Policy Statement – Code of Conduct

At Blackwood Bookkeeping Solutions Pty Ltd, we are committed to upholding the highest professional and ethical standards as required of registered BAS Agents.

We recognise that our role carries significant responsibility, and we take seriously the trust our clients place in us.

Our Commitment as Professional Bookkeepers and BAS Agents

In our business, we:

  • Uphold the standards of a Professional Bookkeeper
  • Comply with the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Professional Code of Conduct
  • Comply with the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA) Code of Conduct for registered BAS Agents
  • Act honestly, lawfully, and with integrity in all dealings
  • Promote confidence in the Australian tax and regulatory system
  • Maintain our own personal and business compliance obligations

Ethical Standards You Can Expect

When you engage Blackwood Bookkeeping Solutions, you can expect that we will:

  • Act in your best interests, within the law
  • Provide services competently and in a timely manner
  • Maintain confidentiality and professionalism
  • Communicate transparently and respectfully
  • Take reasonable care in applying relevant taxation and reporting laws

If any matter arises that may significantly affect your decision to engage or continue engaging our services, we will disclose this openly and in good faith.

How We Maintain Compliance and Quality

To uphold the TPB Code of Professional Conduct, our business maintains strong governance systems, including:

  • A documented Quality Management System (QMS)
  • Ongoing professional development (minimum 30 hours per year)
  • Internal training to ensure our team remains current with taxation and compliance obligations
  • Supervision and review of work performed
  • Secure record-keeping and documentation procedures
  • Processes for identifying and correcting errors promptly

Team Integrity, Supervision, and Fit and Proper Standards

All team members providing services on our behalf are:

  • Appropriately supervised and reviewed
  • Supported with training and resources
  • Screened to ensure they are not disqualified by the TPB
  • Subject to police checks where required
  • Bound by confidentiality obligations and professional conduct standards

We maintain a culture of accountability, transparency, and ethical service delivery.

Reporting Concerns and Managing Breaches

If any concern arises regarding conduct or compliance, we have systems in place to ensure issues are addressed appropriately, including:

  • Confidential channels for team members to report concerns
  • Protections for individuals who raise issues in good faith
  • Performance management and corrective action processes
  • Documentation of actual or potential breaches of the Code

Upholding Trust in the Profession

As registered BAS Agents, we do not engage in conduct that may:

  • Undermine public confidence in the tax system
  • Bring discredit to the bookkeeping or tax profession
  • Compromise the integrity of professional standards

Clients remain entitled to exercise all legal rights, including objecting to ATO decisions or seeking review through official channels.

Our Responsibility to Correct False or Misleading Information

Under the TPB Code of Conduct, we have a legal obligation to ensure information lodged with the ATO is accurate and not misleading.

If we become aware that a false or misleading statement has been made in a document submitted on your behalf, we will:

  • Discuss the issue with you promptly
  • Explain the consequences of not correcting the statement
  • Seek your written approval to correct and re-lodge where required
  • Confirm the outcome in writing once resolved

If a Correction Is Not Made

If you choose not to proceed with a required correction:

  • We will confirm this decision in writing
  • We may need to withdraw from the engagement
  • In certain circumstances, we may be legally required to notify the ATO

This process exists to protect both you and our professional obligations.

Further Information and Key Engagement Documents

Your engagement with Blackwood Bookkeeping Solutions is supported by a suite of documents designed to ensure transparency, professionalism, and compliance.

Please also refer to our related engagement documents:

Support and Contact

If you have any questions about these documents, how we work, your rights and responsibilities, or our professional obligations, please reach out to your dedicated bookkeeper or contact our team at:

sarah.stein@blackwoodadvisory.au

We’re here to help you feel informed, supported, and confident every step of the way.