Corporate services

Whether you are looking to acquire, fund raise, restructure, or develop your operations management, PKF member firms have the specialist advisory skills to support you both in the local and global market place.

Each member firm's market experience combined with solid personal relationships with the major finance providers and business communities, enables their corporate finance, restructuring and forensic teams to support your business goals.

Hotel consultancy

PKF is an internationally recognised brand in the hotel industry and is regarded by many as the industry mark of excellence when dealing with hotel consultancy.

PKF clients are drawn from every conceivable hotel-related field ranging from small companies to large corporations in both the private and public sectors. PKF firms serve clients from all three groups involved in the international hotel industry: operators, owner-investors and financial institutions. The firms also provide services to a large number of other involved parties including professionals, governments, public-sector bodies and property developers. All of these clients have many different needs and all benefit from the same high quality of service.

IT consultancy

Investing in technology alone is not enough - an organisation must apply technology effectively for it to contribute to success.

PKF member firms can provide a range of IT services to help you achieve both short-and long-term business objectives.

IT solutions have to be both practical and affordable, and are tailored specifically to you. With advice from PKF you will not end up buying expensive products that are inappropriate for your business.

Financial Planning

You work hard for your money, so it should work hard for you. Financial planning is about ensuring that your arrangements are suited to your lifestyle, long-term plans and your attitude to risk. It is therefore important to take expert advice based on an in-depth understanding of your needs to gain the full benefit of your wealth.

PKF Firms, working alongside their tax specialists, can offer tax-efficient planning advice that incorporates offshore and international opportunities. PKF International has member firms in all the world's major financial centres and in most offshore tax centres.

What is Pentest?

Pentest is short for penetration test. This measures the security of a computer system, network or application by simulating an attack by a malicious hacker. It analyses the system for weaknesses, technical flaws and vulnerabilities, just as a potential attacker would do. We can perform it either outside your external security perimeter or inside it, to demonstrate exactly how well your system would withstand an attack.

The key benefits of Pentest?

• Enhances overall security - Pentest gives you a quick and low cost overview of your infrastructure security and resilience to attacks.
• Addresses risks - Data breaches, service disruption and website defacements are just a few of the serious risks to your business, which our Pentest can easily mitigate.
• Justify IT investments - We can evaluate how secure your system is and how well developed. You can then use our Pentest as a signoff tool before accepting a site or service developed by a third party.
• Qualify for compliance - Personal data protection act, PCI-DSS and ISO27001 are just some of the standards requested by clients these days. A successful Pentest will be a key part of passing these standards.

PKF is an internationally recognised brand in the hotel industry and is regarded by many as the industry mark of excellence when dealing with specialist hospitality consulting

PKF clients are drawn from every conceivable hotel-related field ranging from small companies to large corporations in both the private and public sectors. PKF firms serve clients from all three groups involved in the international hotel industry: operators, owner-investors and financial institutions. The firms also provide services to a large number of other involved parties including professionals, governments, public-sector bodies and property developers. All of these clients have many different needs and all benefit from the same high quality of service.

Hotel services offered by PKF member firms include:

• Asset Management
• Feasibility Studies
• Hotel Consultancy
• Hotels Asset Valuation
• Operator Search
• Project Development
• Research and Benchmarking
• Transaction Support
• Destination Services
• Financing & Investment
• Marketing
• Brand development and positioning
• Knowledge & Networking
• Quality Assurance
• Strategic advice
• Operational reviews
• Competitor reviews
• Market appraisal
• Funding solutions

Legal solutions in a global context

PKF Legal Experts provides clients with trusted, specialized legal services and assistance.

Our growing network connects you to PKF Legal Experts from all over the world, supporting you across a range of domestic and international legal matters. 

Our legal know-how is supplemented by the accounting, audit and tax experience of our PKF colleagues in over 150 countries across five regions. This means that you have the strongest possible team of experts on your side, wherever you are in the world.

PKF Legal Expert Group

PKF is recognized as one the largest networks of accountancy firms, with over 20,000 professionals working together for the benefit of our clients.

By combining this accounting experience with our own legal expertise, we provide clients with joined-up solutions that other law firms struggle to match.

Solutions

• Commercial Law
• International Contracts and Law
• Family and Estate Planning
• IP/ IT Law (Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law)
• Labour Law and Employment
• Immigration
• Claims Management
• Litigation and arbitration
• Civil Law
• Corporate Law, Company Secretarial, and Legal Representation
• Insolvency Law
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Corporate Compliance
• Insurance and Reinsurance
• Antitrust and Competition Law
• Financial Markets Law: Banking, Finance and Capital Markets
• Administrative and Regulatory Law
• Real Estate
• GDPR, Privacy, Data Protection

PKF’s Private Capital Solutions practice comprises a team of specialists with a wealth of industry experience based in the major financial centres around the world.

By leveraging the PKF global network, we provide the best possible team for you, drawing on the skills of our 20,000 professionals operating in over 150 countries across our five regions. We have the reach of an international firm balanced with personalised and cost-efficient services.

Funds

• Private Equity
• Venture Capital
• Credit
• Real Estate
• Long/Short
• Infrastructure
• Fund of Funds

Allocators

• Private Foundation
• Endowments
• Pension Plans
• Family Offices
• Fund of Funds
• High Net Worth
• Insurance
• Banks / Capital Market

What we can offer you

We provide strategic and pragmatic advice to benefit your business, tailored to your needs, so that you can focus on what you do best – investing. Our services include:

Core Services

• Audit and assurance
• Tax planning, compliance and structuring
• Valuation services
• Transaction advisory and due diligence

Specialisations

• M&A advice
• Investor reporting
• ESG reporting
• Governance, risk management and compliance
• Vendor management
• Technology solutions
• Outsourcing
• Staffing
• Cybersecurity, privacy and data protection

Assurance services are at the heart of what PKF member firms do. As a global service provider, we ensure that all your assurance needs are met wherever you are located. 

External/Statutory

Our risk-based methodology supported by powerful data analysis and technology ensures that PKF member firms provide assurance over your results and assist you with meeting regulatory requirements in a fast, effective manner.

Public sector

PKF sector experts bring valuable insights and knowledge to help you navigate the unique challenges present in public sector entities and allow for the provision of efficient, streamlined services.

Sharia

PKF provides comprehensive assurance to stakeholders that entities have fully complied with sharia principles in all their business transactions and operations, both regionally and worldwide.

Internal

Modern internal auditing helps an organisation to bring a systematic and disciplined approach to improving the effectiveness of control and governance processes. Our internal audit professionals can provide internal audit resources on either a co-sourced or out-sourced basis.

