Belgium

At the start of the 1970s Belgium was one of the most backward countries of Europe in the field of financial reporting. Legislation relating to annual accounts was archaic and practice was confused, incoherent and, for most companies, rather primitive. In the space of less than twenty years, financial reporting has been reformed and transformed, as Belgium has enthusiastically and comprehensively implemented the directives of the European Community. This book analyses the developments in Belgium over the last twenty years, describing in detail the different forces at work. It provides an overview of the business environment, as well as a guide to the financial system, taxation and current accounting practice. There is a thorough exposition of the laws and regulations that currently govern financial reporting, using as a reference point the accounts of a well-known Belgian company. Particular attention is given to two matters where Belgian practice differs markedly from that of the Anglo-Saxon world; reporting to employees and the chart of accounts. Annexed is a useful tri-lingual glossary. Part of the European Financial Reporting series, this book is the only comprehensive work on the subject in the English language. It is an important source of reference for practising accountants, investors and executives who need to interpret Belgian accounts, and advanced students of international accounting.