Accounting

We are experts in preparing accounts for local businesses. We can prepare year-end accounts using basic records, your own accounting ledgers, or cloud-based accounting software.

We understand every client has different needs, which is why we tailor our services to your requirements. This allows you to do as much or as little of the work as you want to.

We will ensure that your accounts are prepared in accordance with Company Law and applicable accounting standards. We are approved by the Guernsey Income Tax Office to certify accounts for individuals as well as companies.

Audit

As an independent, local firm of Registered Auditors, we are qualified to undertake audits to the very highest standards. Our directors are experienced and always directly involved in the audit process. This ensures that you get timely, knowledgeable and pro-active advice.

Whilst it may be appropriate in many cases for owner managed businesses to dispense with an external audit, the following considerations should be made in making your decision:

• Is an audit required by regulation or the shareholders’ agreement?
• Does the company have borrowings with an institution that may require it to have an audit? Or is it likely that it will require borrowings in the future?
• Are the owners considering selling the company? The purchasers or their bank may require historical audited accounts;
• Has the audit acted as a deterrent against staff from making misstatements, or even perpetrating fraud?
• Is there a history in previous years of errors or weaknesses being detected by the auditor?
• Would shareholders who are not involved in the management of the company benefit from the independent external scrutiny that an audit provides?

Tax

We have a wealth of experience and knowledge in dealing with the Guernsey tax affairs of local individuals, businesses and companies.
We can deal with your personal and company tax returns, tax computations and distribution reports to ensure that your affairs are kept in order and that you only pay the tax that is due. We can also assist in tax planning to ensure that you have the optimal tax structure for your personal circumstances.

Bookkeeping & Financial Support Services

We provide a comprehensive range of bookkeeping and financial support services designed to support your business. Our services are tailored to suit your requirements, but can include:

• Routine bookkeeping and reconciliations
  Accurate and timely bookkeeping, bank reconciliations, and accounting adjustments to keep your financial records up to date.

• Preparation of payment run listings
  Compilation and review of payment run schedules, ensuring all payments are correctly recorded and ready for processing.

• Debtor and creditor management
  Proactive monitoring and management of debtors and creditors to support healthy cash flow.

• Bespoke management reporting
  Clear, tailored management reports designed around your business needs, giving you the insight required to make informed decisions.

• Liaison with key stakeholders
  Direct communication with payroll providers, auditors, and other stakeholders, including attendance at board or management meetings where required.

• Business guidance
  Support with interpreting financial trends, reviewing performance and providing practical guidance to aid commercial decision‑making.

• Year‑end preparation
  Timely preparation of yearend records that integrate with our core accounting and tax services, helping to ensure a smooth and efficient yearend process.

• GST readiness support
  Helping your business prepare for GST if it is introduced, including system readiness, record keeping guidance and compliance considerations.

Corporate services

We provide corporate services to companies. We ensure that your company’s statutory records are kept up to date and that they comply with The Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008.

Our services include:

• Company incorporation
• Advising on pre-incorporation matters and optimal company structures
• Provision of the statutory documents, registers and minute book
• Dealing with share transfers
• Managing updates to the company’s records, including changes in shareholders, directors and company name
• Dealing with Guernsey Registry filings, including the annual validation
• Provision of registered office
• Safe keeping of all statutory documents

These services are provided by our subsidiary company, Marshall Secretarial Services Limited, which is regulated by the Guernsey Financial Services Commission.

Please note we only provide these services alongside accountancy and/or tax services. 

Go to Company Incorporations

Cloud accounting software

We understand that technology is advancing and business owners want real-time management information they can access anytime and anywhere. This is why we are certified advisors and providers of Xero. It’s cloud-based accounting software that can automate and simplify your bookkeeping.

Our Xero service offering means that you spend less time on your accounting and more time on running your business.

Please contact us for further assistance and a free demo.

Business planning and strategy

For a business to be successful it is vital that it has a plan and a strategy: ‘Start with the end in mind’. It is also just as important to monitor your progress compared to your original plan to ensure that you stay on track, or modify your plan as necessary. With our extensive experience of Guernsey business we are well placed to assist you in your planning, as well as on-going monitoring.

Business health checks

There are so many things to think about in running a business, any one of which could cause serious problems if it were overlooked. We have a range of business health checks that we can go through with you, as well as our wealth of business experience, to make sure you have got everything covered.

Please contact us for further information.

Valuations

Business valuations are required for any number of reasons, such as business acquisitions, disposals, mergers or divorce. Business valuations are an art, and Cleland & Co have many years of experience in valuing Guernsey businesses.

Let us use our wealth of experience and local knowledge to assist you.

Liquidations

Through our cost effective liquidation services we are able to advise and assist you when the time comes to restructure or wind up your company’s affairs. We are able to deal with both voluntary strike offs and liquidations to ensure that the company is wound up in a smooth and efficient manner.

Succession planning

A family’s biggest asset is often the family business and how to sell it or pass it on when the time is right is not the easiest of things to achieve. The purpose for assisting a client in their exit strategy is to help them understand that they should be creating an asset.

Succession planning takes time, but with the right advice and assistance it is possible to secure an exit route from your business that suits you. If your exit route is not planned, you could see a lifelong work disappear.

Please contact us for further assistance.

GST Readiness Support

With the potential introduction of GST on the horizon, it is essential for businesses to ensure their systems, records and processes are ready. We can provide practical, hands-on support to help you get GST ready.

Implementing the Right Accounting Software
Choosing and setting up an accounting system is a key first step in preparing for GST. We can help you select the most suitable software for your business needs and manage the full implementation, from initial setup, to customising the chart of accounts and GST codes and training. This ensures your bookkeeping records can be maintained accurately from day one.

Getting You Up to Speed with Bookkeeping Requirements
Quarterly GST returns will require timely, accurate record‑keeping. We provide guidance and training to help you understand the ongoing bookkeeping processes you will need to follow, so your records are complete, compliant, and ready for submission each quarter.

We Can Handle Your Bookkeeping for You
If you would prefer to focus on running your business, we can take care of the bookkeeping entirely.

Ongoing Support as Regulations Evolve
As the GST rules develop, we will keep you informed. Whether you need ad‑hoc advice or ongoing bookkeeping services, we are here to ensure your business stays compliant.