Should I disclose bankruptcy?

lazer

GazHatesBanks wrote: »

Where has the OP stated this? The financial industry is banking, insurance, investments, etc. i.e. those regulated by the FCA and/or PRA.

Accountancy/bookkeeping are not regulated financial industries and although some institutes will allow a BR person to operate under their qualification, others won't.

Accountancy is in the financial industry - it deals with finances so of course it is in the finance sector. It is a regulated profession, regulated by the individual institutions as well as by UK (and global) accounting and auditing standards.

It may not be financial services in the way banking etc is, but it is still in the financial sector!

g6jns_2

polly9 wrote: »

I am a discharged bankrupt, bankruptcy was over 7years ago. I am studying for AAT and have student membership. I have recently been offered work at an accountants as a bookkeeper, they have not asked any questions but should I disclose my bankruptcy?

Because the job requires a high degree of trust, failure to disclose it would be foolish. If you don't disclose it and they find out it calls into question your integrity.

Jon_Bake

I guess they will ask you in the form. If they don't there is no need to disclose the bankruptcy.

alastairq

......I wouldn't trust an ex-bankrupt with your accounts either......because most intelligent ex [or undischarged] bankrupts will have knowledge and experience far beyond that of any other mere mortal, concerning financial matters...[which is why they used the bankruptcy law in the first place? Knowledge is power?].....so would very quickly identify all the devious transactions & fiddles on said accounts......unlike someone inexperienced with positively dealing with debts...as most out there seem to be?

Go for the one with a bankruptcy under their belts..they are more knowledgeable by far.....

g6jns_2

alastairq wrote: »

......I wouldn't trust an ex-bankrupt with your accounts either......because most intelligent ex [or undischarged] bankrupts will have knowledge and experience far beyond that of any other mere mortal, concerning financial matters...[which is why they used the bankruptcy law in the first place? Knowledge is power?].....so would very quickly identify all the devious transactions & fiddles on said accounts......unlike someone inexperienced with positively dealing with debts...as most out there seem to be?

Go for the one with a bankruptcy under their belts..they are more knowledgeable by far.....

This almost gibberish. Most bankruptcies arise from over optimism or sheer bad luck. To suggest that a bankrupt is likely to be be better equipped to spot dodgy accounting practices is complete nonsense.

TBagpuss

Polly, I would tell your employer. You can at the same time confirm that the bankruptcy is discharged, that it was fully declared on your AAT membership and that they were content to grant you membership.

You are expected to act with integrity.

Does the AAT have an ethics or advice division? If so, why not give them a call and ask what they think?

As an employer, I would be concerned if a person applying for an accounting job did not disclose this information, and I later found out. It would not (subject to any issues with professional accreditation etc) stop me from employing an otherwise good candidate.
And if there are issues regarding professional accreditation then (a) your employers will find out anyway as soon as the next set of forms has to be completed and (b) if you need to make an application to be allowed to register / practice despite the bankruptcy then you are more likely to succeed if you have an employer backing you up and confirming that they are aware of the bankruptcy and want to employ you.

alastairq

To suggest that a bankrupt is likely to be be better equipped to spot dodgy accounting practices is complete nonsense.
g6jns is offline

A darned sight better equipped than someone who holds a view based on ignorance and bigotry?