The Swiss chart of accounts is the structured list of all accounts used to record a company’s financial transactions. Organised into 9 classes (assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses), it is the foundation of any bookkeeping system that complies with the Swiss Code of Obligations (CO). RISTER® explains how it works, its structure and its practical application for SMEs and sole proprietors in Switzerland.
Contents
- What is a chart of accounts?
- Why the chart of accounts is essential for your business
- The legal framework for the chart of accounts in Switzerland
- The 9-class structure of the Swiss SME chart of accounts
- Practical example: chart of accounts for a Geneva-based LLC (Sàrl)
- Swiss chart of accounts vs international standards
- The 5 most common mistakes in an SME chart of accounts
- How to customise your chart of accounts
- FAQ: Swiss chart of accounts
- Sources
What is a chart of accounts?
A chart of accounts is an ordered list of all the accounts a company uses to classify its financial transactions. Every operation — a rent payment, a sale, a salary disbursement — is recorded in a specific account identified by a number.
The chart of accounts functions like a filing system: it ensures that every transaction is categorised consistently and can be retrieved easily. Without a chart of accounts, a company’s bookkeeping would be a disorganised set of entries impossible to analyse.
In Switzerland, the standard reference is the Swiss SME Chart of Accounts (Plan comptable suisse PME), published by LEP Editions and edited by veb.ch (the Swiss Association of Experts in Finance and Controlling). This chart of accounts replaced the former USAM model in 2013, following the revision of Swiss accounting law.
RISTER Tip
Do not confuse the chart of accounts with the balance sheet. The chart of accounts is the structure (the list of available accounts). The balance sheet is a financial statement (a snapshot of your financial position at a given date). The chart of accounts is used to build the balance sheet, not the other way around.
Why the chart of accounts is essential for your business
The chart of accounts is not a mere administrative formality. It is a management tool that serves four essential functions for any company operating in Switzerland.
Legal compliance
The Swiss Code of Obligations (Art. 957 CO) requires every company registered with the Commercial Register to maintain proper bookkeeping. The accounts must present the company’s economic situation in a clear and verifiable manner. The chart of accounts is the framework that makes this possible.
Financial management
A well-structured chart of accounts tells you exactly where your money goes. How much do you spend on personnel costs relative to operating revenue? What proportion of your expenses are fixed costs? These answers can be read directly from the accounts — provided they are properly organised.
Relations with third parties
Banks, investors, auditors and tax authorities expect structured bookkeeping that follows recognised standards. A chart of accounts compliant with the Swiss SME model makes your financial statements easier to read and strengthens your company’s credibility.
Comparability
Using a standardised chart of accounts enables you to compare your results from one year to the next, as well as to benchmark your performance against other companies in your sector. It is an indispensable analytical tool for any strategic decision.
The legal framework for the chart of accounts in Switzerland
In Switzerland, accounting law is governed by Articles 957 to 963b of the Code of Obligations (CO). These provisions define who must maintain bookkeeping, how it must be organised, and which financial documents must be prepared.
Who must maintain full bookkeeping?
Under Article 957 CO, the following entities are required to maintain full bookkeeping and prepare annual financial statements (balance sheet, income statement and notes):
- Public limited companies — Ltd (SA), limited liability companies — LLC (Sàrl) and cooperatives, regardless of their size
- Sole proprietorships and partnerships with annual revenue exceeding CHF 500,000
- Associations and foundations required to register with the Commercial Register
Simplified bookkeeping
Sole proprietorships and partnerships with annual revenue below CHF 500,000 may maintain simplified bookkeeping. This is limited to a record of income and expenses, supplemented by a statement of assets and liabilities.
Important
Even under simplified bookkeeping, a structured chart of accounts is strongly recommended. It facilitates the preparation of tax returns, supports bank loan applications and eases the transition to full bookkeeping should your revenue exceed the CHF 500,000 threshold.
The 5 principles of proper bookkeeping
Article 957a CO sets out five fundamental principles that the chart of accounts must support:
| Principle | Practical meaning |
|---|---|
| Completeness | Every transaction must be recorded, without exception |
| Accuracy | Entries must reflect the economic reality of each operation |
| Systematic recording | Operations are classified according to a logical and consistent chart of accounts |
| Supporting documentation | Every entry must be backed by a document (invoice, contract, receipt) |
| Clarity | A qualified third party must be able to understand the bookkeeping without difficulty |
Source: Art. 957a CO, Swiss Code of Obligations
No legally mandated chart of accounts
A key point: unlike France (where the Plan Comptable Général is mandatory) or many EU countries, Switzerland does not prescribe any specific chart of accounts. Article 957a CO requires systematic and clear recording, but leaves each company free to choose its own account structure.
