In brief: The Moroccan chart of accounts (PCGE) is the mandatory accounting framework for all companies in Morocco. Adopted as part of the CGNC in 1992, it organizes accounts into 8 classes using a hierarchical decimal numbering system and defines the rules for recording and presenting financial transactions.
The Moroccan chart of accounts, officially known as the Plan Comptable Général des Entreprises (PCGE), is a legally binding reference document according to which companies must prepare their accounts in Morocco. This document is mandatory and all businesses operating on Moroccan territory must comply with it. The PCGE serves as the cornerstone of accounting standardization in Morocco and ensures comparability of financial statements across different economic entities.
Download the Moroccan chart of accounts in PDF: Moroccan Chart of Accounts — PCGE 2026 (PDF)
The Moroccan Chart of Accounts Within the CGNC Framework
Accounting in Morocco must follow the chart of accounts set out in the CGNC (General Accounting Standards Code), in line with the accounting rules in Morocco. The CGNC does not merely set out accounting principles. It also specifies which accounts to use, their use cases, and the valuation rules to apply.
The CGNC was adopted in 1992 by Decree No. 2-89-61 and represents the complete normative framework for Moroccan accounting. According to the DGI, all businesses registered in Morocco must maintain their books in conformity with the PCGE. The Moroccan chart of accounts is its operational component, providing businesses with a comprehensive list of accounts needed to record both routine and exceptional transactions.
In order to ensure flexible and broad-scope standardization, the CGNC states that:
- The Moroccan chart of accounts defines only the main account classes
- The chart covers only the usual needs of businesses
Accordingly, companies are free to add further detail to meet specific needs by creating sub-accounts tailored to their activity.
The 8 Classes of the Moroccan Chart of Accounts
The Moroccan chart of accounts prescribed by the CGNC is organized into classes. There are 8 main classes, divided between balance sheet accounts and management accounts:
Balance Sheet Accounts (Classes 1 to 5)
- Class 1 – Permanent financing: includes equity, long-term debt, and long-term provisions. This class contains share capital, reserves, retained earnings, and long-term borrowings.
- Class 2 – Fixed assets: covers intangible assets, tangible assets, financial assets, and preliminary expenses. Depreciation and impairment provisions also fall within this class.
- Class 3 – Current assets: comprises inventories, trade receivables, advances paid, and short-term investment securities. This class reflects the short-term elements of the company’s assets.
- Class 4 – Current liabilities: includes trade payables, tax and social security liabilities, and other short-term creditors.
- Class 5 – Cash and cash equivalents: groups together bank accounts, cash-in-hand, and marketable securities. It allows daily monitoring of the company’s liquidity.
Management Accounts (Classes 6 to 7)
- Class 6 – Expenses: groups all charges for the financial year, whether operating (purchases, staff costs, taxes), financial (interest), or non-recurring (penalties, exceptional losses).
- Class 7 – Revenue: gathers all income for the financial year, including turnover, financial income, and non-recurring income.
Special Accounts (Class 0 and Class 8)
- Class 0 – Special accounts: used for off-balance-sheet commitments and inter-branch liaison accounts.
- Class 8 – Results and liaison accounts: used to determine the net result for the financial year.
Structure of Account Numbering
The Moroccan chart of accounts uses a hierarchical decimal coding system. Each level of detail adds an additional digit to the account number:
- Class: 1 digit (example: 1 = Permanent financing)
- Category (Rubrique): 2 digits (example: 11 = Equity)
- Heading (Poste): 3 digits (example: 111 = Share capital or personal capital)
- Main account (Compte principal): 4 digits (example: 1111 = Share capital)
- Sub-account (Compte divisionnaire): 5 digits or more for further detail
This structure provides significant flexibility. Companies must comply with the 4-digit main accounts defined by the CGNC, but they are free to create more detailed subdivisions to meet their internal management needs.
What Is a Chart of Accounts?
A chart of accounts is a nomenclature containing the various accounts to be used by the company. The Moroccan chart of accounts rigidly determines:
- The numbering of the accounts to be used
- The minimum subdivisions between transactions
- The content of each account
- The placement of each account in the company’s financial statements
The existence of a chart of accounts limits the company’s freedom in how it prepares its accounts. Any accounting records that do not comply with the Moroccan chart of accounts may be rejected during a tax audit, exposing the company to adjustments and penalties. For an in-depth understanding of Moroccan accounting, consult our accounting guide.
Mandatory vs Optional Accounts
The CGNC distinguishes two levels of accounts within the Moroccan chart of accounts:
- Mandatory accounts: the 4-digit main accounts are compulsory. Every company must incorporate them into its accounting when it carries out corresponding transactions.
- Optional accounts: subdivisions beyond 4 digits are left to the company’s discretion. They allow for more refined analytical tracking without departing from the normative framework.
