Federal Accounting Council

What Federal Accounting Council does

The Conselho Federal de Contabilidade (CFC), or Federal Accounting Council, is Brazil's federal regulatory autarquia for the accounting profession, established by Decree-Law 9.295/1946 and headquartered in Brasília. It holds exclusive authority to issue the Normas Brasileiras de Contabilidade (NBC), administer the mandatory Exame de Suficiência professional qualification examination, govern the Programa de Educação Profissional Continuada (PEPC) for ongoing professional development, and enforce ethical and disciplinary standards. The CFC oversees a national Sistema CFC/CRCs composed of 27 Regional Councils covering every Brazilian state plus the Federal District, licensing accountants and accounting technicians who cannot legally practice without registration.

Its product and service portfolio centers on professional qualification and continuing education: the Exame de Suficiência delivered through partner FGV in 122 cities, the Exame de Qualificação Técnica (EQT) for specialized practice areas, the EduCont online learning platform hosting 25 continuing-education courses, and the Conta+JE electoral-accounting system. The CFC also publishes the Revista Brasileira de Contabilidade (RBC) — Latin America's longest-running accounting publication, in continuous circulation since 1912 — and confers institutional honors such as the Medalha João Lyra. Underlying technology is operated by the Coordenadoria de Inovação e Tecnologia (CIT) and includes SAP for administrative systems, Power BI for institutional dashboards (CFC em Números), centralized IT services, and an information-security framework (SGSI) aligned to ISO/IEC 38500 and TCU/Sisp guidelines.

Revenue mechanics are statutory rather than market-priced: the CFC is funded by mandatory annual professional fees (anuidades) collected across the CFC/CRC system, examination fees for the Suficiência and EQT, and registration/documentation charges, all set by CFC resolution. As a federal autarquia, detailed financials are not publicly disclosed. Governance rests on an elected Plenary; the current president is Joaquim Bezerra. Internationally, the CFC participates in IFAC, GLENIF, ISSB, IPSASB, and the IFRS Foundation, and maintains bilateral engagements with AICPA (USA) and ICAI (India), anchoring Brazil's accounting profession within global standard-setting bodies.

Name

Federal Accounting Council

Legal name

Conselho Federal de Contabilidade

Website

https://cfc.org.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

1946

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Brazil's federal regulatory authority for the accounting profession since 1946, the Conselho Federal de Contabilidade sets national accounting standards, administers the mandatory professional qualification exam, and governs 27 Regional Councils serving all registered accountants and technicians nationwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Regulation (Accounting)

NAICS

Public Administration (92), Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support (921)

akta.pro primary industry

Government Accounting & Financial Reporting (BPAIAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Accounting & Finance Certification Prep (CPA, CMA, CFA, FRM) (EDANAIAD), Financial Services & Insurance (FINRA, CFP, IAR, Insurance CE) (EDAAALAJ), Finance, Accounting & Risk (CFA/CPA/FRM) Certifications (EDAAANAD)

Keywords

• Accounting regulation
• Professional certification
• Accounting standards
• Professional licensing
• Continuing education

Headquarters

HQ city

Nova Brasília

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Professional Annual Fees (Anuidades): Mandatory annual fees charged to registered accountants and accounting technicians across Brazil's 27 Regional Councils. Fees maintain professional registration and are governed by CFC Resolution.
2. Exame de Suficiência (Sufficiency Exam): Mandatory professional certification exam for obtaining accountant registration. Administered by the CFC, with applications processed by Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV) in approximately 122 cities. Revenue generated through examination fees.
3. Exame de Qualificação Técnica (EQT): Technical qualification examinations for specialized practice areas such as forensic accounting (perícia contábil). Administered by FGV, generating examination fee revenue.
4. Professional Registration and Documentation Services: Fees for initial professional registration, issuance of certificates, DECORE documents, and other administrative certifications provided to accounting professionals.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

The Conselho Federal de Contabilidade (CFC) is Brazil's federal regulatory authority for the accounting profession, established by Decree-Law 9.295/1946. It issues binding Normas Brasileiras de Contabilidade (NBC), administers the mandatory Exame de Suficiência proficiency exam, manages professional registration through 27 Regional Councils (CRCs), delivers continuing professional education via the EduCont platform, and provides specialized systems such as Conta+JE for electoral accounting compliance.