In practice, the Swiss SME Chart of Accounts (Sterchi, Mattle, Helbling, LEP Editions) has become the de facto standard, recognised by professional associations (veb.ch, swisco.ch), banks and tax authorities throughout Switzerland.
The 9-class structure of the Swiss SME chart of accounts
The Swiss SME chart of accounts is organised into a decimal system of 9 classes, numbered 1 to 9. Each class groups accounts of the same nature. Classes 1 and 2 feed the balance sheet, classes 3 to 8 feed the income statement, and class 9 is used for internal closing entries.
| Class | Description | Financial statement |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assets | Balance sheet |
| 2 | Liabilities and equity | Balance sheet |
| 3 | Operating revenue | Income statement |
| 4 | Cost of materials and goods | Income statement |
| 5 | Personnel costs | Income statement |
| 6 | Other operating expenses | Income statement |
| 7 | Non-operating income and expenses | Income statement |
| 8 | Extraordinary and non-operating result | Income statement |
| 9 | Closing accounts | Internal |
Source: Swiss SME Chart of Accounts (Sterchi, Mattle, Helbling, LEP Ed.)
Each class is subdivided into main groups (2 digits), then groups (3 digits) and finally individual accounts (4 digits). For example: Class 1 → Group 10 (Current assets / Cash) → Account 1000 (Petty cash) → Account 1020 (Bank).
Class 1 — Assets
Class 1 includes everything the company owns: cash, receivables, inventory, machinery, buildings and investments. Assets are listed in decreasing order of liquidity.
| Group | Description | Common accounts |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Cash and cash equivalents | 1000 Petty cash · 1020 Bank (current account) · 1060 Securities |
| 11 | Receivables | 1100 Trade receivables · 1109 Allowance for doubtful accounts · 1170 VAT (input tax) |
| 12 | Inventory and work in progress | 1200 Goods · 1210 Raw materials · 1280 Work in progress |
| 13 | Accrued assets | 1300 Prepaid expenses · 1301 Accrued income |
| 14 | Financial assets | 1400 Loans · 1440 Investments · 1480 Deposits paid |
| 15 | Tangible fixed assets (movable) | 1500 Machinery · 1510 Office furniture · 1520 Vehicles · 1530 IT equipment |
| 16 | Tangible fixed assets (immovable) | 1600 Operating property |
| 17 | Intangible assets | 1700 Patents · 1770 Goodwill |
| 18 | Unpaid share capital | 1850 Unpaid share capital |
Class 2 — Liabilities and equity
Class 2 includes everything the company owes: trade payables, bank loans, tax and social security liabilities, as well as its equity (share capital, reserves, retained earnings).
| Group | Description | Common accounts |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | Short-term liabilities | 2000 Trade payables · 2030 Advance payments received · 2200 VAT payable |
| 21-23 | Financial and social liabilities | 2100 Short-term bank loans · 2170 AHV/IV/APG liabilities · 2270 Withholding tax |
| 24 | Accrued liabilities and provisions | 2300 Accrued expenses · 2301 Deferred income · 2600 Provisions |
| 25-27 | Long-term liabilities | 2400 Long-term bank loans · 2450 Bonds · 2500 Mortgages |
| 28 | Equity | 2800 Share capital · 2900 Legal reserves · 2970 Retained earnings · 2979 Net income for the year |
Class 3 — Operating revenue
Class 3 records the income from the company’s core business: sales of goods, services rendered, and changes in inventory.
| Group | Description | Common accounts |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | Sales revenue | 3000 Sales of goods · 3200 Sales of services · 3400 Services to third parties |
| 32-37 | Other revenue and deductions | 3800 Discounts granted · 3900 Changes in inventory of finished goods |
Class 4 — Cost of materials and goods
Class 4 records the direct costs related to the production or purchase of goods sold. This is where the company’s gross margin is calculated.
| Group | Description | Common accounts |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | Purchases of materials and goods | 4000 Purchases of goods · 4200 Purchases of raw materials |
| 45-49 | Third-party services and changes | 4400 Subcontractor services · 4900 Changes in material inventory |
Class 5 — Personnel costs
Class 5 records all expenses related to employees: salaries, employer social contributions, occupational pension (BVG/LPP) and other personnel costs.
