ACCA Applied Knowledge · Business and Technology · Ethical conflicts and dilemmas
An accountant in practice moves to a new firm. At the new firm she is asked to use detailed pricing information about her former client's customers to help win business for a competitor. Which statement is correct under the ACCA Code?
She must not use the information. The duty of confidentiality continues after the relationship or employment ends, and confidential information must not be used for the advantage of herself or a third party, whether or not it is labelled confidential or lightly altered.
- AShe may use it, since she is no longer employed by the former firm
- BShe may use it if the information is not marked 'confidential'
- CShe may use it if she changes the figures slightly
- DShe must not use it, because the duty of confidentiality continues after the end of the relationshipCorrect
Explanation
The duty of confidentiality continues after the professional relationship or employment ends. The accountant must not use or disclose confidential information acquired earlier for personal advantage or the advantage of a third party. Absence of a label or slight alteration does not remove the duty.
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