Commissaire aux comptes or approved statutory auditor?
The two roles look alike but are not interchangeable. Here are their differences, their conditions and how to choose for a Luxembourg company.
What sets them apart
- The commissaire aux comptes oversees the accounting of companies that stay under the statutory audit thresholds.
- The approved statutory auditor (réviseur d'entreprises agréé) carries out the statutory audit under international auditing standards, in a regulated profession supervised by the CSSF.
- The title of réviseur d'entreprises agréé is protected: only an approved professional may use it.
How to choose
The choice follows from the company's form and size, its sector and the requirements of its financial partners. If the legal thresholds are exceeded, or a bank or investor requires it, an approved statutory auditor is needed.
Our position
STYX can hold a commissaire aux comptes mandate where the law allows. For a statutory audit, we put you in touch with an approved audit firm. See the page on statutory auditor.
Frequently asked questions
Can a commissaire sign an audit opinion?
No. The statutory audit opinion is reserved for the approved statutory auditor.
Can a company switch from one to the other?
Yes, by decision of the meeting, in particular when the company exceeds the statutory audit thresholds.
Let's talk about your structure.
Describe your situation. We reply with a first view of the way forward.