What is the special chart of accounts SKR 04?

The special account system SKR 04 is a chart of accounts developed by the Federal Association of German Tax Advisers (BStBK) and is mainly aimed at larger companies and industrial firms that carry out accounting in accordance with commercial and tax law requirements. It is more structured and detailed than SKR 03 and is particularly suitable for companies that have to map more complex business processes.

Important features of the SKR 04:

1. Structure and organisation: The SKR 04 is more detailed than the SKR 03 and is based on a process-related chart of accounts that is closely aligned with the financial statement and balance sheet items. The accounts are structured in groups based on tens to enable a precise mapping of all business transactions. It is divided into account classes 0 to 9, similar to the SKR 03, but with a business orientation that is particularly suitable for industrial and manufacturing companies.
2. Account classes:

• Account class 0: Fixed assets
• Account class 1: Financial assets
• Account class 2: Current assets and receivables
• Account class 3: Liabilities and provisions
• Account class 4: Operating income
• Account class 5: Incoming goods and material costs
• Account class 6: Personnel costs
• Account class 7: Depreciation and other operating expenses
• Account class 8: Financial income and expenses
• Account class 9: Closing entries and period cut-offs

1. Advantages of SKR 04:

• Level of detail: The SKR 04 enables a more in-depth and specific posting of business transactions, which is particularly advantageous for companies with more complex structures and processes.
• Industry-specific orientation: Due to its structure, it is particularly suitable for companies that manufacture, trade or produce, as it comprehensively maps cost centres and cost units.
• Balance sheet orientation: The SKR 04 is strongly oriented towards the balance sheet structure and enables a clear presentation of assets and liabilities as well as the profit and loss statement. This makes it easier to prepare the annual financial statements.

1. Differences to the SKR 03:

• While the SKR 03 is primarily aimed at smaller companies and freelancers, the SKR 04 is aimed at larger companies that require cost and performance accounting (KLR).
• The SKR 04 offers a finer subdivision into account groups, which enable a more precise recording and tracking of business transactions.

Application:

The SKR 04 is mainly used in industrial companies that require detailed cost centre accounting in addition to bookkeeping. The structure is designed for a differentiated allocation of costs and revenues, which makes it ideal for companies with complex manufacturing and production processes.