The glossary to understand and take action

Chartered accountant

The chartered accountant practises a regulated profession, with assignments relating in particular to accounting and advisory services within the authorised framework.

Notion comptable, fiscale ou juridique · Luxembourg Fiduciaries Editorial Team · Reviewed on

Understand the scope

Definition and points to distinguish

Check the status against professional references and the work actually planned in the contract. Preparing accounts does not mean performing their statutory audit.

In your file

What this changes in practice

The chartered accountant’s involvement is defined within a regulated professional framework and an engagement agreed with the client. The selection should focus on the skills required for the matter, the communication arrangements and the expected deliverables. The preparation of accounts, their review and their statutory audit are not interchangeable services. Before signing, specify who prepares, who validates and who submits information to the authorities.

A scenario to help you understand

Educational example

A company seeks support for its first year-end closing. It asks whether the offer includes the review of entries, annual accounts, returns and filing, as well as the work that would remain its responsibility.

Fictitious situation, presented to illustrate the concept.

Prepare for what comes next

Points to check

  • Contrôler l’inscription professionnelle
  • Décrire les livrables et exclusions
  • Fixer les échéances de remise des pièces

The practical question

Find out more

L’expert-comptable décide-t-il à la place du dirigeant ?

Le professionnel intervient dans le cadre de sa mission et apporte une analyse ou des travaux convenus. Le dirigeant doit fournir les informations fiables et prendre les décisions qui lui appartiennent. Définissez le circuit de validation des comptes et déclarations ainsi que les sujets nécessitant une consultation particulière, notamment lorsque la mission courante ne les couvre pas.

Connecting concepts

Terms to know as well

Continue with the concepts, contacts and procedures related to this topic.

OECThe Ordre des experts-comptables (OEC) is Luxembourg's professional body for the chartered accountancy profession.Accounting reviewAccounting review consists of all checks aimed at examining the consistency and supporting evidence of the prepared accounts.Engagement letterThe engagement letter formalises the services agreed between a professional and their client, together with the conditions for their performance.Fiduciary firmA fiduciary firm is a service provider offering, depending on its organisation and authorisations, accounting, tax, administrative or corporate services.AccountantThe accountant records and monitors transactions, reconciles supporting documents and prepares financial information within the scope of their duties.Institut des réviseurs d’entreprises (IRE)The Institut des réviseurs d’entreprises (IRE) is the professional body for statutory auditors in Luxembourg.

Put it into practice

Explore further with our guides

Practical guideWhat does a fiduciary firm do? Define the services and engagement letterPractical guideChartered accountant in Luxembourg: roles and status verificationPractical guideChoosing a fiduciary firm in Luxembourg: criteria and questions to ask

Sources and verification

References consulted on 20 September 2026. Official procedures specify the applicable conditions and exceptions.

This guide explains a general process. The applicable rules depend on your situation; it does not constitute personalised advice. Report a correction.

A definition gives you a reference point. To examine your situation, clarify your question with a professional.