Corporate Secretarial Services in Singapore
Singapore has gradually evolved into a financial hub in Southeast Asia as a result from the infrastructures built, tax incentive schemes such as Section 13X and 13R under Income Tax Act (“ITA”) as incentive for Family Offices, government policies that encourages entrepreneurships attracting foreign investments and companies.
Corporate Secretarial Services in Singapore
As of Jan 2016, Singapore has concluded 96 International Tax Agreements, including 79 DTAs and 9 limited treaties and 8 DTAs signed but not ratified. This makes Singapore one of the most desirable location for businesses with an international outlook for company incorporation. Based on the World Bank’s Data, Singapore is rated the 2nd most convenient place to set up businesses, with year-on-year increase of incorporation in Singapore.
What is a corporate secretary, and how can we help?
Companies in Singapore are required to abide by the local laws, regulations, and tax compliance. At YYC we provide our corporate secretarial services with constant updates on legislative and regulatory changes by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (“ACRA”), the regulatory body for corporate secretaries, accounting regulations and companies in Singapore. Non-compliance, will result in potential liabilities for your company secretary, and your directors.
After an incorporation of your company in Singapore, as a corporate secretary we act as one of your company’s key officer that must be a resident in Singapore.
Company Secretary | Requirements
According to the Companies Act, Singapore residents can act as a corporate secretary for a private Singapore company (Section 171 1AA). Public companies will require individuals with higher qualifications, meeting at least one of the following:-
- Been a company secretary for at least three of the last five years, and are defined as qualified person (i)
- Accountants registered under the Accountants Act (ii)
- Member of Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
- Member of Singapore Association of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators
- Member of Association International Accountants in Singapore
- Member of the Institute of Company Accountants, Singapore
Sources (i) Legal Profession Act, Cap 161 (ii) Accountants Act Cap 2
Duties & Responsibilities of Company Secretary in Singapore
Corporate secretary in Singapore has the responsibility for the following:
- Directors
- Nominee Directors
- Members
- Registrable controllers
- Allotments (records the details of shareholders which the company has issued shares to)
- Transfers (records the transfer of shares within the lifetime of the company)
- Draft resolutions relevant for key events of the company
- Amending company constitution
- Updating details of the company, directors, and shareholders to ACRA on an annual basis, and changes from time to time where relevant
- Filing annual company accounts
- Supervise and prepare relevant documents for shares related activities such as issuance and transfers, and managing queries from shareholder(s)
The compliance and reporting requirements are regulated by Singapore law, as such failure to adhere to the relevant laws can be costly. If your company secretary is not prompt in their response or managing arising issues, and not abreast of the changes in the law, the probability of violating Singapore’s Company’s Act is higher which entails penalties, in some cases prosecution.
As a provider of corporate secretarial services in Singapore, YYC provides serves with the required skillset, knowledge, and response rate for our clients.
Private Companies Incorporation In Singapore | Requirements:
- At least 1 Local Resident Director
- At least 1 Shareholder
- A Company Secretary
- Minimum paid-up capital of S$1
Incorporation Process for Singapore Residents (i.e. Singapore citizens, Singapore PR or Singapore Employment Pass holders)
- Complete and Submit Singapore Company Incorporation Application Form.
- Prepare & submit all Documents
- Full payment of our fees
- Visit our office and incorporate your Company
- Open your OCBC bank account (on the same visit to our office)
Frequently Asked Question
How does accounting work?
Accounting is a record of all your business activities, assets and liabilities. Whenever there is income or spending, when you receive or spend money, your bookkeeper records these activities in the books. Your accountant builds reports using these numbers which will form your accounts required by the government to prepare financial statements in accordance to the accounting standards, calculate and submit taxes to IRAS, prepare and file annual returns to ACRA.
What are the accounting standards in Singapore?
Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS), which is similar to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), both based on accrual-based accounting where transactions are recognized when they happen, and not when cash is received or paid. Accounts prepared for Singapore companies must comply with SFRS requirements under the Companies Act (Cap. 50). It is the responsibility of the directors to ensure compliance with the Companies Act.
What accounting services do we offer for business owners?
We help businesses in Singapore with a full range of accounting and tax services. This includes outsourced accounting services, daily bookkeeping, preparation of financial statements, preparation of ECI and corporate tax reports and returns, XBRL (full and highlights). In addition, we can help you to apply for GST, and submit regular GST returns for GST-registered companies. If there are special requirements, please contact us our Accountants, who will be glad to assist you.
How should we submit the relevant data for accounting?
Agere is a fully digitalized cloud accounting firm. You can send your documents to us digitally via our mobile app (just take a photo), or email directly to our platform using a unique email address assigned to you – so we will always know that the documents are for your company. You can even provide the email address to your regular suppliers. (No more spending time scouring through emails to compile or forward the invoices to us). Contact us and we will take care of the rest!
Does every company need financial accounting?
Every company requires financial accounting for the purpose of ensuring their company’s financials are up to date for required annual filings complying to the laws of Singapore.
How can accounting service help my business?
Accounting service relieves you from the time and effort required for bookkeeping to ensure your financial records are up to date. In addition, timely accounts allow you to have an overview of your business’ financial position and business metrics that will help you make better business decisions.
What is accounting outsourcing?
Accounting outsourcing is a process of hiring a service provider for the maintenance of your accounts through bookkeeping ensuring the financial transactions of your business is recorded promptly and accurately.
How much does outsourcing bookkeeping cost?
There is varying range in terms of cost for outsourcing bookkeeping, this depends on the time and quality of work the service provider aims to deliver for you. Find out more about our packages here.
What are the benefits of accounting system in company?
What are the benefits to hiring bookkeeping services or outsourcing your accounts?
The main benefit to hiring a bookkeeping service is there is a professional accountant that can oversee your accounting and bookkeeping needs, where they take care of your backend finances ensuring your financial records are timely, accurate and compliant while you as a business owner can focus on revenue generating activities, securing more sales. SMEs usually faces difficulties hiring and retaining good accounting staff. By engaging us as your outsourced accounting firm, we will be assigned to a dedicated accountant who is part of a team. In the event the accountant leaves our firm, a fellow team member will take over your accounts making it a smooth transition.
Talk to us today
Contact Info
60 Paya Lebar Road, #11-19, Paya Lebar Square, Singapore 409051
+65 8893 3960
enquiry@yycadvisors.com.sg