| Group | Description | Common accounts |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | Salaries | 5000 Gross salaries · 5200 Allowances · 5300 Social contributions (AHV/IV/APG/ALV) |
| 53-58 | Social contributions and other | 5400 BVG/LPP (occupational pension) · 5500 UVG (accident insurance) · 5700 Training · 5800 Other personnel costs |
Class 6 — Other operating expenses
Class 6 covers the overhead costs required to run the business, regardless of production volume.
| Group | Description | Common accounts |
|---|---|---|
| 60 | Premises | 6000 Rent · 6050 Ancillary costs · 6100 Maintenance |
| 61-62 | Vehicles and insurance | 6200 Vehicle leasing · 6300 Property insurance |
| 63-65 | Administration | 6400 Electricity · 6500 Office supplies · 6510 Telephone · 6570 IT costs |
| 66-68 | Advertising, fees, depreciation | 6600 Advertising · 6700 Professional fees · 6800 Depreciation · 6900 Financial expenses |
RISTER Tip
The most frequent mistake concerns the distinction between class 4 and class 6. Purchasing industry-specific software (directly linked to your service delivery) belongs in class 4. Purchasing general office software (day-to-day operations) belongs in class 6. This distinction directly impacts the calculation of your gross margin.
Class 7 — Non-operating income and expenses
Class 7 records income and expenses from secondary activities: rental income from non-operating property, investment returns, financial income.
| Common accounts | Examples |
|---|---|
| 7000 Non-operating income | Rental income, commissions received |
| 7500 Non-operating expenses | Maintenance of investment properties, financial charges on placements |
Class 8 — Extraordinary and non-operating result
Class 8 covers non-recurring items: sale of fixed assets, foreign exchange gains or losses, fines, tax adjustments, and exceptional income or expenses.
| Common accounts | Examples |
|---|---|
| 8000 Extraordinary income | Gain on sale of assets, release of provisions |
| 8100 Extraordinary expenses | Loss on sale of assets, fines |
| 8500 Non-operating income | Foreign exchange gains, favourable tax adjustments |
| 8510 Non-operating expenses | Foreign exchange losses, unfavourable tax adjustments |
| 8900 Direct taxes | Corporate income tax (federal, cantonal, communal) |
Class 9 — Closing accounts
Class 9 is used internally for year-end closing operations: opening balance sheet, closing income statement, and potentially cost accounting (cost centres). These accounts do not appear in published financial statements.
Practical example: chart of accounts for a Geneva-based LLC (Sàrl)
Below is an extract from a chart of accounts adapted for a consulting LLC (Sàrl) based in Geneva, employing 5 staff, with annual revenue of CHF 800,000. This example illustrates how the standard chart of accounts is customised to fit the business activity.
| No. | Account | Class | Practical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 | Petty cash | 1 – Assets | Small cash expenses (stamps, errands) |
| 1020 | UBS Bank CHF | 1 – Assets | Main current account |
| 1021 | UBS Bank EUR | 1 – Assets | Euro account for EU-based clients |
| 1100 | Trade receivables | 1 – Assets | Issued invoices awaiting payment |
| 1170 | VAT input tax | 1 – Assets | VAT paid on purchases (recoverable) |
| 1530 | IT equipment | 1 – Assets | Laptops, server |
| 2000 | Trade payables | 2 – Liabilities | Supplier invoices to pay |
| 2170 | AHV/IV/APG liabilities | 2 – Liabilities | Employer social contributions due |
| 2200 | VAT payable | 2 – Liabilities | VAT collected on sales |
| 2800 | Share capital | 2 – Liabilities | CHF 20,000 (minimum capital for an LLC/Sàrl) |
| 3200 | Sales of services | 3 – Revenue | Consulting fees invoiced to clients |
| 4400 | Subcontractor services | 4 – Expenses | External consultants on client mandates |
| 5000 | Gross salaries | 5 – Personnel | Compensation for 5 employees |
| 5300 | Social contributions | 5 – Personnel | AHV/IV/APG/ALV employer shares |
| 6000 | Rent | 6 – Expenses | Office rent in Geneva |
| 6570 | IT costs | 6 – Expenses | Software licences, cloud hosting |
| 6700 | Professional fees | 6 – Expenses | Corporate Service Provider (RISTER), lawyer, notary |
| 6800 | Depreciation | 6 – Expenses | Depreciation of IT equipment |
| 8900 | Direct taxes | 8 – Result | Cantonal and communal corporate income tax |
Simplified example — a complete chart of accounts may contain 50 to 150 accounts depending on the company’s complexity
RISTER Tip
Note accounts 1020 and 1021: this LLC created a separate sub-account for its euro account. This is the flexibility of the Swiss chart of accounts — you can add sub-accounts at any time for more precise management, as long as you respect the class logic.
