Privacy policy and information collection statement
Sothertons respects your right to privacy and it is important to us that all personal information we collect about you and your organisation is secure. Sothertons has created this Privacy Policy and Information Collection Statement (together referred to as “this Privacy Policy”) in order to demonstrate its firm commitment to privacy.
Sothertons is bound by the Privacy Act and the National Privacy Principles “NPP’s”.
Sothertons will update this privacy policy as required. If it is changed, the changes will be posted on our website so that you are always aware of the type of information collected, how the information may be used, and under what circumstances it may be disclosed by Sothertons.
Please note that if at any time Sothertons is required by law to release information about you or your organisation, Sothertons must cooperate fully.
This Privacy Policy does not apply to acts or practices of Sothertons that are directly related to employee records of current or former employees.
Why does Sothertons collect information and how is your information used?
Sothertons collects information directly from you or your organisation when we are engaged to provide accounting, taxation, audit, financial planning and management consulting services.
Sothertons also collects information pertaining to your financial affairs from third parties such as banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, suppliers and customers of your business and other industry regulatory bodies. This information is collected in order to complete the various services that you have engaged us to perform. We also collect information via e-mail that relates to you or your business affairs.
Sothertons also uses the information collected to send you information relating to you or your business (either by post, fax or e-mail) that you have requested. If at any time you receive material that you did not request or do not want to receive any more, please refer to the Correcting and Updating Your Profile below.
What happens if you do not provide information?
If we do not collect requested information from you we are unable to complete the work that you have engaged us to perform. As a result:-
• We may be unable to satisfy the statutory reporting requirements as set down by the industries regulatory bodies, on your behalf. Consequently significant penalties may be incurred, and
• We cannot provide accurate advice and consulting services to you, which may be to the detriment of your business in the long term |
Who does Sothertons disclose information to?
Sothertons will not sell, rent, trade or otherwise supply to third parties any information relating to you or your business obtained from you without your consent.
Sothertons develops aggregate reports which may incorporate some of the information collected. These reports are for use by our business partners. However, these reports do not include any personally identifiable information.
How will Sothertons keep your information secure?
Sothertons have security measures designed to protect against loss, misuse and/or alteration of any information under its control. These include:-
• Premises that are fully secured with security keys and access codes required for entry.
• Access to our computer systems are restricted and all data is password protected.
• All Sothertons employees, as part of their employment contracts, are required to sign confidentiality agreements. These agreements are specifically designed to protect the privacy of our clients and their businesses.
Correcting and updating your profile
Sothertons gives you the following options for accessing and modifying information previously provided:
• You may gain access to information that Sothertons has collected about you and your business, by contacting the partner responsible for your affairs. Sothertons will not charge you for responding to such a request, unless costs are incurred in providing the information.
• You may email any changes to your personal or business details to the Sothertons office in your state.
Contacting
If you have any questions regarding our privacy policy please contact the Sothertons Chartered Accountant partner who is responsible for your affairs |