Information Technology

PKF provides tailored IT risk assurance solutions to entities of all sizes, helping them identify risks and areas that need to be improved, streamlined and secured.

Reviews

PKF has the expertise necessary to deliver responsive services providing stakeholders with required levels of assurance over your results.

Compilations

PKF assists with the preparation and presentation of your financial information in compliance with complex financial requirements both locally and worldwide.

Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance

PKF’s experienced professionals have helped numerous companies work through the complexities of SOX compliance. We can help establish, document, maintain and monitor internal control over financial reporting for publicly held companies.

Service Organisation Reports

Our international team of experts can deliver an independent examination report depending on the specific needs of the service organisation. Reports can be pursuant to AICPA and / or IAASB auditing standards.

Why do you need us?

In today’s fast paced environment, decision makers need timely, reliable information from a trusted advisor. You need to have faith in your systems, controls and financial records and you need to be able to instill that same confidence in your shareholders, investors and customers. PKF has the necessary resources, experience and in-depth local knowledge to effectively deal with all your assurance needs in any country. What makes PKF different…

A Fresh Approach

At PKF we like to keep things clear and concise and our people all share the same values, combining decades of experience with straightforward, no-nonsense communication. The combination of our responsive, risk based assurance methodology using the latest technology with our no-nonsense communication style ensures that you and your stakeholders will get results you can understand and trust.

People, Passion, Performance

We are passionate about assisting our clients with their worldwide service needs and offer a complete, efficient ‘one stop shop’ service. The PKF way is to connect your decision makers to ours, getting the right people in the right seats. Our commitment is to provide you with significant levels of partner and director input while building lasting relationships with you and your company.

Global Reach, Local Knowledge

The PKF family spans the globe with member firms operating in over 150 countries. Each office has a wealth of experience with local laws and regulations. This coupled with the collaborative nature of the network means that wherever your service needs are, we can take care of them - PKF, one global network, seamless global solutions.

Right For You

PKF member firms work with many different types of organisations around the world. PKF clients range from small owner-managed businesses, partnerships and charities to listed companies, multinationals and government bodies so, whatever your size, PKF firms have the right expertise for you.

In the current global environment that many companies operate within, there are many challenges for these companies from an accounting perspective as shareholders, regulators and other external stakeholders take a greater interest in how companies report, disclose and communicate their financial results.

With the increased scrutiny on companies financial reporting and disclosure requirements that the standard setters and regulators are requesting from companies, many businesses are often hard pressed to manage these additional requirements.

Our Accounting advisory specialists can support you in ensuring that companies can meet the additional disclosure requirements from regulators and standard setters and we within the PKF network have experienced professionals to help you to meet these additional demands placed on companies.

How can PKF member firms help?

PKF member firms provide Accounting Advisory Services (AAS) and have a dedicated team of professionals with in-depth technical accounting knowledge, industry insight and substantial industry experience. Our teams are experienced in advising clients on challenging, complex issues arising from transactions, business decisions and regulatory changes.

It is more important than ever for organisations to obtain specialist technical accounting advice and support to help them adapt and succeed. Our teams are committed to helping clients reach the right accounting answer in the context of reporting objectives, commercial reality and regulatory requirements.

Our teams deliver a consistent, cost-effective service, backed by the resources of a network of professionals worldwide, forming one of the world's leading accounting advisory networks.

Services offered

• GAAP conversions
• Transactions and financial reporting advice
• Accounting advice to a restructure
• Accounting standards requirements

GAAP conversions

Local GAAP conversion to IFRS require in depth technical understanding of not only the accounting differences, interpretations and potential approaches but also understanding the business implications such as tax relationships, financial disclosures, system changes and training of staff.

Transactions and financial reporting advice

Our AAS team will work with you to optimise the transaction outcome by addressing key accounting and regulatory challenges that arise on mergers, Initial Public Offerings (IPO), acquisitions and divestments including

• Identifying and analysis of accounting issues
• Analysing financial and regulatory impacts
• Preparing opening balance sheets, carve-out, pro forma or combined financial statements
• Modelling of impacts on future income statements, balance sheet items
• Working with our transaction advisors on valuation projects and determining the appropriate acquisition accounting adjustments.
• IPO readiness
• Post IPO support

Accounting advice for a restructuring

We can assist clients who are undertaking restructuring of their business or when financing the purchase of assets in helping clients to understand the following:

• The values at which transfers of legal entities, businesses or assets should be recorded
• The interaction of accounting requirements and the provisions within company law relating to merger relief and group reconstruction relief
• Distributable reserves issues may arise which could limit future dividends and suggestions on how to alleviate such issues
• The mechanics of merger accounting and acquisition accounting
• The accounting for employee benefit obligations, share awards and goodwill as businesses and responsibilities are transferred between group entities

Accounting standards requirements

We can support companies in implementing new accounting standards and regulation in their businesses. This support would include the following:

• Implementing IFRS for published or forthcoming financial statements including advice on notes to financial statements and adequacy of documentation
• Technical assistance in complex accounting issues and enhanced financial information
• Meeting local regulatory requirements under local GAAP
• Identifying the financial reporting needs
• Understanding the impact on accounting information systems
• Understanding the tax implications to assist clients to proactively control and manage tax reporting requirements

Forensic Accounting

Quality forensic accounting is vital as personal injury, professional negligence case or commercial litigation can damage your business. You may suspect fraud or you may just require a valuation of a business or other assets. In all of these situations, PKF forensic accounting experts can help you achieve a successful outcome.

Why choose PKF?

PKF forensic specialists combine wider sector knowledge with extensive expertise to guide you through the technicalities of financial investigation and dispute resolution. Partners generally have tried-and-tested experience of providing expert witness services in court.

PKF's fraud investigators are financial detectives, isolating problems swiftly, minimising the potential damage to your business and securing the evidence needed to obtain a conviction.

PKF member firms also have experts who are highly experienced in providing testimony in court, drawing on accounting, auditing, tax and financial expertise as well as their specific knowledge of court procedures.

The PKF International network can also provide business intelligence services for major transactions. As businesses become more internationally focused, they encounter different cultures and other unpredictable elements that can hinder their success. Our business intelligence service and knowledge of local culture draws on a worldwide network to obtain information that cannot be easily accessed. This can provide reassurance in areas that standard due diligence does not cover.

What do we offer?

PKF forensic specialists are frequently called upon in the following engagements:

• Appraisal of financial losses resulting from fraud
• Appraisal of damage resulting from prejudicial acts
• Preparation of expert opinions and second opinions
• Assisting solicitors in the financial aspects of cases
• Intervention as arbitrators or mediators in dispute resolution.

