Objectives

• Promote interaction among members of the academic and professional communities interested in the interface of accounting with social, economic, ethical and political consequences of corporate activity, and in exploring the social and ethical roles and responsibilities of the accounting profession.
• Encourage research in public interest accounting by identifying areas in need of research, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and findings, and providing opportunities for exposure of research results.
• Present programs which create and expand an awareness of the profession’s responsibility to society.
• Develop and promote educational materials which foster an awareness of social and ethical issues in accounting students.
• Encourage interdisciplinary exchanges between accountants and members of other learned groups.

Activities

• Participation in national meetings
• Participation in regional meetings
• Newsletters
• Annual research retreat
• Workshops

History
The Public Interest Section of the American Accounting Association was founded in 1979 to advance awareness of the social responsibilities of the profession. The Section seeks to advance and support: social, ethical, and public policy accounting and reporting research; the assessment and recommendation of social measurement and reporting standards; the development of social and ethical curricula; and to provide assistance on public issues in which the accountant’s unique expertise can be brought to bear.

Benefits of Membership
The Public Interest Section provides opportunities to:

• Stay current on the latest developments in social and ethical accounting and other Public Interest issues.
• Receive the newsletter of the Section containing information on current activities, research and education in Public Interest areas.
• Discuss research ideas with individuals with whom you share similar research interests.
• Participate in seminars, retreats, workshops and programs addressing Public Interest issues, both regionally and nationally.
• Contribute to the development of the professional accountant’s sense of responsibility with respect to the Public Interest.

Membership Application Form (Printable with Adobe Acrobat Reader)

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