Two Firms Launch
New EthicsPrograms,
Journal of Accountancy
BKD voluntarily formed the Public Interest Council in 2004 as an independent advisory body to provide additional oversight of professional and business practices. Along with the public accounting firm of Moss Adams LLP, we were among the first accounting firms to voluntarily create such an advisory group.
The council consists of three individuals who are knowledgeable about accounting, business, law and ethics:
- Stephen L. Hayford, professor of dispute resolution and business law in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University at Bloomington
- Raymond C. Dockweiler, retired professor from University of Missouri - Columbia College of Business
- Irvin V. Belzer, partner with Bryan Cave, LLP law firm in Kansas City
These independent advisors reflect our commitment to internal due diligence. There is an expectation from the public and our clients that CPAs must perform their work with integrity and objectivity as well as avoid conflicts of interest. Access to feedback from unbiased advisors lends credence to firm standards and operations.
The council helps BKD fulfill its mission to maintain sound professional, business and financial standards by independently evaluating BKD’s peer review, independence standards and procedures and internal quality controls aimed at ensuring the firm meets its responsibilities to the public.
Since 2004, the council has focused its attention in phases covering quality control policies and procedures, mentoring, risk assessment, specific practice areas, professional education programs and the firm’s internal inspection process. Other projects on the council’s agenda include looking at adequacy of staffing and resources, further examining risk management and quality control and reviewing auditors’ responsibility to find fraud.
BKD took a proactive leadership role in establishing its Public Interest Council, which reinforces the importance we place on integrity, ethics and professionalism in our dealings. Using the council’s feedback, BKD will enhance the internal mechanisms that support our role as trusted CPAs and advisors and polish the BKD Experience of Unmatched Client Service.
 Stephen L. Hayford |
 Raymond C. Dockweiler |
 Irvin V. Belzer |
Mission Statement
The council’s mission is to help ensure that BKD, acting of its own accord, meets its obligations and high duty to the public and its clients. The council will fulfill that charge by autonomously monitoring and evaluating the firm’s independence standards and other internal policies and procedures designed to establish and maintain the quality, objectivity and competency of BKD’s people and services, and by examining any other matters deemed appropriate. The goal of these efforts is to assist BKD in achieving its ongoing commitment to the highest ethical, professional and business standards.