Financial Planning

You work hard for your money, so it should work hard for you. Financial planning is about ensuring that your arrangements are suited to your lifestyle, long-term plans and your attitude to risk. It is therefore important to take expert advice based on an in-depth understanding of your needs to gain the full benefit of your wealth.

Why choose PKF?

PKF remains committed to independence at a time when truly independent financial advice is increasingly rare. PKF firms are not affiliated to any suppliers of financial planning products, so our advice is always impartial and objective.

Working alongside tax specialists, financial advisers can offer tax-efficient planning advice that incorporates offshore and international opportunities. PKF International has member firms in all the world's major financial centres and in most offshore tax centres.

Your PKF advisers will first carry out a comprehensive review of your personal circumstances and use this knowledge to create a successful wealth development strategy, from short-term high-yield investments to the long-term security of pensions.

What do we offer?

PKF's expert, independent advice covers a wide range of areas including:

• Retirement planning
• Savings and investments
• Medical and life insurance
• Business Assurance
• Property purchase.

Our Risk Advisory teams help navigate through the challenges surrounding governance, risk and compliance. Our team is comprised of highly trained professionals with extensive business and industry expertise, technical acumen, and the ability to identify and apply best practices. We combine process and system benchmarking experience with organizational knowledge.

Risk advisory provides value-add internationally and across industries in the areas of strategy, operations, financial monitoring and compliance.

At PKF, we have seen that there is a competitive advantage for companies who have risk management implemented when compared with less prepared competitors as the early identification of issues and application of necessary changes enable them to step into new market activities with well-balanced decisions supported by robust processes.

Implementation of risk management systems however face various challenges and pitfalls:

• Insufficient calibration of risk management processes resulting in a high volume of work for little benefit
• Initial systems implementation requires extensive calibration to correctly respond to the issues at hand. The implementation of these systems comes with a steep learning curve that can cause self-implementation to be a lengthy and costly exercise.
• Focus on risk rather than on objectives
• A common pitfall is for companies to implement systems performing 360° risk surveys that have no usable output, rather than focusing the systems on their objectives and helping determine the risk of potential deviations. This leads to an extensive administration instead of the identification of and focus on risks and opportunities that really matter.
• Overly complex systems
• Improper risk management implementation often leads to overly complex systems being implemented which result in underutilised systems that interfere with business processes rather than being a part of the solution. Correct integration of a risk management system creates linkages with business plans, financial reporting and/or internal control (including internal audit) and provides tailored procedures and reports, and a reduction of administered data fields.
• Administering the known risks rather than being forward-looking
• Companies are operating, or planning to operate, in an environment of largely uncharted territory where there are new risks arising that challenge their ability to successfully execute their business strategy. The risk radar needs to be responsive and adjusted to focus on changes in the external environment and their impact on the company’s objectives.

We have Risk Advisory Specialists throughout the world who can deliver any of the following services that help your enterprise to mitigate your economic, regulatory and compliance risks:

• Internal Audit Globally
• Modern internal auditing is designed to help an organisation accomplish its objectives and to bring a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. Our global internal audit professionals have the unique ability to identify potentials of improvements and add value. We can provide internal audit resources on either a co-sourced or out-sourced basis.
• Service Organisation Control Reporting
• Service organisation control (SOC) reports are designed to help organisations that operate information systems and provide information system services to other entities. Our international team of experts can deliver an independent examination report depending on the specific needs of the service organisation. Reports can be pursuant to AICPA and/ or IAASB auditing standards.
• Cybersecurity Reviews and Assessments
• Information security threats are extremely diverse and constantly changing. Our team of global cybersecurity advisors can formulate strategies to effectively remediate risks and thoroughly investigate and combat information security incidents.
• Third-Party Vendor Risk Management
• Our professionals can assess your overall program in place to manage third-party risk across your organisation. We can address process ownership, control and oversight responsibilities, in addition to performing vendor site reviews.
• Anti-Corruption
• Fraud awareness, prevention and mitigation are issues facing organisations daily. Our team of experts can align with your organisation by ensuring compliance with regulatory and legal requirements (FCPA, UK Bribery Act, Anti-money laundering, etc.) and dealing with issues that may arise.
• Dynamic Risk Assessments
• Global companies need to constantly recalibrate their internal audit plans based on what is happening within their organisations, their industries and geographically to take appropriate steps to realign their risk profile. Our global professionals can assist internal audit departments in addressing and reacting to emerging risks on a timely basis.”
• Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance
• Our experienced professionals have helped numerous companies sort through the complexities of SOX compliance. We can help establish, document, maintain and monitor internal control over financial reporting for publicly held companies.
• COSO 2013
• We can provide the right resources and the right level of support to seamlessly implement and transition your company to the 2013 internal control framework.

Why do you need us?

Enterprises are facing increased challenges for business leadership to succeed in the face of market dynamics, competition and increasing regulatory burdens. Today, risk management is a leadership instrument which is a global necessity in governing and enterprise. All over the world, companies are increasingly required to report not only financial numbers but also on how they monitor changes in market conditions and related risks and opportunities, and how they are dealing with them (including the provision of indicators on their stability) in order to obtain market credibility.

Application of risk management techniques identifies risks, and opportunities helping to align and focus limited company resources on core objectives.

PKF member firms provide audit services to clients all over the world. With member firms in 150 countries, the PKF network is ideally placed to help our clients comply with all domestic and international statutory regulations.

Firms of all sizes are subject to statutory audit and the process can often be timely and complex. PKF member firms work closely with our clients to build relationships and provide a personalized, bespoke service to suit our clients' needs.

During the audit we are constantly considering ways to maximize efficiency and optimize your profits, while also ensuring that statutory auditing requirements are handled concisely, flawlessly, and as quickly as possible.

PKF member firms audit firms across the world of all sizes and in all industries, meaning that whether your company is local or multinational, we guarantee that all audits will be conducted to the highest local and international standards.

Non-Statutory Audit is performed on financial statements which do not fall under the requirements of statutory audit, but which may be required to meet industry or stakeholder requirements. PKF offer a full suite of non-statutory audit services, including reporting on the standard of financial statements presently being compiled; if aspects of an agreement are being compiled, such as a contract or a loan; internal controls over the audit process.

PKF member firms assist with compiling complex financial statements on behalf of diverse companies all over the world. These statements meet the highest local and international accounting standards. Financial statements are provided to meet client's needs, either monthly, quarterly or annually.

Tax law, regulation and tax efficiency are complex areas for any business, so at PKF we like to have a straightforward, no-nonsense approach.

By staying abreast of developments and the frequently changing rules, we ensure that you have a clear and full understanding, enabling you to confidently make the right decisions.

With decades of tax experience and global expertise, we can answer your questions, explain your obligations, and help you to plan effectively, whatever the size and needs of your business.

