Ethics Ch6 Flashcards
Whistle blowing definition
A person who tells someone in authority about a misconduct, alleged dishonesty or illegal activity that has it may occur in an organisation
What does an employee do if they suspect an employer or client had committed an act which is illegal or unethical
Decide the appropriate reporting procedures to follow. They may decide to whistle blow
Before whistle blowing, make sure there’s plenty of facts to back up the accusation, and evidence. Follow the company’s international procedures for reporting suspected misconduct,
This may involve reporting unethical behaviour to a prescribed internal department within the company
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External whistleblowing- a individual is advised to raise concerns internally before going external. If they feel they cannot they should report to the FRC (financial reporting council)
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The pinkie inerest disclosure act 1998 (PIDA)
They offer the employee some protection in certain circumstances regarding whistleblowing.
A criminal offence, breach of a legal obligation, miscarriage of justice, endangerment of an individuals health, environmental damage.
In order to be protected an employee must show
The disclosure is made in good faith, the employee believes that the information disclosed is true, the employee would otherwise be victimised it the evidence concealed destroyed if the information is not disclosed
The public inerest Disclosure act 1998 makes it easier for an employee to report an unethical behaviour however it cannot offer complete protection form the employer, who is the target
Whistleblowing has resulted in employees being suspended or dismissed.
Several organisations that can provide confidential advise
Citizens advise bureau, public concern at work,
Aat has a free helpline
Advise that before whistleblowing seek advise from Aat helpline
Activity’s relating to money laundering include
Acquiring using or processing cornball property, handing the proceeds of crime such as theft fraud and tax evasion, being knowing involved in anyway with criminal or terrorist property, entering into arrangements to facilitate laundering criminal or terrorist property investigating the proceeds of crime into other financial products, investigating the proceeds of crime into the acquisition of property/assets, transferring criminal property.
Criminal property
Is property which was knowingly obtained as a result of criminal conduct. It may take a number f forms including money, security , tangible or intangible property, terrorist property is money or property likely to be used for terrorist purposes. Or carrying out terrorist attaks
An accountant will be guilty of money laundering if they turn a blind eye to the clients suspect dealings
This would be viewed as facilitating the clients illegal activity’s
There is no min or max limit as to whether an accountant should report money laundering or terrorist financing offences
An accountant must be vigilant in preventing and detecting money laundering
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The proceeds of crime act 2002
Money laundering rules, this sets out the principle money laundering offenders and the requirements to report something suspicious
The terrosim act 2000
Money laundering rules, This sets out the principle terrorist financing and reporting obligations in similar terms to POCA
The money laundering regulations 2007 (the regulations )
These require some traders and firms to establish procedures intended to detect and prevent activities relating to money laundering and terrorist financing
NCA
NCA tackles serious organised crime gay effects the uk, including class A drugs, propel smuggling, human trafficking, major gun crime, fraud, computer crime, money laundering
Money laundering penalties
They can be penalised. Undoing an unlimited fine and it a prison sentence for up to 14 years
If an organisation hides unreasonable terms in the small print of a contract that they later try and enforce this will put customers off trading with that business in the future. Similarly if a business is not clear in its dealings with suppliers these suppliers will be reluctant to deal with the business in the future
Being transparent with colleagues, customers and suppliers
Failure to produce accurate and timely financial information may lead to poor decisions being made by the management of the business. Failure to produce regulatory information such as financial statements on time can lead to businesses being fined
Reporting financial and regularly information clearly and in time
A business that gives gifts or hospitality to customers could be seen as trying to influence the customers decisions or even bribe. Accepting gifts of suppliers could influence descion making of the organisation. The consequence of not hvaung c,ear policies regarding gifts could be adversely affect the image of a business and lead to accusations of unethical dealings
Being open and honest by identifying when is appropriate to accept and give gifts
a business that try’s squeeze the lowest price out of suppliers and delays payments can adversely affect relationships with the suppliers.
For example large supermarkets received bad publicity in the press for their control over small farmers and demanding very low prices
Paying suppliers a fair price and on time
If a business does. It treat its employees well they will leave the organisations which will lead to high staff turnover also poor working conditions will affect staff morale (enthusiasm) and affect quality of work
Providing fair treatment, decent wage and good working conditions
Code of practice implemented in the work p,ace are not legally enforceable but if a business fails to comp,y with regulations it could be subject to fines. Eg if they are found to have breached the health and safety at work act, the court can impose significant penalties
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Internal disciplinary procedures by an employer
These disciplinary procedures should be forms,Kay documented but will include the following stages
A verbal warning, a written warning, disciplinary hearing, opportunity to appeal,suspension from work, dismissal
Depending on the seriousness of the breach
Disciplinary action by the professional accounting bodies.
Failure to complete,y with applicable regulations, and codes of practice, may result in the accountant being disciplined
Disciplinary action if misconduct can be taken by the individual accounting bodies and also by the financial reporting council (FRC) which is the independence disciplinary body for accountants