──── PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
Integrity at the Heart of Financial Management
Finance and management professionals are entrusted with information, resources, analysis, and decisions that can significantly affect organizations and their stakeholders. With that responsibility comes an expectation of professional conduct grounded in integrity, competence, objectivity, and accountability.
The IFM Code of Ethics establishes principles intended to guide CFMP® professionals and members in exercising sound judgment, maintaining professional standards, and acting responsibly in the course of their work.
These principles apply not only when decisions are straightforward, but especially when professionals encounter competing interests, uncertainty, confidential information, ethical dilemmas, or pressure that could compromise professional judgment.
──── OUR ETHICAL FOUNDATION
Principles That Guide Professional Conduct
Ethical practice requires more than compliance with rules. It requires professionals to consider the consequences of their actions, recognize their responsibilities to others, and exercise judgment consistent with the standards expected of the profession.
The Code is centered on six principles that provide a foundation for responsible professional conduct.
INTEGRITY
Act honestly and consistently in all professional responsibilities. Avoid misleading conduct and uphold appropriate standards even when faced with pressure or difficult circumstances.
OBJECTIVITY
Base conclusions on relevant facts, appropriate analysis, and impartial judgment. Recognize and address bias, conflicts of interest, or undue influence that may affect professional decisions.
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE
Maintain the knowledge and capabilities necessary to perform professional duties with care. Recognize the limits of your expertise and seek appropriate guidance when required.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Handle confidential and sensitive information responsibly. Use information only for legitimate professional purposes and disclose it only when properly authorized or required.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Take responsibility for professional decisions, recommendations, and actions. Communicate material information accurately, acknowledge errors, and address issues appropriately.
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
Act in accordance with applicable standards, laws, and professional responsibilities. Avoid conduct that could undermine confidence in your work, the organization, or the profession.
──── UPHOLDING THE DESIGNATION
Responsibility Accompanies Professional Recognition
The CFMP® designation represents professional competence as well as an expectation of responsible conduct.
Individuals associated with the designation should act in ways that preserve confidence in their professional judgment and avoid knowingly using the designation in a misleading, deceptive, or inappropriate manner.
Professional recognition carries an obligation to protect the credibility associated with that recognition through conduct consistent with the principles of integrity, objectivity, competence, confidentiality, accountability, and professionalism.
