GiffardSim Accountants

Ethics

Act in the public interest

Our Code of Ethics

 

GIFFARDSIM ACCOUNTANTS PROUDLY ABIDE BY THE TERMS OF THE CODE OF ETHICS FOR PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS. THE CODE IS MANDATORY FOR ALL CERTIFIED PRACTICING ACCOUNTANTS AND CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS. NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THIS CODE CAN LEAD TO DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS BY THE PROFESSIONAL BODY TO WHICH THE MEMBER BELONGS.

The fundamental principles of the code of ethics support the fact that the accountancy profession accepts its responsibility to act in the public interest. The public interest is defined as the collective well-being of the community of people and institutions that the members serve.

As a result of the above, all GiffardSim Accountants advisers proactively follow these fundamental principles:

INTEGRITY

The principle of integrity imposes an obligation on advisers to be straightforward and honest in professional and business relationships. Integrity also implies fair dealing and truthfulness.

OBJECTIVITY

The principle of objectivity imposes an obligation on advisers not to compromise their professional or business judgment because of bias, conflict of interest or the undue influence of others.

Professional competence and due care - advisers have a professional obligation to maintain professional knowledge and skill at a very high level; and to act diligently in accordance with applicable technical and professional standards when providing their services. Further to this, competent professional service requires the exercise of sound judgment in applying professional knowledge and skill in the performance of such services.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The principle of confidentiality imposes an obligation on advisers to refrain from:

(a) disclosing outside the firm or employing organisation confidential information acquired as a result of professional and business relationship without proper and specific authority from the client or employer or unless there is a legal duty to disclose; and

(b) using confidential information acquired as a result of professional and business relationships to their personal advantage or the advantage of third parties.

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR

The principle of professional behaviour imposes an obligation on advisers to comply with relevant laws and regulations and avoid any action or omission that may bring discredit to the profession.

The above standards are safeguarded by GiffardSim Accountants, CPA Australia, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia, as well as legislation or regulations. The safeguards we fully support include:

  1. Continuing education, training and experience requirements required to be a member of CPA Australia or The Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia

  2. Providing continuing professional development opportunities to employees

  3. Abiding by corporate governance regulations

  4. Rigid compliance with professional standards

  5. Complete acceptance and willingness to participate in professional or regulatory monitoring and disciplinary procedures if ever required

  6. Complete support for, and acceptance of, any opportunity to be subject to external independent reviews by a member of CPA Australia or the Institute of Accountants in Australia in relation to work quality.

GiffardSim Accountants commitment to the code of ethics and professional behaviour remains at the forefront of our commitment to serve our clients and the community. We not only fully accept and are guided by the terms of the code, but also commit to upholding and abiding by the spirit in which this code has been drafted.