What Does a Chartered Accountant Do — Complete Services Guide

Choosing between a chartered accountant and an authorized accountant is one of the most important decisions for any business. Although both professions are regulated by CECCAR (the Body of Expert and Authorized Accountants of Romania), the competency differences are significant. Geseidl Consulting, ranked #1 CECCAR Prahova for 18 consecutive years, explains in detail.

Chartered accountant vs authorized accountant — key differences

A chartered accountant (EC) has passed the CECCAR aptitude exam and is authorized to perform all accounting operations, including those reserved by law. An authorized accountant (CA) can handle day-to-day bookkeeping but cannot sign balance sheets, perform judicial accounting expertise, or issue audit reports.

Under GO 65/1994 (republished), the chartered accountant has exclusive competencies in: court-ordered accounting expertise, business valuations in certain contexts, and advanced tax consulting. The difference is not merely about the diploma but about legal liability.

Services a chartered accountant provides (full list)

• Organizing and managing financial and management accounting
• Preparing and signing annual financial statements (balance sheet)
• Judicial and extrajudicial accounting expertise
• Tax consulting and planning
• Internal and external audit (with additional CAFR certification)
• Business valuations (with additional ANEVAR certification)
• Assistance during ANAF audits and representation
• Transfer pricing documentation preparation
• Consulting for mergers, spin-offs, and liquidations

A modern chartered accountant is not limited to data entry — they are a strategic partner helping the company make informed decisions based on financial data. Tax consulting services naturally complement accounting activity.

When you need a chartered accountant — 5 critical situations

1. ANAF audit — the chartered accountant can assist and represent the company during tax inspections
2. Annual balance sheet — the chartered accountant's signature is mandatory for companies without an auditor
3. Commercial disputes — judicial accounting expertise can only be performed by a chartered accountant
4. Tax optimization — legal tax planning requires deep knowledge of the Fiscal Code
5. Mergers & acquisitions — financial due diligence and valuation require EC/ANEVAR competencies

How to choose a trustworthy chartered accountant

Verifying legitimacy is the first step: any chartered accountant must be registered in the CECCAR Registry and hold the annual practice visa. You can check on the CECCAR website or request the professional ID.

Selection criteria should include: experience in your company's industry, references from existing clients, use of modern accounting software, rapid response capability, and additional certifications (ISO 9001, CAFR member for audit, etc.).

Geseidl — CECCAR Prahova #1 since 2008

Geseidl Consulting Group has held #1 position in the CECCAR Prahova ranking for 18 consecutive years (2008-2025). With a team of over 30 specialists, ISO 9001:2015 certification from TÜV Rheinland, and a portfolio of over 500 active clients, we are the trusted partner for accounting, audit, and consulting in Ploiești.

Our services fully cover a company's needs: from LLC accounting and sole trader accounting, to financial audit and asset valuation.

Need professional accounting services? The Geseidl Consulting Group team, CECCAR Prahova leader for 18 consecutive years, is ready to help. Discover our services or contact us for a free consultation.