Swiss chart of accounts vs international standards
If you are an expatriate, international entrepreneur or cross-border worker looking to set up a business in Switzerland, you will quickly notice that the Swiss chart of accounts operates differently from those used in other countries. Here are the main differences.
| Criterion | Swiss SME Chart of Accounts | French PCG / IFRS / UK GAAP |
|---|---|---|
| Legal status | De facto standard (recommended), not mandatory | PCG: mandatory in France · IFRS: mandatory for listed companies · UK GAAP: mandatory in the UK |
| Structure | 9 classes (1 to 9) | PCG: 8 classes · IFRS: no prescribed chart · UK: no prescribed chart |
| Numbering | 4 digits (e.g. 1020) | PCG: up to 6 digits · IFRS/UK: varies by company |
| Flexibility | Very high: sub-accounts can be added freely | PCG: strictly regulated · IFRS/UK: flexible within framework |
| Class 1 | Assets | PCG: Equity accounts · IFRS/UK: varies |
| Class 2 | Liabilities and equity | PCG: Fixed assets · IFRS/UK: varies |
| Social charges | AHV/IV/APG, BVG, UVG (Swiss system) | National insurance (UK), URSSAF (FR), varies by jurisdiction |
| VAT | Standard rate 8.1%, reduced 2.6%, accommodation 3.8% | UK: 20% · FR: 20% / 10% / 5.5% · IFRS: no VAT standard |
| Reference body | veb.ch / swisco.ch | ANC (France) · IASB (IFRS) · FRC (UK) |
Comparison for reference purposes — each system has numerous specificities
Important
The class numbering logic differs significantly between the Swiss and French systems. In Switzerland, class 1 corresponds to assets; in France, class 1 corresponds to equity. This difference is a frequent source of confusion for entrepreneurs with a French accounting background. If you are transitioning from a French or international system, take time to familiarise yourself with the Swiss numbering before recording your first entries.
The 5 most common mistakes in an SME chart of accounts
As a Corporate Service Provider supporting over 300 companies, RISTER regularly encounters the same errors in chart of accounts configuration and usage. Here are the five most frequent.
1. Confusing direct costs (class 4) with overheads (class 6)
Purchasing IT equipment for a client project (class 4) is not the same as purchasing office supplies (class 6). This confusion distorts the gross margin calculation and can lead to flawed strategic decisions.
2. Neglecting accrual accounts (1300 / 2300)
Accrual accounts (prepaid expenses and accrued liabilities) are essential for respecting the periodicity principle. Failing to accrue an annual insurance premium paid in December but covering the following year distorts the results of both financial years.
3. Incorrect VAT allocation
In Switzerland, VAT must be correctly split between account 1170 (deductible input tax) and account 2200 (VAT payable). Incorrect allocation leads to errors in quarterly VAT returns and a risk of adjustment by the Federal Tax Administration (FTA).
4. Creating too many unnecessary accounts
The flexibility of the Swiss chart of accounts is an advantage, but some entrepreneurs create dozens of sub-accounts that are rarely used. The result: bookkeeping that is difficult to read and analyse. Aim for useful precision: add a sub-account only if you need to track a specific category regularly.
5. Capitalising an expense (or expensing an investment)
Purchasing a computer for CHF 3,000 is a fixed asset (class 1, account 1530), not an office expense (class 6). The reverse error also occurs: capitalising a CHF 200 purchase that should be expensed directly. Common practice in Switzerland is to set a capitalisation threshold of around CHF 1,000.
RISTER Tip
Define your capitalisation threshold as soon as you set up your company and document it. Tax authorities generally accept a threshold of CHF 1,000, but this choice must be consistent and applied systematically.
How to customise your chart of accounts
The Swiss SME chart of accounts is a reference model, not a straitjacket. Every company can (and should) adapt it to its specific needs. Here are the principles to follow.
Adding sub-accounts
You can create more detailed accounts within existing groups. For example, if you offer several types of services, you can split account 3200 into 3201 (Strategic consulting), 3202 (Training) and 3203 (Audit). This enables more granular analysis of your revenue.
Removing unnecessary accounts
A service company typically does not need inventory accounts (class 12) or material purchase accounts (class 4). Simplify your chart of accounts by keeping only the accounts you actually use.
