At uCheck, we’re often asked why DBS checks for accountants are needed. Whilst a DBS Check may not be high up on the list of an accountant’s list of priorities, it’s undoubtedly important!
After the bachelor’s degree and the accountancy qualification, then the job applications and interview processes, you mustn’t forget that accountants also need a DBS Check.
Why are DBS Checks for accountants necessary?
In short, accountants must undergo a DBS Check because they hold a position of high responsibility.
DBS checks help ensure that individuals stepping into this role do not have a history of criminal activities, particularly those involving financial misconduct. Fraudulent behaviour, bribery, and corruption are particularly relevant concerns. This is why DBS checks are a key part of ensuring that only suitable candidates are entrusted with these responsibilities
Also, accountants often have access to sensitive information, including business strategies, personal financial records, and confidential documents. This level of access can expose them to potential risks of manipulation or corruption. Thus, DBS checks are essential to mitigate these risks.
Law on DBS Checks for accountants
The legislation insisting that they must undergo one is the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, which specifically cites chartered and certified accountants as professions requiring disclosure to determine suitability for the role.
What DBS Checks do accountants require?
Accountants will usually require a Standard DBS Check, not an Enhanced DBS Check. An Enhanced DBS Check is for people who will be regularly working with children or vulnerable adults – i.e. individuals over the age of 18 who have a disability or serious illness.
In the financial sector, this law helps the integrity of the profession, by making sure that only those with clean or appropriate criminal records can advise clients.
As this will not apply to most accountants, a Standard DBS Check is the most appropriate disclosure.
As with other jobs requiring a Standard DBS Check, all convictions – including spent convictions – will be disclosed during this screening process.
However this does not mean that an accountancy firm will turn down every applicant who has something on their record.
The convictions which are most likely to deem a candidate unsuitable for the role of an accountant are any prior offences related to fraud or financial misconduct.
A Standard DBS Check is designed to prove that an individual has demonstrated appropriate financial responsibility to date.
What happens if an applicant has a criminal record?
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify someone from becoming an accountant. However, any convictions related to financial misconduct, fraud, or other dishonest actions can prevent a person from being employed in the industry.
You should assess criminal records on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the nature of the offence, how long ago it happened, and whether it poses a direct risk to the responsibilities of their position.
Get your DBS Checks with us!
Be sure to get in touch with us if you have any further questions. If you’re looking to apply for a DBS Check, we’ve got your back! Through our simple online platform, Atlas, you only pay for checks as and when you need them and our average turnaround time is just 48 hours!
