General Chart of Accounts: structure and 2025 updates

The General Chart of Accounts (or PCG for short) sets out all the accounting rules applicable in France. It was created in 1942 and has been regularly updated ever since. Although it was revised in 2024, a new reform came into effect on 1 January 2025, with the main aim of simplifying the presentation of accounts and financial statements. Let’s take a closer look…

What is the General Chart of Accounts (PCG)?

Definition and objectives of the PCG

The General Chart of Accounts is an official accounting framework that defines all the rules and standards to follow in order to record a company’s financial transactions in France. In particular, it sets out:

●    the classification of accounts (with the famous classes 1 to 7),

●    the accounting principles to be observed (such as the prudence principle or the going concern principle),

●    the templates for the financial documents to be produced (balance sheet, income statement, notes to the accounts, etc.).

In short, it is a common language that allows all companies to speak the same language when it comes to accounting. And this is no small detail: thanks to this standardisation, it is possible to compare results, ensure transparency towards third parties (tax authorities, banks, investors) and guarantee the consistency of financial data. The General Chart of Accounts is thus a true pillar of French accounting, because it structures, standardises and secures it.

Regulatory framework and past changes

The PCG is not set in stone. It evolves over time, in response to economic, technological or legal changes. It is governed by the French Commercial Code, and its updates are published by the Autorité des normes comptables (ANC), the French accounting standards authority.

Since its creation, several reforms have already marked its history. Examples include: the introduction of consolidated accounts for groups of companies, the integration of international accounting principles (notably in connection with IFRS standards) and the recognition of new intangible assets (patents, software, R&D).

Each change aims to better reflect economic reality, adapt to companies’ needs and make accounts easier to read.

Structure of the PCG: understanding the account classes

The General Chart of Accounts is organised into account classes numbered 1 to 8. It is something of a backbone for accounting: each digit corresponds to a very specific family of data (capital accounts, fixed asset accounts, inventory accounts, etc.).

Balance sheet accounts

Balance sheet accounts are found in classes 1 to 5. They represent the company’s assets and liabilities at a given point in time: what it owns, what it owes, and how it is all financed.

Class 1: capital accounts (share capital, reserves, borrowings, etc.),
Class 2: fixed assets (land, buildings, equipment, software, etc.),
Class 3: inventories and work in progress (raw materials, finished goods, etc.),
Class 4: third-party accounts (customers, suppliers, the State, etc.),
Class 5: financial accounts (bank, cash, investments, etc.).

These accounts give a financial snapshot of the company, which is then reflected in the balance sheet. At a glance, you can see the soundness and economic position of the business.

Income statement accounts

Income statement accounts are grouped in classes 6 and 7. Unlike the balance sheet, they do not represent a static position, but activity over a given period (often the tax year).

Class 6: expenses (purchases, salaries, rent, taxes, etc.),
Class 7: income (sales, services, grants, etc.).

The difference between the two gives the result for the financial year: profit or loss. It is a key indicator for managers, investors… and the tax authorities.

These accounts make it possible to track the company’s economic performance, analyse its profitability and make informed decisions for the future.

Special accounts

Finally, class 8 groups the special accounts, often somewhat separate but useful in certain contexts.
These include: analytical accounts (to refine cost tracking by activity), memorandum entries (such as off-balance-sheet commitments) and internal movements between sections.

They do not always appear in standard accounting documents (balance sheet, income statement), which is why they are said to be added for information purposes. They are nevertheless valuable for carrying out a more detailed and more strategic analysis of internal management.

What’s new in the PCG in 2025?

The General Chart of Accounts is updated regularly, generally every 10 years, to keep pace with the economic, social and technological realities of French companies. In 2025, several new features enrich or simplify the existing rules.

Greater transparency on intangible assets

With the growing importance of assets linked to data, software, brands and R&D, the 2025 PCG introduces clearer criteria for recognising intangible assets. The aim is to give a more faithful picture of the value created by companies, particularly in innovative sectors. This change implies better traceability of expenditure related to development, intellectual property and internal digital platforms.

Integration of ESG criteria

Another major new feature: the gradual introduction of references to ESG criteria (environmental, social, governance) in certain accounting notes. The idea is not yet to impose a green standard, but to encourage more responsible accounting, in line with the European CSRD sustainability directive. This applies, for example, to identifying costs linked to the energy transition, social policies or CSR commitments. A first step towards more sustainable accounting, to be watched closely in the coming years.

