Bookkeeping for international SMEs

Bookkeeping and the right software form the cornerstone of a stable company.

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business man doing international bookeeping

Your Global Partner for Reliable Bookkeeping

Growth needs a stable foundation. BDO’s international bookkeeping services help you keep financial records structured, compliant and under control – across borders.


Is your bookkeeping aligned with international requirements?

Accurate bookkeeping is essential for transparency, compliance and year-end closing. For internationally active companies, reliable financial records are key to meeting statutory requirements in every country. Digital bookkeeping structures increase efficiency and clarity. A consistent chart of accounts ensures that income, expenses and assets are recorded in a comparable and auditable way.

Our experts support you in setting up or optimising bookkeeping structures that work for international operations and growing SMEs.


International bookkeeping services

International companies need bookkeeping solutions that adapt to different markets, entities and regulations – without unnecessary complexity. Our services include:


  • Ongoing bookkeeping (daily, monthly, quarterly or annually)
  • Statutory financial statements and reports
  • Digital bookkeeping using modern SaaS and collaboration platforms
  • Optimisation of electronic bookkeeping systems
  • Support in selecting suitable accounting software
  • Training for in-house bookkeeping teams


Wherever you operate – online or on site – our international teams support you. This gives you direct access to global expertise and specialists who know the ins and outs of international bookkeeping. Connect with our experts around the world and benefit from seamless bookkeeping solutions tailored to your needs.

Why companies choose BDO

Global reach,
local expertise

With a presence in over 160 countries, we understand local bookkeeping requirements and ensure global consistency.

Single point
of contact

You work with one dedicated contact person who coordinates all international bookkeeping topics.

Consistent
quality standards

Our bookkeeping services follow uniform global standards – for reliable and trustworthy results worldwide.

Bookkeeping tailored to different business needs

We understand that bookkeeping requirements vary depending on company size, structure and international footprint.
That’s why we support different types of businesses with bookkeeping solutions tailored to their specific operational and statutory needs.

We support you with all administrative challenges for your sole proprietorship, GmbH, or corporation, offering you our expertise every step of the way.

Our services include:

  • Consolidation of financial statements across several countries
  • Uniform reporting standards for all companies
  • Support with local compliance and tax issues

BDO operates a dedicated competence center for non-profit organizations, cooperatives, associations, societies, and foundations. With regard to bookkeeping, we offer you expertise in the following areas:

  • Traceable accounting for subsidies and donations
  • Annual financial statements according to relevant standards
  • Support with governance and compliance requirements

We know your industry-specific requirements and special features:

  • Industry-specific compliance and reporting
  • Adaptation to special regulatory requirements
  • International solutions, customised to your markets

Digitalisation presents many companies with challenges. With BDO by your side, your processes will become not only more efficient, but cybersecurity will also be comprehensively addressed. We offer support in the following areas:

  • Advice on setting up digital accounting and bookkeeping
  • Implementation of a digital back office
  • Implementation of a digital back office

Schedule a consultation with our specialists

Sonia Sinopoli BDO

Sonia Sinopoli

Head of BSO International | Partner, Zurich
View bio
José Luis Rodriguez

José Luis Rodriguez

Head of Business Services & Solutions | Partner, Zug
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Thierry Nydegger

Thierry Nydegger

Head of Business Services & Solutions, Fribourg
View bio

Bookkeeping FAQs

Find clear answers to the most common questions about international bookkeeping, statutory requirements and collaboration models for internationally active companies and SMEs.

What is the difference between bookkeeping and accounting?

Bookkeeping means the complete and document-based recording of all business transactions i.e. invoices, payments or postings. It creates the basis for ensuring that your finances remain traceable and can be audited at any time.

Accounting goes further: this is where the recorded data are structured, analysed and used for financial statements, key figures and reports. Depending on the size of the company, it comprises various sub-areas such as financial, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll and asset accounting.


With BDO, you have both from a single source – accurate bookkeeping and comprehensive accounting services.

How does collaboration in the field of accounting work?

Collaboration in accounting is as individual as your company. We aim to give you maximum flexibility while ensuring the highest quality. Together, we work out which tasks you take on yourself and which you outsource to us.

You have three models to choose from:

  • In-house: you keep the day-to-day business (e.g. document entry) within the company, while our experts take on complex tasks such as reporting or financial statements.
  • Outsourcing: we manage all of your accounting – from regular bookkeeping to annual financial statements – and completely relieve you of the burden.
  • Hybrid: we share tasks flexibly via secure cloud solutions. You take care of day-to-day business, while we look after more demanding areas.

You thereby benefit from clear structures, international compliance and transparent bookkeeping. Data can be securely exchanged worldwide via our digital portals.

Is my internationally active company required to keep accounts?

Most internationally active companies are required to keep accounts. Whether you are subject to this requirement depends on your legal form, turnover and presence abroad. Corporations and companies with employees or a VAT registration generally have to keep accounts and prepare annual financial statements.

If you have branches in different countries, local regulations also apply – often with special requirements regarding language, format or retention periods. Groups are also required to prepare consolidated financial statements in accordance with local standards or IFRS. If you are unsure whether your company is required to keep accounts, BDO will examine your individual circumstances and ensure that you fulfil all requirements worldwide.

Does BDO also offer advice beyond pure bookkeeping?

Yes, because many companies not only need support with their regular bookkeeping, but also advice on how to organise their financial and accounting processes more efficiently.

Our consultants will provide you with comprehensive support. With our approach in the area of Business Services & Outsourcing (BSO), we combine operational accounting services with practical advice – both locally and internationally. Find out more about our business services here.

Can I do my own bookkeeping?

Yes, generally speaking, you can do your bookkeeping yourself. What matters is that you comply fully with legal requirements, deadlines and tax requirements in each country. This can be particularly complex on an international level, as different accounting standards, VAT rules and retention obligations make bookkeeping time-consuming and prone to errors.

If you are unsure or have no in-house capacity, we’ll be happy to support you. Our experts will check the accuracy of your documents or, if you wish, take over all of your bookkeeping for you.

For over 15 years, we can rely on BDO Biel to act as our accountant for our half-yearly and annual financial statements, as well as for completing our tax returns. Whenever we have any questions, we receive promptly competent advice. Thanks to our long-standing collaboration, our relationship with our personal contact persons is straightforward and based on partnership.

Manuela KocherHead of Administration/Finance | m+m Colordesign

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