Product overview

The Federal Accounting Council (Conselho Federal de Contabilidade - CFC) is the regulatory body for the accounting profession in Brazil, operating as part of the Sistema CFC/CRCs (Federal and 27 Regional Councils of Accounting). Rather than a commercial software product, CFC provides institutional services including professional examinations (Exame de Suficiência, Exame de Qualificação Técnica), technical standards (Normas Brasileiras de Contabilidade), the Brazilian Accounting Journal (RBC), and the EduCont training platform. The organization manages a national training program on Tax Reform, operates transparency and service portals, and maintains IT infrastructure through its CIT division. CFC also oversees the continuing education program (PEPC) and provides electoral accounting systems for campaign financial reporting.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Medalha João Lyra: Highest honor awarded by CFC to distinguished accounting professionals at Brazilian Congresses of Accounting
• CFC Mulher
• CFC em um Minuto
• Plataforma EduCont
• Revista Brasileira de Contabilidade (RBC)
• Exame de Suficiência
• Exame de Qualificação Técnica (EQT)

Products and services

• Portal de Serviços Online
• Exame de Suficiência
• Exame de Qualificação Técnica (EQT)
• Normas Brasileiras de Contabilidade (NBC)
• Plataforma EduCont
• Programa de Educação Profissional Continuada (PEPC)
• Conta+JE (Sistema de Prestação de Contas)
• Biblioteca Digital
• Portal da Transparência
• Coordenadoria de Inovação e Tecnologia (CIT)
• Revista Brasileira de Contabilidade (RBC)
• Sistema CFC/CRCs

Quantifiable outcome

• 268,840 cumulative registrations for the national Tax Reform Capacity-Building Course as of June 2026, demonstrating unprecedented professional uptake and trust in CFC-delivered training.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Receita Federal do Brasil (RFB)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026A flagship national partnership for delivering the 18-module Tax Reform Capacity-Building Course (Curso de Capacitação sobre a Reforma Tributária do Consumo), with over 268,840 cumulative registrations. The RFB provides tax reform technical specialists; the CFC coordinates and certifies training, generating PEPC professional education points. The course runs from May through September 2026 covering all aspects of Brazil's new consumption tax system.
• Federação Nacional das Empresas de Serviços Contábeis (FENACON)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Strategic partner in the national Tax Reform capacity-building initiative, representing thousands of accounting service firms. FENACON supports course promotion and outreach to its member companies nationwide, complementing the CFC-Receita Federal partnership. Together they reached over 268,000 cumulative participants by the 6th module.
• Universidade de Brasília (UnB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026The CFC and UnB maintain an ongoing partnership to strengthen accounting education. In 2026 they discussed the XII UnB Congress of Accounting and Governance and joint initiatives for academic development and professional valorization. The university delegation visited the CFC headquarters to align on shared objectives.
• Instituto Rui Barbosa (IRB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026The IRB collaborates with the CFC on technical analysis of sustainability reporting regulations, including new CVM requirements. Specialists from IRB publish analytical articles examining the impacts of sustainability disclosure regulations on companies, public managers, and accounting professionals.
• International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026The CFC actively monitors and disseminates ISSB standards and publications in Brazil, including meeting updates and podcasts on nature-related disclosures. The ISSB develops international sustainability disclosure standards that directly influence Brazilian accounting practice through CFC's normative framework.
• International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026The CFC monitors IPSASB activities and publications, including exposure drafts like ED 97 on materiality judgments in public sector accounting. The IPSASB develops standards that inform Brazilian public sector accounting through CFC's normative channel.
• IFRS FoundationcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026The IFRS Foundation publishes the IFRS for SMEs standard (2015 edition, 3rd edition 2025) which the CFC monitors and disseminates. The Foundation's educational modules for SMEs (modules 13, 21, 30 published in 2026) are shared through CFC channels for Brazilian accounting professionals.
• International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026IFAC is the global umbrella organization for the accounting profession. The CFC participates in IFAC forums and congresses including the XI Cumbre de las Américas (2026, El Salvador), representing Brazilian accountants in international standard-setting and professional development discussions.
• AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026The CFC maintains a partnership with the AICPA for professional qualification and examination development. AICPA expertise informs the CFC's Examination of Qualification Technical programs, and the CFC website features a dedicated AICPA examinations section for Brazilian accounting professionals.
• Grupo Latino-Americano de Emissores de Normas de Informação Financeira (GLENIF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Brazil participates actively in GLENIF, the Latin American group for international financial information standards. The CFC was represented at the VI GLENIF Congress (June 2026, Buenos Aires), where sustainability and standards convergence were the central themes.
• Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026The CFC submitted joint technical comments to CVM regarding the revision of sustainability reporting requirements for publicly listed companies. Along with other market entities, the CFC advocated for maintaining mandatory sustainability disclosures and submitted proposals to the Ministry of Finance to resolve the regulatory impasse.
• Academia Brasileira de Ciências Contábeis (ABRACICON)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026ABRACICON organizes the 'Quintas do Saber' event series in partnership with the CFC. The June 2026 edition addressed Tax Reform challenges and opportunities. ABRACICON also publishes the Revista de Educação e Pesquisa em Contabilidade (REPeC) as part of the CFC-affiliated periodical system.
• Instituto de Auditores Independentes do Brasil (IBRACON)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026IBRACON is a key Brazilian auditing body partner. The CFC and IBRACON co-promote the 'Prêmio Transparência Universitário' (University Transparency Award, created 2011) and collaborate on auditing standard development. IBRACON's periodical publications are linked through the CFC's bibliography system.
• Juntas Comerciais (Commercial Boards)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026The CFC maintains an active partnership with Brazil's National Association of Commercial Boards, participating in the Monthly Presidents' Meeting. Topics include business environment improvement, business registry modernization, and combating financial crimes. The partnership strengthens the intersection between commercial registration and professional accounting regulation.
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026ICAI representatives visited the CFC in June 2026 to discuss innovation, professional qualification, and modernizing accounting practice. The Indian institute shared initiatives on AI in auditing, digital auditing, continuing professional education, and fraud prevention.
• Tribunal de Contas da União (TCU)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026The TCU and the CFC maintain a historical partnership for strengthening professional councils. A 2026 article highlighted the transformation of this relationship from one of control/regulation to co-construction, where transparency and efficiency serve the citizen. The TCU's internal control model consultation involved CFC in promoting professional participation.
• Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2026FGV administers the Exame de Suficiência (Sufficiency Exam) and the Exame de Qualificação Técnica (Technical Qualification Exam) for the CFC. FGV applies these exams in 122 cities across Brazil and processes candidate results, appeals, and final rankings.
• Conselho Nacional de Controle Interno (CONACI)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026CONACI promoted a public consultation on Brazil's new national internal control framework. The CFC encouraged its members of public accountants, auditors, and accounting professionals to contribute their expertise to the model's development.
• Comitê Gestor do IBS (CGIBS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026The CFC submitted technical contributions to the IBS (Imposto sobre Bens e Serviços) Management Committee to improve the IBS regulation, focusing on legal security, transparency, neutrality, and efficiency. CFC Board Member Brunno Sitônio sits on the CGIBS itself, representing the accounting profession's interests in the new tax system's governance.
• Comitê Brasileiro de Pronunciamentos de Sustentabilidade (CBPS)coreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2026CBPS develops Brazilian sustainability accounting standards and released a video series to support companies and accounting professionals in adopting new sustainability pronouncements. The CBPS is linked to the CFC's normative framework as the body responsible for translating ISSB standards into Brazilian practice.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• AICPA & CIMA: The American Institute of CPAs combined with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants is the largest US accounting membership body that sets professional standards, administers the CPA exam, and provides continuing education. Comparable to the CFC as a national accounting regulator with examination, certification, and standard-setting authority, though operating in a private membership model rather than as a federal autarquia.
• ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales): ICAEW is one of the leading chartered accountancy bodies globally, with membership of over 198,000 and a statutory role in UK accounting regulation, examination, and standard-setting. Comparable to the CFC in its examination, qualification, and continuing education functions, with additional international reach through mutual recognition agreements.
• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ): CA ANZ is a binational professional accounting body with over 130,000 members, administering the CA designation and providing technical standards, continuing education, and member services. Comparable to CFC as a national/regional professional regulator offering examinations, CPD, and normative guidance to accountants.
• Financial Reporting Council (FRC) UK: The UK's FRC sets accounting, auditing, and corporate governance standards, oversees statutory audit regulation, and enforces professional conduct. Comparable to the CFC's standard-setting and oversight functions for the accounting profession, though operating as an independent regulator rather than a professional membership body.