Our tax services include:

•    Corporate Tax Compliance
•    International Tax
•    Internationally Mobile Employees
•    Local Tax
•    Owner Managed Business
•    Tax Structuring
•    Transfer Pricing
•    VAT, GST, Customs and Excise

A new tax structuring landscape is rapidly forming as more and more countries adopt the OECD’s recommendations following the issue of the final BEPS reports. With changes proposed to ‘hybrid’ tax arrangements, tax treaties, and the deductibility of intercompany payments, the substance and motive of structures face increasing scrutiny. PKF’s tax professionals are experts in this area and can help your company review its existing structures, and plan new structures, to ensure they align with the changes and are BEPS proof. As a global service provider, PKF provides a full suite of tax structuring and cross-border tax services, which include the following:

PKF provides a complete, BEPSresistant strategy for cross-border acquisitions, disposals, and reorganisations, which covers:

• Structuring your initial investment in a tax-efficient manner;
• Tax-efficient options to extract the income (profits) of your investment throughout its lifetime; and,
• A tax efficient exit strategy to minimise or eliminate any capital gains tax implications and provide a tax efficient route for the remittance of residual funds

PKF’s recommendations seek to minimise local taxable profits, crossborder taxes such as withholding taxes and ensure that taxes are minimised by claiming relief under applicable tax treaties.

PKF tax structuring specialists are highly experienced in dealing with different tax systems and revenue authorities and using their global and local expertise to reduce the tax impact on foreign operations and minimise your global effective tax rate.

Whilst undertaking tax structuring work we are often asked to provide additional services, such as:

• The tax efficient management of intellectual property;
• Tax due diligence and tax compliance review exercises;
• International tax advice: We provide tax advice on cross-border transactions, permanent establishment issues, on the establishment of overseas operations / joint ventures, financing, overseas mergers and demergers, business changes (expansion, sale or acquisition) and advice on the tax implications of entering into or exiting from a foreign market, including the foreign regulatory aspects and local practices;
• Foreign tax compliance: PKF will efficiently take care of all your foreign tax compliance obligations including filing tax returns, dealing with tax assessments and responding to all tax authority inquiries.

Why do you need us?

PKF’s highly experienced tax structuring group not only considers all the angles from a local, regional, and global perspective, but also tailors the tax efficient planning with your key commercial considerations in mind. It is this attention to detail and listening to our clients that often separates PKF from its competitors, in addition to our five values below:

A Fresh Approach

PKF tax professionals have a fresh approach that defines us:

• We have the passion to make a difference;
• We strive to improve and strengthen the tax positions of our clients; and,
• We have a passion for doing things properly.

Our tax people all share the same values and ambitions and combine decades of tax experience with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach.

A global service provider

No matter where your operations are, or where they are going to be, PKF as a global service provider offers a ‘one shop’ service for multinational companies and organisations. By using PKF it gives you the reassurance of dealing with just one trusted adviser for all your needs, which, in turn, provides more control, better communication, lower costs, and streamlined reporting.

We are up-to-date with best practice

PKF’s tax structuring professionals are up to date with the proposed changes of the OECD’s BEPS Plan and can provide options to reduce the risk of BEPS on your existing structures and ensure new structures are BEPS resistant. In this way the tax positions are likely to be preserved much longer and not subject to short-term challenges.

Right people, right locations

PKF invests in its people to ensure that passion, quality, integrity, and clarity are the cornerstones of what we do. Our highly experienced tax structuring team has the wealth and depth of local knowledge and experience at each location and local, regional and global tax structuring expertise. At PKF it’s all about teamwork and we are proud to have the right people in the right places across the world.

We’ve got it covered

Whatever cross-border or local transactions are envisaged, PKF can advise on the most tax efficient approach. PKF provides full, comprehensive advice which could, for example, reduce your organisation’s effective tax rate. Other services include recovery of overpaid tax, meeting regulatory tax compliance obligations in all countries (providing assistance with the completion and submission of tax returns) and mitigating risk. With PKF’s breadth of services and extensive resources, our clients have it all covered. have it all covered.

A response by many countries to the Global Financial Crisis was to increase the (already high) rates of VAT or GST in an effort to reduce Government budget deficits. Despite the economic recovery of the last few years, these rates have been maintained. Theoretically the "cost" of indirect taxes is borne only by the ultimate consumer of goods and services, and businesses therefore act merely as collection agents. In practice however compliance issues, an inefficient partial exemption method, incorrect VAT charging, cash-flow impact, and regulatory inconsistencies often prove expensive and inconvenient.

PKF is a global service provider and through its network of member firms it can provide complete global coverage and a complete range of VAT, GST, Customs and Excise services to fully meet your requirements. Our services include:

• VAT and GST compliance out-sourcing.
• There are many differences in the details of the VAT or GST systems implemented around the world, but one thing they generally all have in common are severe penalties for non-compliance, even in cases of unintentional or mere clerical errors. If you do not have the resources or skills in-house to maintain an accurate and timely compliance function, you may wish to consider out-sourcing this to PKF.
• Our teams of experienced specialists can perform a complete range of indirect tax compliance services, including the preparation and submission of all returns and the maintenance of the appropriate documentary support.
• Obtaining refunds.
• Although VAT and GST should not theoretically cost your business anything, there is often a significant cash flow impact when there are timing differences between the collection of output taxes on sales, and the offsetting of input taxes on purchases. Even greater impact can arise if you are an exporter, and therefore eligible for refunds of your input tax, or if you are making sizeable capital investments. Careful planning, and robust refund application procedures can significantly reduce the negative impact on your cash flow.
• Understanding and applying exceptions and exemptions.
• Indirect taxes are simple in concept, but in many jurisdictions have been rendered complex by the introduction of a host of exceptions and exemptions. It is critical to understand the impact of these on your outputs (sales) and inputs (purchases) to ensure the accurate calculation, and reporting, of your indirect tax liability. If you have exempt (rather than zero-rated) outputs, your ability to take credit for all input tax is likely restricted. If you are "importing" services, are you required to self-assess?
• Planning and compliance reviews.
• To help you identify potential problems, opportunities, or inefficiencies, PKF can review your VAT or GST, Customs and Excise systems and documentation, and identify opportunities for improvement in processes and cash flow, as well as potential areas of contention.
• Timing is an extremely important issue in indirect taxes. When does your liability arise? On delivery? On invoicing? On receiving payment? When is the Return due? What happens if you forget to claim an input item this month? Can you claim it in next month's Return? At PKF our specialists are extremely experienced and can advise on exactly what corrective action to take to rectify matters and minimise any consequences.
• Representation.
• Whether you are in dispute with a tax authority, or in the process of claiming refunds, PKF specialists can help you ensure that your case or claim is professionally presented, technically sound, and properly supported in terms of documentation and evidence.
• Indirect tax training.
• If you have the people resources for an effective compliance function, PKF can provide training to your teams to ensure that the skills, and up-to-date knowledge necessary for effective compliance are instilled and maintained.
• Other Indirect Taxes.
• If your business is subject to other forms of indirect tax, such as Stamp Duty, Insurance Premium Tax, or Special Sales Taxes, our specialists can provide a similarly comprehensive range of compliance, training, and consulting services to assist you.

