Let’s debunk some myths about who can and cannot conduct accounting activities in the Czech Republic as an independent accountant—that is, obtain a license (živnost) for “Activities of accounting advisors, bookkeeping, tax record keeping.” ⠀ Many accredited courses promise they will enable a person to become an independent accountant and obtain a regulated trade license (vázaná živnost). They just forget to add that to get such a permit, you must also prove 5 years of practical experience in the field. ⠀ What does the Trade Licensing Act (zákon o živnostenském podnikání) tell us? According to the act, you can obtain an accountant’s license if:
- You have a university degree and 3 years of experience as an accountant.
- You have a higher vocational degree and 5 years of experience as an accountant.
- You have a secondary education and 5 years of experience as an accountant.
- You have proof of completing a requalification course and 5 years of experience as an accountant. ⠀
Consequently, completing an advanced training course means nothing on its own. The certificate DOES NOT give you the right to open a regulated trade license. But! The law provides that you can carry out the activities of an accountant or accounting consultant under the supervision of a Responsible Representative (Odpovědný zástupce).
A Responsible Representative is a person who meets the qualification requirements for accounting and supervises you until you gain the necessary experience and become an independent accountant. This representative can be an accountant who hires you (including for remote work) or an employer who is satisfied with your knowledge and authorizes you to perform a range of tasks for a monthly salary or by agreement. ⠀
Therefore, don’t be afraid to enroll in the “Accounting and Taxation in the Czech Republic” course, which has already been completed by over 400 people. After this course, you will have all the prerequisites to become a specialist in accounting and continue to develop in your chosen direction. ⠀