Direct peers

• Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI): ICAI is the statutory national regulator for the chartered accountancy profession in India, established by the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949. It administers the CA Foundation/Intermediate/Final exams, sets accounting and auditing standards, and provides continuing professional education — directly analogous to the CFC's mandate over Brazilian accountants under Decree-Law 9.295/1946.
• Ordre des Experts-Comptables (OEC) / CNCC France: OEC, together with the Compagnie Nationale des Commissaires aux Comptes (CNCC), regulates the French accounting profession, including the expert-comptable qualification and statutory audit profession. Functions analogously to the CFC in administering professional entry exams, setting technical standards, and overseeing a national professional register.
• Instituto Mexicano de Contadores Públicos (IMCP): IMCP is Mexico's leading professional accounting body, administering the contador público certificado designation and providing continuing education. Highly comparable to the CFC as a Latin American professional regulator with similar exam, certification, and standard-setting responsibilities, though without statutory monopoly equivalent to Brazil's autarquia structure.

Others

• International Federation of Accountants (IFAC): IFAC is the global umbrella organization for the accounting profession, of which the CFC is a member. IFAC sets international standards (via IAESB, IESBA) for professional ethics, education, and audit. It is a partner rather than competitor — comparable in its standard-setting and CPD coordination role but operating globally rather than nationally.
• IFRS Foundation: The IFRS Foundation oversees the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), developing global accounting and sustainability disclosure standards. The CFC directly monitors and disseminates IFRS/ISSB publications to Brazilian practitioners, making this a key upstream standards counterpart to CFC's normative role.
• Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB): The PCAOB is the US regulator overseeing audits of public companies and registered audit firms. While not a direct counterpart to CFC's professional registration role, it is comparable as a statutory accounting oversight authority that the CFC engages with through international auditing standards coordination via IBRACON and IFAC.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/watch?v=yVmxRjD5KNQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/conselho-federal-de-contabilidade

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Federal Accounting Council