Accounting for cooperatives

Accounting is a fundamental tool for the development and management of cooperatives. It allows the registration and control of financial, equity and economic operations, providing accurate information for strategic decision-making.

Cooperatives are organizations whose main objective is to promote the social and economic well-being of their members. They are made up of people who voluntarily unite to meet their common economic, social and cultural needs and aspirations through a collectively owned and democratically controlled enterprise.

Accounting for cooperatives must be done in a specific way, taking into account the particularities of this type of organization. It is important that the accountant is aware of the norms and laws that govern cooperatives, such as Law nº 5.764/71, which provides for the national policy of cooperativism, and Law nº 10.406/02, which establishes the new Civil Code.

In addition, accounting for cooperatives must follow accounting principles such as competence, prudence, continuity, consistency and materiality. These principles ensure the reliability of accounting information and transparency in resource management.

Among the main accounting activities for cooperatives, the following stand out:

• Elaboration of the specific plan of accounts for cooperatives;
• Registration and control of financial, property and economic operations;
• Preparation of mandatory accounting statements, such as the balance sheet, income statement and statement of changes in equity;
• Elaboration of management reports for strategic decision-making;
• Follow-up of tax and social security legislation;
• Advice on the financial and asset management of the cooperative;
• Conducting accounting and tax audits.

In summary, accounting for cooperatives is essential to ensure transparency in resource management and to provide accurate information for strategic decision-making. It is important that the accountant is aware of the particularities of this type of organization and follows the accounting principles and current legislation.

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