The Accountant: Recording and Organizing

An accountant (or accounting firm) ensures the daily monitoring of the company's accounting:
• Keeping the journals and the general ledger
• Recording transactions: purchase invoices, sales invoices, payments, salaries…
• Preparing VAT returns, tax returns, and preparing annual accounts to be submitted to the National Bank
• Providing tax and administrative advice
• Sometimes, assisting the manager in daily management

 The accountant is therefore a close internal or external partner of management. They prepare financial information and ensure compliance with accounting and tax regulations.

The Auditor: Controlling and Certifying

The auditor steps in after the accountant's work.
They are an independent professional, registered with the Institute of Registered Auditors (IRA).

Their tasks are precise:
• Verify whether the annual accounts provide a true and fair view of the company
• Conduct specific missions: merger control, contributions in kind, liquidation…

 The auditor does not keep the accounts and does not provide daily advice: their independence ensures the objectivity and reliability of their report.

Who Appoints Whom?

The accountant is chosen and directly hired by the company.
The auditor is generally appointed by the general meeting of shareholders, often due to a legal obligation.

 Concrete Example:
Each month, the accountant records all invoices and prepares the VAT return.
At the end of the year, they prepare the trial balance and the income statement.
Then, the auditor reviews these documents, checks their accuracy, and drafts their certification report.

 In Summary: The accountant prepares and organizes – the auditor controls and certifies.

Need to Have Your Annual Accounts Certified?

 Contact our accredited auditors for a legal and independent verification of your accounts.