The Ministry for the Economy and Finance, called the Finance Ministry for short and informally referred to as Bercy, is one of the most important ministries in the Government of France. Its minister is one of the most prominent cabinet members after the Prime Minister. An other minister, who helps the Minister of the Economy, is a part of the Ministry, it is the Minister of the Public Account. it is not mandatory that there is a Minister of Public Accounts but this position has always been assured

The Minister of Finance oversees:

• the drafting of laws on taxation by exercising direct authority over the Tax Policy Board of the Departement of Public Finances, formerly the Department of Revenue 
• national funds and financial and economic system, especially with the Office of the Treasurer and Receiver General, not to be confused with the Public Treasury, that is the Office of the Comptroller-General  under the authority of the Minister of Budget);
• the development, regulation and control of economy including industry, tourism, small business, competition, and consumer security, and other matters excluding energy, industrial security, environmental affairs and transportations which are under the authority of the Ministre d’Etat, Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy;
• employment policies and career education.

By her authority above the financial assets of the State, the financial and economic national system and the taxation rules, the Minister is allowed to represent France in the European Union council of the minister of the Economy and Finance (ECOFIN).