Contact us

      Accounting and financial reporting are regulated in Articles 957 ff. of the Swiss Code of Obligations.

      These regulations are generally applicable to all companies in Switzerland (sole proprietorships, partnerships, and legal entities).

      The law sets out a minimum structure for the balance sheet and income statement, as well as a minimum content for the notes to the financial statements.

      Valuation should be cautious, without impeding the reliable assessment of the company's economic situation. Hidden reserves are still permissible.

      Silvan Loser
      Dr. Silvan Loser

      Partner, Head of DPP Swiss Accounting

      KPMG Switzerland

      Reto Eberle
      Prof. Dr. Reto Eberle

      Partner, Member of the Department of Professional Practice

      KPMG Switzerland

      Financial reporting for larger & listed companies

      The financial reporting for larger entities subject to an ordinary audit includes a cash flow statement, further disclosures in the notes to the financial statements, and a management report.

      Listed companies, cooperatives with more than 2’000 members, and foundations subject to an ordinary audit are required to prepare additional stand-alone financial statements according to a recognized accounting standard (e.g., IFRS or Swiss GAAP FER). However, they are exempted if consolidated financial statements are prepared according to a recognized accounting standard.

      Consolidated financial statements are required when one or more companies are controlled, and they must adhere to the principles of orderly financial reporting. Only consolidated financial statements of publicly traded companies, large cooperatives and foundations subject to an ordinary audit must be prepared in accordance with a recognized accounting standard.

      KPMG's financial reporting expertise

      • Clarifying application-related issues
      • Implementing new financial reporting requirements
      • Understanding the options resulting from accounting policy choices
      • Preparing cash flow statements and management reports for larger entities
      • Preparing financial statements as per a recognized accounting standard for large cooperatives and foundations

      Partnering for success: submit your interests & open questions

      We look forward to your requests and will be happy to answer open questions you may have. 

      Discover more

      Your trusted partner in GAAP conversions, IPO readiness assessments, accounting for M&A and solving demanding accounting & reporting challenges.
      Discover more

      A comprehensive overview of important rules and regulations for financial providers in Switzerland.
      Discover more

      Swiss GAAP FER regulates key accounting issues related to the financial position and results of operations. We support with implementation & auditing.
      Discover more