The revised OHADA Uniform Act on Accounting Law (SYSCOHADA Révisé 2017) brought the most significant overhaul of francophone African accounting standards in over a decade. For accountants and finance officers in DRC, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, and all 17 OHADA member states, understanding these changes is not optional — it is a compliance obligation.

What Changed in SYSCOHADA Révisé 2017?

The 2017 revision introduced several critical updates to the chart of accounts, financial statement presentation, and recognition principles:

1. New Account Classes: Class 8 accounts were expanded to include social and environmental reporting items, reflecting growing expectations around ESG accountability.
2. Alignment with IFRS: The revised system moved closer to IFRS in areas such as financial instrument classification and lease accounting, making dual-reporting comparisons easier for entities with international investors.
3. Simplified SME Framework: Smaller entities now have access to a “système minimal de trésorerie” — a simplified cash-basis reporting framework designed for micro-enterprises that lack the capacity for full accrual accounting.
4. Updated Chart of Accounts: Over 40 account codes were reclassified or renamed. The most impactful changes affect fixed asset accounting (Class 2), financial liabilities (Class 1), and payroll-related accruals (Class 4).
5. Statement of Cash Flows: The Tableau de Flux de Trésorerie is now mandatory for all normal-system entities, replacing the older funding statement. This requires a full reconciliation from net income to operating cash flows.

What Accountants Must Do Now

If you are still using the pre-2017 chart of accounts, you are filing non-compliant reports. Here is a practical checklist:

• Audit your existing chart of accounts against the SYSCOHADA Révisé 2017 reference
• Reclassify any accounts that have changed codes or definitions
• Implement the Tableau de Flux de Trésorerie in your year-end close process
• Train your team on the new recognition rules, particularly for leases and provisions
• Review your financial statement templates (Bilan, Compte de Résultat)

Need Help?

Valid Wave Consulting offers OHADA compliance reviews and staff training programmes tailored to your organisation. Book a free 30-minute consultation to get started.