to bend the rules, to standing up in the face of risk, these moments show how ethics plays out in real business life. It's honest, relatable, and a reminder that integrity is tested in the everyday, not just in big scandals.

Good corporate governance and strong ethics help businesses build trust and avoid scandals. When leaders make fair and honest decisions, companies grow in a sustainable way. Without ethics, businesses risk losing their reputation and facing serious consequences. Governance sets the rules, and ethics ensures they are followed with integrity. Companies that value transparency, accountability, and fairness create long-term success and strong relationships with employees, customers, and investors. Ethical business is not just about following laws but about doing what is right, even when no one is watching.