Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Jala Accounting ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website jalaaccounting.com or use our professional accounting services.

We comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy legislation.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you use our contact form or engage our services, we may collect:

• Name and contact information (email, phone number)
• Business information (company name, position)
• Financial information necessary to provide accounting services
• Any other information you voluntarily provide in communications

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect:

• Browser type and version, operating system, device information
• IP address and general geographic location
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns
• Referral source (how you arrived at our website)

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website. This service uses cookies to collect anonymous usage data. You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide professional accounting and tax services
• Respond to your inquiries and communicate with you
• Send service-related updates and important notices
• Improve our website and services
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations
• Maintain professional standards as required by CPA Ontario and other regulatory bodies

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our website or conducting our business (e.g., email hosting, cloud storage), under strict confidentiality agreements
• Professional Collaboration: With other professionals (lawyers, financial advisors) when necessary to provide services, with your consent
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Regulatory Bodies: With CPA Ontario or other regulatory authorities as required by professional standards
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure server infrastructure and access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee confidentiality agreements and training
• Encrypted backups of client data

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

For professional accounting services, we retain client records in accordance with CPA Canada guidelines and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requirements, typically a minimum of 6 years after the end of the fiscal period.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information (subject to legal or contractual restrictions)
• Complaint: File a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 11.

8. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

Material changes will be communicated to clients through email or prominent notice on our website.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

12. Professional Standards

As Chartered Professional Accountants, we are bound by the CPA Ontario Code of Professional Conduct, which includes strict confidentiality requirements. Our privacy practices align with these professional obligations.

13. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein.