Answer:
Yes, because the stock is a direct financial interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
The principals of the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct contains the responsibilities which are to exercise sensitive professional and moral judgment, in terms of the Public Interest to always honor the public trust and perform responsibilities with the highest sense of integrity.
The 3 Parts of the AICPA code of conduct. This includes:
(1) Members in public practice
(2) Members in business
(3) Other members
In accounting, code of conduct is important as it makes individuals to accept a high degree of responsibility toward the public.
Thd independence of a covered member is impaired when:
A. The covered member has a direct financial interest in a client
B. The covered member has a material indirect financial interest in the client
Direct Financial Interest
This is simply known as the ownership interests that is directly held in a client. An example is stock ownership, even if owned in a blind trust etc.