We would be delighted to discuss how we can help you and your company to reduce costs and manage your VAT, GST, Customs and Excise obligations more effectively.

Nowadays keeping up to date with corporate tax compliance can be very challenging in some countries with frequent changes to legislation, regulations and procedures coupled with changing tax authority practices and attitudes.

PKF is a global service provider of corporate tax compliance services and through our network of member firms we provide worldwide coverage. We provide domestic tax compliance services for single entities and also offer a 'one stop shop' service for our multinational clients where we look after the 'group's' tax compliance i.e. we provide a full tax compliance service to each company in each country, wherever they are based, and provide the multinational's head office with our 'Global Tax Management' tool (see below).

Typically, our services include assisting:

• In completing tax returns and supporting computations and schedules;
• With calculating capital allowances/ tax allowances;
• With supplementary reports, for example, supporting transfer pricing submissions;
• Providing specific claims, elections and applications, for example, in the area of research and development;
• In dealing with all tax authority enquiries carefully and intelligently;
• Advice on tax return filing deadlines, tax payment deadlines and other important dates;
• In dealing with assessments, objections and appeals;
• With the corporate and deferred tax audit provisions, and reconciliations, required for your financial statements under FIN 48 / IAS 12 or other applicable standards;
• With corporate tax compliance planning and management of your group or company's effective tax rate;
• Obtaining refunds and credits.

In addition to the above, as mentioned, PKF has developed a web-based 'Global Tax Management' tool to provide an up-to-date and clear position of the tax compliance position of a group and its overseas companies. There are many more features within this application which we would be very happy to demonstrate.

The PKF global network of member firms has worldwide coverage and the strength and breadth to respond to any international tax or international tax related matter. We provide a whole range of services from a one-off piece of tax advice to a global solution for our multinational clients where we provide them with a 'one stop shop' service.

In particular, our services include:

• Overseas tax obligations.
• We provide advice concerning your activities in a foreign country and whether these will, or have, created a taxable presence (permanent establishment) and whether you have foreign tax obligations as a result of this. If you have created a taxable presence we can discuss measures to minimise your overseas tax liability and assist you by explaining your overseas obligations and helping you with these.
• New or changing overseas business operations.
• PKF provides tax advice on establishing overseas operations or joint ventures, financing, overseas mergers/demergers, investment/divestment, business changes (expansion, sale or acquisition) and advice on the tax implications of entering into, or exiting from a foreign market.
• Cross-border tax advice.
• PKF provides comprehensive cross-border tax advice which not only considers the application of the relevant tax legislation, but it also considers proposed changes (both tax and regulatory), the attitudes and practices of local tax authorities and expected global changes that could impact on the advice.
• Foreign tax compliance.
• PKF can assist you with meeting all of your foreign tax compliance obligations including assistance with filing tax returns (and completing the supporting computations and schedules), dealing with tax assessments and all tax authority correspondence. It is much more efficient to deal with PKF, which can meet all your tax compliance requirements on a worldwide basis, rather than having to deal with a separate firm at each location.

PKF deals with all the overseas tax aspects of a client's business, which includes suggestions where a better more tax efficient approach could be taken - this in turn, saves time, costs and enables our clients' to focus on other commercial objectives (please also see our 'tax structuring' services).

As a global service provider in transfer pricing services, PKF has transfer pricing specialists who are fully abreast of the changes and can assist you in meeting your local, regional and global obligations. Please take a look at our services in the brochure below.

pKF not only provides tax advice and tax compliance services for the mainstream taxes, such as corporate tax, income tax, VAT or GST and so on, but we also provide advice and compliance services on the many local taxes which are often unique to a country or region.

In addition, our PKF member firms provide information and assistance concerning the respective country's tax incentives and areas of investment that attract special relief. Our services in this area also extend to assisting organisations with EU or other Government grants and applications.

PKF has a long history with helping owner-managed businesses and this has enabled us to get to know the tax issues they face and the tax planning that is required to help them. As a business owner, it is important to have a tax adviser that understands your business and can also comfortably complete the personal tax aspects as well.

Whether you have a single OMB or a large group of companies in many countries, PKF can assist you to plan, mitigate tax risk, comply with all your tax obligations and achieve tax efficiencies which in turn, saves you money. PKF is a 'one stop shop' so all the taxes that affect your business are taken care of by PKF's highly experienced professionals.

PKF is a global tax services provider and our tax professionals have a fresh approach that defines us, the passion we have to make a difference, to strive to improve and strengthen the tax positions of owner-managed companies with which we work and the passion for doing things properly. Our tax people all share the same values and ambitions and combine decades of tax experience with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach.

As a global service provider, PKF ensures that all your overseas tax obligations are met for each of your overseas employees, wherever they are located.

PKF offers a comprehensive service including registration of employees with local tax authorities, completion and filing of personal tax returns and dealing with all local tax authority correspondence. PKF looks after the foreign tax obligations of your employees from start to finish, including meeting each of them on arrival and again on departure.

We assist your employees to relocate and move into a new overseas property, find schools for their children, help them to know their new surroundings and meet people – this saves them time, reduces their concerns and helps them adjust to their new working environment.

PKF meets your obligations as an overseas employer and provides a comprehensive overseas payroll service at each location. This includes registration of new payrolls, calculation of monthly salaries and tax liabilities, hypothetical tax and equalisation calculations and submission of all employer reporting forms to the tax authority on time. We also maintain employee records, draft contracts of employment, job descriptions and policies and procedures.

PKF provides personal income tax, social security and personal pension planning advice from a local and international perspective.

Head office foreign tax exposure

We provide advice on whether an overseas tax exposure exists for the company in the overseas jurisdiction through the physical presence of its employees working there, and ways to minimise this risk.

Administration assistance

We provide assistance with the various administrative issues relating to short, medium and long term assignments and secondments, including dealing with all tax authority queries. PKF can review your existing overseas payroll arrangements to confirm they remain current and comply with the current laws and requirements of the respective country.

Worldwide remuneration and benefits structure

PKF reviews current worldwide remuneration and benefits structures to identify areas for improvement, greater efficiency and cost savings.