The Various Provisions of the Moroccan Chart of Accounts
The chart of accounts defines the following elements:
Mandatory Financial Statements in Moroccan Accounting
The General Accounting Standards Code allows accounts to be prepared according to two models:
- The standard model (mandatory for companies with revenue exceeding 10 million dirhams)
- The simplified model
According to the CGNC provisions, these models include the following statements:
Standard model
- Balance Sheet (BL)
- Income Statement (CPC)
- Statement of Management Balances (ESG)
- Financing Table (TF)
- Supplementary Information Statement (ETIC)
Simplified model
- Balance Sheet (BL)
- Income Statement (CPC)
- Financing Table (TF) (in a simplified format)
- Supplementary Information Statement (ETIC)
The company must prepare these statements based on the information from its general ledger and general accounting records.
Presentation and Valuation Methods
The Moroccan chart of accounts prescribes for each heading of the financial statements the methods to follow for presentation and valuation. Compliance with these principles is mandatory.
Account Operating Rules
The Moroccan chart of accounts specifies for each account the circumstances in which it should be debited or credited, as well as the nature of transactions that justify each movement.
Differences Between the Moroccan PCGE, French PCG, and IFRS
The Moroccan chart of accounts historically draws on the French General Chart of Accounts, but it has notable specificities:
- Asset valuation: the PCGE favors historical cost, whereas IFRS standards promote fair value for many assets.
- Lease accounting: the CGNC adopts a legal and asset-based approach. Leased assets remain on the lessor’s books, unlike IFRS (IFRS 16) which requires recognition by the lessee.
- Financial statement presentation: the Moroccan model has its own structure (BL, CPC, ESG, TF, ETIC), which differs from the IFRS balance sheet and income statement format.
- Provision recognition: the criteria for recognition and measurement differ between the Moroccan framework and international standards.
These differences make it essential to engage a chartered accountant registered with the OEC when preparing consolidated accounts or reports intended for international investors.
Sector-Specific Adaptations of the Moroccan Chart of Accounts
The PCGE serves as the baseline framework, but certain sectors have sector-specific charts of accounts adapted to their particularities:
- Banking: the Chart of Accounts for Credit Institutions (PCEC) addresses the specificities of banking activities (interbank operations, off-balance-sheet commitments).
- Insurance: the chart of accounts for insurance companies incorporates technical provisions and regulated investments.
- UCITS (OPCVM): a dedicated chart of accounts reflects collective savings management.
- Non-profit organizations: an adapted chart of accounts takes into account grants, membership fees, and the absence of share capital.
Key Accounts Every Company Uses
Regardless of size or industry, certain accounts in the Moroccan chart of accounts are used by every company:
- 1111 – Share capital
- 2332 – Machinery and equipment
- 3421 – Trade receivables
- 4411 – Trade payables
- 5141 – Bank accounts
- 5161 – Cash-in-hand
- 6111 – Purchases of goods
- 6171 – Staff remuneration
- 7111 – Sales of goods
Mastering these fundamental accounts is the starting point for any effective accounting organization. The OEC recommends that companies verify their chart of accounts configuration annually to ensure ongoing compliance with the CGNC.
Common Mistakes in Chart of Accounts Setup
Several errors frequently arise when configuring the Moroccan chart of accounts:
- Not following the official numbering: using account numbers that do not comply with the CGNC exposes the company to rejection of its accounting records.
- Creating too many sub-accounts: an overly detailed structure complicates data entry and financial statement readability.
- Neglecting accrual accounts: prepaid expenses and deferred income are often overlooked, distorting the year-end result.
- Confusing account classes: recording a fixed asset as an expense or vice versa is a frequent error among companies that manage their accounting internally.
Digital Tools for Managing the Chart of Accounts
Today, managing the Moroccan chart of accounts is made easier by numerous accounting software solutions adapted to the CGNC framework:
- Sage and CEGID offer preconfigured modules with the Moroccan PCGE.
- QuickBooks and Xero can be adapted but require specific configuration.
- Local solutions such as JBS Compta or Winbooks offer native integration of the Moroccan chart of accounts.
Using the right software reduces the risk of errors and facilitates the production of financial statements that comply with the CGNC.
Need expert guidance on setting up your chart of accounts? Contact Upsilon Consulting for a personalized consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Moroccan Chart of Accounts (PCGE)?
The PCGE (Plan Comptable Général des Entreprises) is the standardized framework that defines how financial transactions must be classified and recorded by Moroccan companies. It is organized into classes numbered 1 to 8, covering everything from permanent financing and fixed assets to revenue, expenses, and off-balance-sheet items.
Is the Moroccan PCGE the same as the French PCG?
While the Moroccan PCGE was inspired by the French Plan Comptable Général, it has been adapted to the specificities of the Moroccan economic and legal environment. The structure and numbering system are similar, but there are differences in account classifications, disclosure requirements, and sector-specific adaptations.
Are there sector-specific chart of accounts in Morocco?
Yes, Morocco has several sector-specific chart of accounts (plans comptables sectoriels) for industries such as banking, insurance, real estate developers, agricultural companies, and associations. These sector plans are built upon the common principles of the PCGE but contain additional accounts and rules specific to each industry.
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