Preface
“Do it right.”
CFO2Biz generally applies those words to how we serve our clients. But “Do it right” is much more than that. Yes, it’s about providing our clients unbiased advice, focusing on their needs and giving them the best services that we can. But it’s also about doing the right thing more generally — following the law, acting honorably and treating each other with respect.
The CFO2Biz Code of Conduct is one of the ways we put “Do it right” into practice. It’s built around the recognition that everything we do in connection with our work at CFO2Biz will be, and should be, measured against the highest possible standards of ethical business conduct. We set the bar that high for practical as well as aspirational reasons: Our commitment to the highest standards helps us associate with great people, who then provide great services, which in turn attract loyal clients. Trust and mutual respect among our providers and clients are the foundation of our success, and they are something we need to earn every day.
So please read the Code, and follow it, always bearing in mind that each of us has a personal responsibility to incorporate, and to encourage other CFO2Biz service providers to incorporate, the principles of the Code into our work. And if you have a question or ever think that one of your fellow CFO2Biz service providers or the Company as a whole may be falling short of our commitment, don’t be silent. We want — and need — to hear from you.
Who Must Follow Our Code?
We expect all of our service providers and Members to know and follow the Code. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, including termination of our business relationship. Moreover, while the Code is specifically written for CFO2Biz service providers and Members, we expect all CFO2Biz contractors, consultants and others who may be temporarily assigned to perform work or services for CFO2Biz to follow the Code in connection with their work for us. Failure of a CFO2Biz contractor or consultant or other covered service provider to follow the Code can result in termination of their relationship with CFO2BIz.
I. Serve Our Clients
Our clients value CFO2BIZ not only because we deliver great services but because we hold ourselves to a higher standard in how we treat clients.
Keeping the following principles in mind will help us to maintain that high standard:
- Integrity
- Provide Value
- Privacy and Freedom of Expression
- Responsiveness
- Take Action
Our reputation as a company that our clients can trust is our most valuable asset, and it is up to all of us to make sure that we continually earn that trust. All of our communications and other interactions with our clients should increase their trust in us.
Our services should make CFO2BIZ more valuable for all our clients, whether they’re large corporations or individuals. We have many different types of clients, but one guiding principle: ‘Is what we are offering valuable?’
Always remember that we are asking clients to trust us with their personal information. Preserving that trust requires that each of us respect and protect the privacy of that information. Our security procedures strictly limit access to and use of clients’ personal information. Know your responsibilities under these procedures, and access data only as authorized by them and applicable local data protection laws.
Part of being useful and honest is being responsive: We recognize relevant user feedback when we see it, and we do something about it. We take pride in responding to communications from our clients, whether questions, problems or compliments. If something is broken, fix it.
Any time you feel our clients aren’t being well-served, don’t be bashful — let someone in the company know about it. Continually improving our services takes all of us, and we’re proud that CFO2BIZ service providers champion our clients and take the initiative to step forward when the interests of our clients are at stake.
II. Respect Each Other
We are committed to a supportive environment, where we have the opportunity to reach our fullest potential. Each of us is expected to do his or her utmost to create a respectful culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias and unlawful discrimination of any kind.
III. Avoid Conflicts of Interest
In working at CFO2BIZ, we have an obligation to always do what’s best for the company and our clients. When you are in a situation where competing loyalties could cause you to pursue a personal benefit for you or your friends or family at the expense of CFO2BIZ or our clients, you may be subject to a conflict of interest. All of us should avoid circumstances that present even the appearance of such a conflict.
IV. Preserve Confidentiality
We periodically get press attention around our innovations and our culture, and that’s usually fine. However, company information that leaks prematurely into the press or to competitors can hurt our competitive advantage and prove costly in other ways. Our responsibilities extend beyond not revealing confidential CFO2BIZ material — we must also:
- Properly secure, label and (when appropriate) dispose of confidential CFO2BIZ material;
- Safeguard confidential information that CFO2BIZ receives from others under non disclosure agreements; and
- Take steps to keep our trade secrets and other confidential intellectual property secret.
V. Protect CFO2BIZ’s Assets
CFO2BIZ has a well-earned reputation for generosity and openness with confidential information shared within the company. Our ability to continue these practices depends on how well we conserve company resources and protect company assets and information.
VI. Ensure Financial Integrity and Responsibility
Financial integrity and fiscal responsibility are core aspects of corporate professionalism. This is more than accurate reporting of our financials, though that’s certainly important. The money we spend on behalf of CFO2BIZ is not ours; it’s the Company’s. Each person at CFO2BIZ has a role in making sure that money is appropriately spent, our financial records are complete and accurate and internal controls are honored. This matters every time we hire a new vendor, expense something to CFO2BIZ, sign a new business contract or enter into any deals on CFO2BIZ’s behalf.
VII. Obey the Law
CFO2BIZ takes its responsibilities to comply with laws and regulations very seriously and each of us is expected to comply with applicable legal requirements and prohibitions. While it’s impossible for anyone to know all aspects of every applicable law, you should understand the major laws and regulations that apply to your work.
VIII. Conclusion
CFO2BIZ aspires to be a different kind of company. It’s impossible to spell out every possible ethical scenario we might face. Instead, we rely on one another’s good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity for ourselves and our Company. We expect all CFO2BIZ service providers to be guided by both the letter and the spirit of this Code. Sometimes, identifying the right thing to do isn’t an easy call. If you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to ask a Member.
And remember . . . Do it right, and if you see something that you think isn’t right — speak up!
CFO2BIZ provides full acknowledgment and credit to Google and the Google Code of Conduct and it’s “Don’t be evil” message as forming the foundations of the CFO2BIZ Code of Conduct – March 2010