Respecting the class logic
Whatever your customisation, never alter the fundamental logic: assets in class 1, liabilities in class 2, revenue in class 3, and so on. This structure guarantees the readability of your accounts for any third party (bank, Corporate Service Provider, auditor).
Adapting by legal form
The chart of accounts for a sole proprietorship includes a “Private” account (group 285) for the owner’s personal drawings. This account does not exist in an Ltd (SA) or LLC (Sàrl), where any private expense paid by the company must be recorded as a shareholder current account.
FAQ: Swiss chart of accounts
Is the Swiss chart of accounts mandatory?
The Swiss SME chart of accounts is not imposed by law. The Code of Obligations (Art. 957a CO) requires complete, accurate and systematic recording of transactions, but leaves each company free to choose its own account structure. In practice, the Swiss SME chart of accounts (published by veb.ch via LEP Editions) has become the standard reference, used by the majority of SMEs, Corporate Service Providers and accounting software in Switzerland.
How many classes does the Swiss SME chart of accounts have?
The Swiss SME chart of accounts is organised into 9 classes: classes 1 (assets) and 2 (liabilities and equity) feed the balance sheet, classes 3 to 8 feed the income statement, and class 9 is reserved for internal closing entries. Each class is subdivided into main groups (2 digits), groups (3 digits) and individual accounts (4 digits).
What is the difference between a chart of accounts and a balance sheet?
The chart of accounts is the organisational structure: the list of all available accounts for recording transactions. The balance sheet is a financial statement produced from that structure: it presents the company’s financial position (assets, liabilities, equity) at a given date. The chart of accounts is the tool; the balance sheet is the output. For a detailed explanation of the balance sheet, see our guide to the Swiss balance sheet.
Can I customise my company’s chart of accounts?
Yes. Flexibility is one of the advantages of the Swiss accounting system. You can add sub-accounts (for example, 3201 and 3202 to detail your service types), remove unused accounts (inventory accounts for a service company) and adapt the structure to your activity. The only imperative rule is to respect the class logic: assets in class 1, liabilities in class 2, revenue in class 3, expenses in classes 4-6, and so on.
Which chart of accounts should a sole proprietorship use in Switzerland?
Sole proprietorships use the same Swiss SME chart of accounts as Ltd (SA) and LLC (Sàrl) companies, with one important difference: the “Private” account (group 285). This account records the owner’s personal drawings and private contributions. If annual revenue is below CHF 500,000, the sole proprietorship may use simplified bookkeeping (income and expenses only), but a structured chart of accounts is still recommended for tax reporting purposes.
How does the Swiss chart of accounts differ from the French PCG?
The two systems differ on several key points. The French Plan Comptable Général (PCG) is mandatory; the Swiss chart is recommended but optional. The class numbering is different: in Switzerland, class 1 corresponds to assets, while in France, class 1 corresponds to equity. The Swiss chart uses 4-digit account numbers, while the French PCG can go up to 6 digits. Finally, the Swiss chart is more flexible and can be freely adapted, while the PCG imposes a strict nomenclature.
Do I need to change my chart of accounts when converting from a sole proprietorship to an LLC (Sàrl)?
Not necessarily, but adjustments are required. Converting from a sole proprietorship to an LLC (Sàrl) involves removing the “Private” account (group 285) and adding a “Share capital” account (2800) and potentially a shareholder current account. The overall structure (9 classes) remains the same. RISTER® regularly assists entrepreneurs through this transition and ensures the chart of accounts is correctly adapted to the new legal form.
Sources
- Swiss Code of Obligations (CO), Art. 957 to 963b — Bookkeeping and financial reporting
- SME Admin — How to organise your accounting
- Swiss SME Chart of Accounts — Official reference version (PDF, French)
- Plan comptable suisse PME, Sterchi, Mattle, Helbling, L.E.P. Loisirs et Pédagogie S.A., 2023 (ISBN 978-3-286-51076-0)
Conclusion
The Swiss SME chart of accounts is far more than a list of numbers: it is the structural framework that makes your bookkeeping readable, compliant and actionable. Organised into 9 classes, flexible and recognised as the standard by Swiss professionals, it is suitable for sole proprietors and SMEs of all sizes. Choosing the right chart of accounts from the outset, customising it intelligently and avoiding common pitfalls — this is the foundation of sound financial management. If you need expert support to structure or optimise your accounting, the specialists at RISTER are at your disposal.
