Thread: Accountant confidentiality - does this qualify?

While I can't answer your question about client confidentiality with accountants, I would suggest you review any policies your company has about moonlighting, and take appropriate action based on that.

For example, many company are okay with employees doing other ventures outside work, assuming: 1) it doesn't conflict with the company's business, 2) it doesn't interfere with your work, and 3) you don't use company resources. If that's the case with your company, why not just disclose that you're doing your side project?

Of course, if the company doesn't allow moonlighting, then I guess it's up to you if you want to take the risk with the accountant. Perhaps you could just ask him/her if they'd keep that info confidential?

Jscott, thanks for the response. Our company is small (7 people) and as far as I know, we don't have any sort of written policy regarding moonlighting. In fact, we don't even have a company handbook or anything of the sort. But understand the "sensitivity" of the issue and will definitely confirm.

My side venture meets all the requirements of your company's rules. In fact, my new venture is going to be selling on eBay, so I figure worst case scenario if it ever comes up, "Oh, I've just sold a couple of extra things around my apartment for capital to buy a house."

I'm pretty sure my boss would think that was a great idea.

I agree with above posts. As long as there is not prohibition of your "moonlighting", then you should be fine since there's clearly no conflict of interest (unless you plan on selling real estate from your ebay store!!)

I would float the idea by your boss in a casual way - as something that you're helping your fiancee set up in her spare time. If he has any reservations about it, it should come up then. If you get any pushback at all, then I think you know your answer regarding the choice of accountants. While most professionals will honor your request for confidentiality, if pressed, their loyalty will be to the bigger client (in this case, your boss). While I doubt that this will be a problem, it's always prudent to keep it in the back of your mind, IMO.