February 29, 2024
Do I have to use the services of an authorized accounting office in Norway?
The answer to this question depends on the situation of the person asking. Individuals running a sole proprietorship in Norway can do their own accounting. Norwegian companies can employ an accountant, either part-time or full-time. If they outsource accounting to an external firm, this firm must have authorization from the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority - Finanstilsynet.
Can I do the accounting myself and only outsource the checking of documents and the preparation of the annual tax return to an accounting firm?
This is possible, please remember that checking documentation and preparing the tax return can take a lot of time for a company. Therefore, it's good to turn to an authorized accounting office several months before the annual settlements of companies in Norway (May 31).
How can I be sure that the authorized accounting office will not make mistakes? My accountant from Oslo is not authorized, but she knows her stuff. So far, she has never made a mistake.
Of course, everyone makes mistakes. However, remember that an accountant without authorization or an office that does not have an authorized accountant responsible for client assignments (Norwegian: oppdragsansvarlig) cannot conduct accounting for other companies. An unauthorized accountant can be employed in an authorized office and conduct accounting documentation under the supervision of an authorized accountant.
An authorized accounting office has mandatory civil liability insurance. In case of a mistake, it is able to cover the client's loss with the insurance. Accounting offices also do not tend to suddenly disappear and stop answering calls from dissatisfied clients. We often hear that this happens in the case of a "friend accountant" without authorization.
An authorized accounting office has mandatory civil liability insurance. In case of a mistake, it is able to cover the client's loss with the insurance. Accounting offices also do not tend to suddenly disappear and stop answering calls from dissatisfied clients. We often hear that this happens in the case of a "friend accountant" without authorization.
How to check if my accounting office in Norway is authorized?
Every authorized accounting office and authorized accountant registers, after meeting the appropriate criteria, in the register of authorized accountants of Finanstilsynet. Accounting offices in Norway undergo control from the Financial Supervisory Authority, and additionally from the Association of Authorized Accountants in Norway - Regnskap Norge. If irregularities are detected in the office, it may face losing its authorization.
How do I know that the office is not only authorized but simply professional?
An authorized accounting office should not start cooperation with a client before signing a service agreement statement. The accounting office registers as an authorized accountant of the company in the Brønnøysund register.
If the Norwegian accountant you contact regarding the management of a Norwegian branch of your company or a Norwegian company does not propose signing a contract for services, be sure to ask for it. A professional office cannot afford to provide services without a contract.
If the Norwegian accountant you contact regarding the management of a Norwegian branch of your company or a Norwegian company does not propose signing a contract for services, be sure to ask for it. A professional office cannot afford to provide services without a contract.
Novum has been operating on the Norwegian market for over 20 years. If you are considering cooperation with a new accountant or are just planning a trip to Norway for an assignment, we invite you to contact our consultants:Katarzyna Wójcik ,office@novum.no , andAnna Korpalska ,anna.korpalska@novum.no
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