With this in mind, are accountants ethically obligated to report financial information accurately? Does reporting using the generally accepted accounting principles imply accuracy? What are some potential consequences for an external analyst if a company provides inaccurate or misleading financial statements?

1. Accountants are ethically obligated to report financial information accurately

2. Reporting using the generally accepted accounting principles underscore on accuracy

3. Loss of confidence, lack of trust on the accounting team, a huge strain on their professional judgement and ethics.

Explanation:

1. Financial information in itself possesses some vital characteristics. One of these is the accuracy of the financial information. As the handler of financial activities, accountants are therefore saddled and ethically obligated to present and prepare their information accurately. This is so as to reflect the true picture of the going in the organization.

2. Reporting using GAAP - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, seeks to converge the presentation of financial reports and statements on the basis of accuracy. Thus, reliability and relevance are ultimately the foremost objectives of these principles. I therefore have no doubt its usage conveys accuracy of reports.

3. Loss of confidence - financial reports through which the external analyst worked upon are often prepared by the internal staffs. The implication of a wrong and misleading reports from the company is an erosion of confidence on the credibility, reliability and competence of company's preparers of reports.

Lack of trust - The point above ultimately impacts on the level of trust placed on the accuracy, reliability and relevance of financial reports.

Professional Judgement and Ethics - The conducts of the company in presenting a wrong report throws the analyst into an ethnical dilemma, and a huge professional strain. This is not in line with best practices.

correct, but each time you dont pay the price of the penalty can increase.