Confidential Accounts

"Some businesses that accept cash money have been known to keep two sets of accounts; one for the purposes of paying tax, the other to tell the full financial story strictly for in-house use. As a software professional working on an organisation’s accounts, you are likely to see information that your employer expects you to keep confidential. It may only be relatively minor matters, not necessarily a whole second set of book. Confidentiality of the employer-employee relationship is extremely important in professional practice. Like a doctor or lawyer, what you learn must not be disclosed to a third party except under certain prescribed circumstances. Becoming a whistle-blower is an extreme act, though sometimes it is justified. Before doing it, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of your professional association. With good advice, your ethical concerns can be resolved without breaching your obligation to treat your employer’s information confidentially. You should be aware that whistle-blowers, regardless of how well-intentioned they be, almost invariably become despised and unemployable."