You do not need a lawyer to create and sign a non-disclosure agreement. However, if the information you are trying to protect is important enough to warrant an NDA, you may want to have the document reviewed by someone with legal expertise.
Confidentiality requires an accountant never to disclose a client's information without permission from that client. Because of the fiduciary relationship and confidentiality, a client can feel comfortable sharing sensitive information and facts with the accountant.
A confidentiality agreement should include the names and addresses of the parties to the contract. Consider also including: Reason for the agreement: Explain why you're sharing this information. The information disclosed: Be specific about the subject matter and what exactly is included in the agreement.
In most cases, CPAs do not need to sign an NDA because confidentiality is an established part of their professional responsibilities. However, if a client requests an NDA for added assurance, some CPAs may agree to sign one, although it is not necessary.
A confidentiality agreement should include a clear definition of the confidential information, scope of the agreement, obligations of the receiving party, the duration of the contract, any exceptions to confidentiality, and the consequences of a breach of the contract.
Accountants must maintain confidentiality throughout the client relationship, from initial consultation to completion of services. This includes: 1- Initial consultations: Keeping discussions and information shared during initial meetings confidential.
NDA REQUESTS AND PROPRIETARY R&D Clients and prospective clients may need tax, accounting, and consulting assistance associated with research and development for proprietary products or services. As such, the CPA may be asked to sign an NDA before any discussion about the scope of services can even begin.
The typical confidentiality obligation imposes a duty to use confidential information only for its intended purpose.
Answer: Confidentiality is one of the fundamental principles set out in APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (“the Code”). The Code is based on the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, which is issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants.
A professional accountant should respect the confidentiality of information acquired as a result of professional and business relationships and should not disclose any such information to third parties without proper and specific authority unless there is a legal or professional right or duty to disclose.