Why do you need us?

PKF has the necessary resources, experience and in-depth local knowledge to effectively deal with all your employee overseas tax obligations in any country. We are passionate about assisting our clients with their worldwide employee responsibilities and offer a complete, efficient ‘one shop’ global service. What makes PKF different…

A Fresh Approach

It is this fresh approach that defines us; the passion we have to make a difference, to strive to improve and strengthen the companies and relationships with which we work, and the passion for doing things properly. Our tax people all share the same values and ambitions and combine decades of experience with a straightforward, no-nonsense approach. As new advisors, we will bring a fresh perspective to your business and we believe this perspective and our vast experience will be of real value. With your business and our business combined we have a world of opportunity before us – a fresh start to make a difference.

Value for money and cost savings

We believe that our services represent excellent value for money, and a function of our commitment is to provide significant levels of partner and director input throughout our relationship with you and your company. Cost savings are often experienced by virtue of placing this work in the hands of an experienced, fully resourced global provider. We are specialists in tax and in particular, assisting with the tax affairs of your employees whilst overseas.

Global coverage

PKF is a very experienced global provider of international mobile employee services which means that wherever your employees are based we can take care of them; a complete, efficient ‘one shop’ global service. Our PKF network spans the globe and we have local offices in over 140 countries, with all the key countries covered. Each local office has years of experience with the local laws and regulations - PKF, one global network, one global solution.

Experience and depth of expertise

PKF, with years of experience, has a proven track record in looking after the overseas employees of international companies and providing comprehensive, efficient international mobile employee services that can adapt to meet all your requirements. In particular, we have extensive experience working with large, privately owned businesses.

You work hard for your money, so it should work hard for you. Financial planning is about ensuring that your arrangements are suited to your lifestyle, long-term plans and your attitude to risk. It is therefore important to take expert advice based on an in-depth understanding of your needs to gain the full benefit of your wealth.

PKF Firms, working alongside their tax specialists, can offer tax-efficient planning advice that incorporates offshore and international opportunities. PKF International has member firms in all the world's major financial centres and in most offshore tax centres.

Your PKF advisers will first carry out a comprehensive review of your personal circumstances and use this knowledge to create a successful wealth development strategy, from short-term high-yield investments to the long-term security of pensions.

PKF firms provide independent advice across a wide range of areas including:

• Retirement planning
• Savings and investments
• Medical and life insurance
• Business assurance
• Property purchase.

Challenging economic times require expert guidance

Financial misfortune can strike any business or individual with potentially serious and far-reaching consequences. But an experienced PKF adviser can help you through this stressful time, minimise the impact and put you on the road to recovery, while securing the best achievable outcome for creditors and other stakeholders.

Why choose PKF?

Insolvency and corporate recovery legislation varies greatly throughout the world. Some countries have almost no rules in this area while others have a complex maze of legislation. In either event, having an insolvency expert from a PKF firm on your side is a must. Many PKF member firms have dedicated corporate recovery and insolvency practices and even smaller firms have direct insolvency experience.

Preventing problems by using PKF

By getting involved at an early stage, PKF advisers can identify the problems, stem the decline and stabilise the business. Where business turnaround may not be possible, your PKF adviser will pursue the most appropriate options from an informal workout to formal insolvency.

In addition, a PKF insolvency adviser can often find solutions to improve your company's fortunes so that insolvency ceases to be necessary. Our aim as far as possible is to bring about a recovery before the situation reaches that stage.

What do we offer?

A PKF corporate recovery and insolvency team can help you with:

• Corporate restructuring
• Negotiating with creditors
• Receivership
• Corporate liquidation
• Seeking alternatives to insolvency.

Our member firms also offer services to individuals, sole traders and partnerships in financial difficulty.

Quality forensic accounting is vital as personal injury, professional negligence case or commercial litigation can damage your business. You may suspect fraud or you may just require a valuation of a business or other assets. In all of these situations, forensic accounting experts can help you achieve a successful outcome.

Forensic specialists combine wider sector knowledge with extensive expertise to guide you through the technicalities of financial investigation and dispute resolution. Partners generally have tried-and-tested experience of providing expert witness services in court.

Fraud investigators are financial detectives, isolating problems swiftly, minimising the potential damage to your business and securing the evidence needed to obtain a conviction.

PKF member firms also have experts who are highly experienced in providing testimony in court, drawing on accounting, auditing, tax and financial expertise as well as their specific knowledge of court procedures.

Forensic specialists are frequently called upon in the following engagements:

• Appraisal of financial losses resulting from fraud
• Appraisal of damage resulting from prejudicial acts
• Preparation of expert opinions and second opinions
• Assisting solicitors in the financial aspects of cases
• Intervention as arbitrators or mediators in dispute resolution.

Investing in technology alone is not enough - an organisation must apply technology effectively for it to contribute to success.

PKF member firms can provide a range of IT services to help you achieve both short-and long-term business objectives.

IT solutions have to be both practical and affordable, and are tailored specifically to you. With advice from PKF you will not end up buying expensive products that are inappropriate for your business.

PKF member firms can add value to your organisation in the following areas:

• Business process design
• Disaster recovery planning
• eCommerce
• Paperless office
• Team working and workflow
• Managing IT expenditure - budgeting and control
• IT education
• Exploitation of internet/intranet technologies
• Managing IT infrastructure
• Help desk and support arrangements
• Project management of business requirements
• Packaged software selection and implementation
• IT security and website reviews
• Risk analysis and management
• Crisis planning.

Management consultancy is about helping organisations to improve their performance. A good consultant helps you to fine-tune your business or organisation to measure success, improve efficiency, maximise performance and minimise risk. An effective service lets you know where you are, decide where you want to go, and work out how to get there.

Why choose PKF?

PKF member firms have a history of helping a wide variety of client organisations to boost their performance. Clients include small businesses, government bodies and public companies and firms' sector experience ranges from agriculture, finance, energy and industry to hospitality, healthcare, transport and more. The focus is always on practical, realistic solutions tailored to each specific client organisation, underpinned by both technical expertise and local knowledge.

What do we offer?

The services offered by PKF member firms' management consultancy teams include:

• Developing and implementing strategic plans
• Developing risk-measurement strategies, risk management plans and crisis handling
• Creating organisational awareness, for example when preparing for change
• Helping you to formulate and articulate your vision
• Developing strategies to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage
• Building performance indicators
• Costing of individual business processes
• Reviewing business processes for efficiency, control and effectiveness
• Reviewing management structures and staffing; assessing individual competencies.

