Many entrepreneurs, when starting or running a business, wonder who to turn to for help – an accountant or a tax advisor. While both professions are crucial to the operation of a business, they fulfill different roles and their scope of competences differs significantly.
The role of an accountant in the daily functioning of a company
An accountant handles the day-to-day operations of a business. Her primary responsibilities include maintaining accounting records, maintaining records, and settling accounts with the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). She also prepares tax returns and financial statements. In other words, an accountant ensures the proper execution of daily accounting duties, which form the foundation of any business.
Tax advisor – strategic support
A tax advisor is a profession of public trust, possessing significantly broader competencies than an accountant. Their duties include providing individual tax advice and representing clients before tax authorities during proceedings. A tax advisor's support becomes particularly crucial in situations requiring strategic decisions, such as large transactions, company transformations, tax audits, or tax settlement optimization.
Confidentiality and professional secrecy
A significant difference between these professions is the issue of confidentiality. Tax advisors are bound by statutory professional secrecy, which provides clients with special legal protection—even the prosecutor's office cannot violate it. Accountants are also obligated to maintain confidentiality towards third parties, but in certain situations, they may be required to disclose information to state authorities, for example, during an investigation.
Summary
The fundamental difference between an accountant and a tax advisor lies in their respective responsibilities. An accountant is responsible for the day-to-day accounting of a business, while a tax advisor supports entrepreneurs in making strategic tax decisions while providing them with the protection of professional secrecy.
If you're wondering which support option is best for your company, contact us. Our firm will be happy to advise you on the best solution for your needs and help you grow your business safely.
