The minister of Public Accounts, David Amiel, reported that the rollout of electronic invoicing in businesses has exceeded expectations. Just 15 days after its launch, 70% of the four million businesses required to file VAT (value-added tax) declarations had chosen a receiving solution from nearly 150 approved digital platforms. Over five million invoices have been processed, with a combined value of more than 15 billion euros. While these results were anticipated to be achieved by the end of October, Amiel noted that the journey is far from over. He emphasized the importance of helping businesses that have not yet adopted electronic invoicing systems. All businesses must be capable of receiving invoices through an electronic platform by September 2027, and no penalties will be imposed until the end of December for those not yet ready.
Amélie Verdier, Director General of Public Finance, clarified that the temporary leniency period does not indicate a delay in the reform’s full implementation. She urged businesses to prepare for the transition and demonstrate their readiness to adopt electronic invoicing. Verdier highlighted the role of certified public accountants as "trusted partners" in the reform, noting their active involvement in its execution. This message was underscored during the 81st congress of the Order of Certified Public Accountants (CNOEC), which focused on the "(re)founding of firms." The event reflected a time of transformation, as data is becoming increasingly valuable in business operations.
CNOEC president Damien Charrier emphasized that certified public accountants must evolve from mere service providers to supervisors and decision-makers. This shift involves integrating advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies into their practices. According to a barometer from the SVP group, 90% of certified public accountants who have already used AI expect it to significantly impact their profession. Specifically, 46% anticipate a "very important" impact. The use of AI for analysis has grown to 60%, up from 28% in 2024, and 45% have used legal AI, compared to 33% in 2024.
However, in 54% of firms using AI, its application remains informal and not governed by clear policies. Anne Feret, Director General of Innovation and Operations at the SVP Group, noted that certified public accountants are no longer debating whether to use AI, but rather how to effectively incorporate it into their work. The challenge lies in developing appropriate AI applications that can enhance advisory services and improve customer relations, turning AI into a strategic tool rather than just a technological novelty.
France's Electronic Invoicing Initiative Surpasses Early Expectations
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