Profound Expertise

Our teams possess strong foundations in all aspects of information technology and cybersecurity – several are designated “ethical hackers.” They stay abreast of existing and potential threats and serve as a single point of contact for all interactions, providing you with heightened service and cost efficiencies.

Our IT Risk Advisory Services include:

• Outsourced or Co-sourced internal IT Audit
• IT Governance Development and Business Strategic Alignment
• IT Risk Management Design and Implementations
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan Development and Reviews
• Incident Response Plan Development and Reviews
• Forensic Data Acquisition and Analysis:
• Server/PC/Laptop/Cloud/ Mobile Devices
• E-Discovery Assistance
• Cyber Security Vulnerability Assessments:
• Enhancement and recommendation reports
• Policy and Procedure Development:
• Includes all HIPAA and PCI policy requirements
• FERPA and GLBA Compliance and Reviews
• Cyber Security Risk Assessments:
• Incorporates results from vulnerability assessment into a National Institute for Standards and Technology-derived IT risk assessment framework.
• Provides a holistic view of IT governance and risk management procedures to qualitatively demonstrate to senior management and board members areas for improvement and areas that are effectively managed and controlled
• Privacy Assessments:
• Ensures privacy policy is reasonable and information management practices are commensurate with the commitments made in the privacy policy.
• HIPAA Compliance Reviews and Meaningful Use Risk Assessments (HIPAA Privacy, Security and Breach Notification Rules)
• PCI-DSS Self-Assessment Questionnaire Gap Analysis and Scope Reduction Assessments
• SEC OCIE Cyber Security Readiness Assessments
• Social Engineering Campaigns:
• Phishing emails and phone calls
• Network and Web Application Penetration Testing
• Web Application Code Review
• General Source code review:
• Java, .NET, PHP, Python, C, C++, Objective-C
• Malware Analysis
• Security Awareness Training
• Sarbanes Oxley IT Controls Audit Matrix Establishment, Review and Testing
• Agreed Upon Procedures
• Service Organization Control Reports:
• SOC 1, SOC 2 and SOC 3 reports
• Best Practices Consulting

Customized Cybersecurity Risk

Mitigation Solutions

The speed with which cyber security risks evolve is as staggering as the magnitude of the liability associated with attack. From simple phishing scams to complex data security breaches, losses can be devastating in confidential, proprietary and customer information as well as in public trust and corporate image. The days when companies felt safe with passwords and firewalls alone are long gone. Today, thorough protection demands a holistic, comprehensive, integrated control system for managing risk. 

To protect against these threats, PKF member firms implement practical risk assessment frameworks that include continuous monitoring and real-time assessments. The specialists in our member firms tailor solutions to protect application information and network security, prepare for disaster recovery and business continuity, and deliver end-user education.

A Sophisticated, Systematic Approach

Highly-qualified and deeply knowledgeable, our cybersecurity professionals serve as trusted advisors, providing clients with expert support protecting networks, computers, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorised access. 

Results are presented with recommendations for strengthening IT organisational policies, operational standards and procedures in a formal report. Reports provide the start but the real value is ensuring senior leadership teams understand the implications of the findings. Remediation is often not cost prohibitive, cost-effective solutions are identified and can be easily implemented. Member firm specialists are trained to develop practical solutions that leverage existing resources (i.e., people, processes and/or technologies) to remediate any deficiencies identified. At the same time, when more problematic risk scenarios are identified, we’ll recommend tailored solutions to protect multi-layered systems and those with large amounts of confidential, financial, health and other personal data.

Is your organisation safe?

• Do you have an IT governance program?
• Is your governance program up-to-date and supportive of your business objectives?
• Are you in compliance with federal and state security and privacy laws?
• Which staff might fall prey to phishing?
• Have you tested your network’s internal and external vulnerabilities?
• Are your remote and wireless networks fully secured?
• Do you employ encryption for sensitive information assets?
• Are physical servers and equipment protected from sabotage?
• Can your system withstand a malicious hacker or trusted insider’s attack?
• Do all employee passwords meet industry and firm standards?
• Will your backup system protect your data in a disaster?
• Have you done all you can to ensure that your cyber insurance policy will cover financial loss?
• Do you have the ability to detect a data breach?
• Are your systems patched and anti-virus comprehensively in

PKF Firms can provide a range of services to Companies and Shareholders, Lenders, and to Creditors, such as turnaround and restructuring services, liquidation and administration appointments, negotiations with lenders and creditors, viability reviews and monitoring, receivership appointments and debt recovery.

The possibility of insolvency can be one of the most traumatic and distressing times an organisation can face. Over the years The PKF firms have built up invaluable experience in dealing with these situations and will always look for a positive outcome from what is usually a distressed situation.

By seeking early advice and having a clear idea of the avenues available to them, many of the dangers of insolvency can be avoided and any damage to an organisation or its owners can be minimised, along with any personal and emotional turmoil.

Your local PKF restructuring team can deliver the following services:

• Business refinance
• Turnaround
• Reorganisation
• Insolvency

We have a global Counter Fraud Services team which works with clients whatever the problem, wherever the place. We help clients to react to an adverse event or to better protect themselves against such events in the future. We have delivered such services across every continent, including in some of the most difficult countries in which to operate.

Our team is staffed by expert specialists in PKF firms across the world, with a high-level national and international track record built up over many years. We have advised clients of many different types and sizes, including governments, major national and international companies and high profile charities. PKF have the capacity to focus this global knowledge and experience wherever it is required.

Uniquely, we manage the largest databases in the world concerning the nature and cost of fraud. These contain seventeen years of data concerning 380 loss measurement exercises from many countries and across 40 types of expenditure with a total value of £9.76 trillion. We also manage the largest database in the world concerning fraud resilience (the government-accepted measure of protection against fraud) with data from over 1100 organisations and across most sectors. These databases enable us to provide sector-specific and bespoke advice to clients - our focus is on helping clients to better protect themselves against fraud and to reduce its cost.

Why do you need us?

The latest global research shows that fraud losses average 5.6% of an organisation’s expenditure with losses increasing by almost 30% since 2007. The return on investment in fraud prevention can be as high as 12:1 with a reduction in fraud-related losses of up to 40% within 12 months. We have a strategic partnership with Europe’s premier research institute on fraud, the Centre for Counter Fraud Studies at the University of Portsmouth. Jim Gee, our Global Head of Counter Fraud Services, is also Visiting Professor and Chair of the Centre.

A free on-line Self-Assessment Fraud Resilience (SAFR) tool

We have a free on-line Self-Assessment Fraud Resilience (SAFR) tool at www.pkf-safr.com which takes just a few minutes to complete but which provides a fraud resilience rating, a relative ranking against the 1100 other organisations whose data we hold, and an indicative percentage figure for losses to fraud which is calibrated against the fraud resilience rating.