Technical adjustments and simplifications

The 2025 version of the PCG also brings a number of technical changes: adjustments to account titles (notably in classes 6 and 7) to better reflect certain recurring transactions, the creation of sub-accounts dedicated to certain recent public subsidies to make them easier to track, and a few simplifications in the presentation of the notes, designed to reduce the administrative burden on very small businesses and SMEs.

Implementing the PCG in company accounting

Keeping accounts and legal obligations

Almost all companies are required to keep accounts in line with the PCG, whether they are commercial, craft, agricultural or professional practices. This involves recording all accounting transactions chronologically (purchases, sales, salaries, expenses, etc.), complying with the account nomenclature (mainly classes 1 to 7), and using the mandatory accounting books: the journal, the general ledger and the inventory book.

The closing of the financial year involves a full review of the accounts, with justification of balances, adjusting entries and preparation of the financial statements. This work is often carried out with the help of a chartered accountant, but responsibility lies with the company.

Non-compliance with the PCG can lead to tax or legal penalties, or even rejection of the accounts in the event of an inspection. Hence the importance of good training and regular monitoring of accounting developments.

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Preparing financial statements

Implementing the PCG naturally leads to the production of financial statements, the key summary documents that report on the company’s economic situation.

The main ones are: the balance sheet (a snapshot of assets and liabilities at a given point in time), the income statement (activity and performance over the past financial year) and the notes to the accounts (commentary and explanations of the figures, in particular the accounting methods applied).

These documents are prepared at the end of each financial year, according to the rules set out in the PCG. They are then filed with the registry of the commercial court, except for micro-enterprises or companies benefiting from confidentiality of accounts.

Sector-specific features to be aware of

While the General Chart of Accounts applies to everyone, some business sectors have charts of accounts adapted to their particularities. This is the case, for example, with:

The non-profit sector, with a chart of accounts for associations.
The banking and insurance sector, subject to additional standards,

Farmers and retail traders, who may follow simplified charts.

These variants make it possible to better reflect the specific nature of the transactions carried out in these fields. In every case, the logic remains the same: ensuring the reliability, transparency and comparability of financial data.

Tools and resources for mastering the PCG

Official documents and reference frameworks

The General Chart of Accounts is governed by official texts that are regularly updated. The reference document is published by the Autorité des Normes Comptables (ANC) and is available free of charge on its website.

It includes:

●    The complete accounting nomenclature (with details of the account classes).
●    The accounting principles to be observed.
●    The standard templates for financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, notes).

Professionals can also consult:

●    The Commercial Code (articles L123-12 to L123-28).
●    The Bulletin officiel des finances publiques (BOFiP) for tax implications.
●    The recommendations of the Ordre des experts-comptables, the French institute of chartered accountants.

These documents are essential to ensure that accounting practices are up to date and compliant with current regulations.

PCG-compatible software

In practice, complying with the PCG often means using suitable accounting software. These tools incorporate the French accounting nomenclature and make it easier to enter transactions, manage account classes and automatically generate financial statements.

Among the most widely used solutions:

●    Sage 100cloud Comptabilité: very widespread among SMEs, comprehensive and PCG-compliant.
●    Cegid Loop: an online tool favoured by accounting firms.
●    EBP Compta: ideal for small businesses or freelancers.
●    QuickBooks (France version): simple and intuitive, with French account settings.

This software also allows you to export data for tax returns, track supplier and customer due dates, and monitor budgets in direct connection with the PCG structure.

Training for accounting professionals

Beyond self-study, many professional training courses help strengthen skills related to the General Chart of Accounts. These courses cover: keeping accounts according to the PCG nomenclature, preparing and analysing financial statements, and developments in French accounting standards.

They are aimed at management students, in-house accountants, firm staff and managers of very small businesses who want a better understanding of their accounting obligations.

The 2025 General Chart of Accounts reform should not be seen as a constraint, but as an opportunity to update accounting practices and gain clarity and efficiency. To prepare well, a few simple tips can make all the difference: update your software tools, train your teams in-house and above all, start right now without wasting time. Because, as always in accounting, anticipation remains your best ally!