Fraud Cost and Resilience Reviews

We also provide more in-depth Fraud Cost and Resilience Reviews, looking at exactly where protection may be weak and providing comprehensive answers to the two key questions for any organisation:

• How much does fraud cost us? and
• How well protected are we against fraud?

Once we have identified the strengths and weaknesses in an organisation we can then advise on improvements and raise levels of fraud resilience.

A Fraud Loss Measurement and Reduction exercise

A key step may also be a Fraud Loss Measurement and Reduction exercise, as by knowing the nature and scale of the problem we can make sure the right solution is applied. The Counter Fraud Services team has a track record of cutting the cost of fraud by up to 40% within 12 months with up to a 12:1 return on the cost of our fees.

Whether you are looking for support in a particular area such as payroll, or want to produce better management accounts or forecasts, PKF firms have a business solution for you.

PKF Firms understand that not every business has the resources available to carry out all of its business and accounting management functions. They can provide you with an outsourced service including book-keeping, management reporting, payroll processing, budgeting & forecasting and additional onsite support as required.

We also know just how important it is to have peace of mind that everything is being kept up-to-date and in control. Good quality record keeping can ensure that you are informed about your business, helping you to manage cash flow effectively and control commitments.

Timely management information is a key part of ensuring that you are able to run your business effectively. By reviewing performance against the relevant indicators and budgets we can provide you with the tools you need to support decision making.

PKF Firms can provide outsourcing solutions in the following areas:

• Advisory
• Business Process Improvements
• Cost Reduction Programmes
• Expansion Strategies
• Software selection and implementation
• Business Process Outsourcing
• Family Office
• Business Planning
• Financial Modelling
• Bookkeeping
• Accounting Function Training
• Financial Accounting
• Management Accounting
• Corporate Secretarial
• Director Mandates
• Fiduciary
• HR Consulting
• Compliance
• Recruiting
• Staff Secondment
• Work Permits
• Company Secretarial
• Outsourcing
• Business Formations
• Business Liquidations
• Business planning
• Company Secretarial Services
• Fiduciary Services
• Procurement
• Tax Accounting
• Payroll
• Payroll & Payroll Tax
• Human Resources
• Internationally Mobile Employees
• Management Consultancy
• Firm admin and Support

PKF member firms play a pivotal role in supporting our clients to evaluate and execute on transactions to support their strategic ambitions. 

Whether you are an acquirer, vendor or financial sponsor within the context of a transaction, PKF offers a comprehensive suite of services to support you through the process and give you the best chance of success.

Corporate Finance has a critical role to play for businesses, their shareholders and wider stakeholder group: they can accelerate growth, drive international expansion and help to realise value.

Our team of experts offer support with deal sourcing, corporate finance advice, due diligence, valuations, and post-deal integration. Using insight drawn from our international experience, augmented with industry knowledge and local expertise, we are committed to supporting you through every stage of a Corporate Finance deal process.

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) buy-side and sell-side on various types of transactions including but not limited to disposals, carve-outs acquisitions, MBO’s/MBI’s, majority or minority sales to Private Equity for growth funding and general succession planning. PKF member firms undertake regular discussions with a large number of buyers and sellers including private, institutional and global organizations as well as private equity firms and family offices. 

Our team puts your goals and ambitions at the centre of everything they do, and we are relentlessly focused on maximising the value that a deal generates for you. The M&A process can be complex, resource intensive and often uncommon. Our deal experts are here to support you through the process, providing tailored solutions and expert advice to help you focus on the big picture and make the key decisions throughout the process.

Our international presence twinned with our entrepreneurial spirit results in a unique combination of local expertise with international reach. We are uniquely positioned to mobilise cross-border teams to ensure that your project is managed by those with the right skill set and sector experience.

Finally, we have an uncompromising focus on quality. Deals can be a once in a lifetime event for businesses and their shareholders and we reflect this by ensuring that you receive in-depth attention from the most senior members of your project team, resulting in market-leading quality.

Due Diligence

...that goes beyond being a compliance exercise.

Whether it is a significant restructuring event or a potential transaction that involves fundraising, selling or buying, our approach to due diligence can help get under the skin of what drives profit (Quality of Earnings) and, ultimately, cash within a business (whilst factoring in the key commercial considerations such as Working Capital).

Our due diligence processes involve a thorough but collaborative approach, working in a buy-side or sell-side capacity. The bottom line is that we seek to help increase the chances of a successful transaction by providing quality due diligence that provides reliance on the sustainability of an investment, drives attention to potential growth opportunities and demonstrates how an investor can add additional value. All of this while highlighting the key risk areas that need to be managed.

Buy side due diligence is an essential part of any business transaction. For buyers, our teams can conduct the comprehensive review you need to make a well-informed decision about the viability of a proposed sale or purchase. Our independence, experience, commercial approach, attention to detail and objectivity provides increased confidence and supports clear decision making.

When bringing a business to market, a vendor due diligence process can maintain a competitive edge in transactions. This involves reviewing and validating trading performance and adjustments prior to issuing information to potential buyers thus minimising risks later in the process. This allows the seller to front load the due diligence process and reduces the workload during the sales process – ensuring a smoother transaction process.

Raising finance: In the current environment, being able to reach into the extensive and active debt and equity markets to optimise your capital structure is vital.

We have significant experience in advising equity fund raising for all stages of the business lifecycle including accessing venture capital, private equity, high net worth individuals or through our exclusive PKF Family Office.

Our specialist debt advisory teams have a whole of the market view to support corporates and financial institutions to find the right structure whether that is funding for growth, a re-finance or transaction funding.

Valuations provide an important insight for companies at critical points in their life cycle – from financial reporting to introducing employee incentives, from securing additional funding to planning an acquisition or a sale, and from forming a new joint venture to the exit of a major shareholder, either amicably or in dispute. Our specialists provide trusted, independent valuations in all these situations. We are known for helping businesses identify and value intangible assets for purchase price allocations and other purposes.

PKF member firms work closely with venture capital, private equity and family offices during their evaluation of investments. We provide entrepreneurs with valuations for transactions that may have tax consequences, such as share buy backs, tax advantaged share arrangements (ESOP / CSOP & EMI), intellectual property transfers and restructuring transactions.

The global PKF International network of 20,000 professionals is active in over 150 countries. With offices throughout Europe, North America, Africa, Asia Pacific and Australia, our international reach means we can provide your business with best practice corporate finance advice and services.

Capital Markets

Our specialist capital markets team, based in London, has vast experience working with companies listed, or looking to list, on a range of international markets including the London Stock Exchange Main Market (Premium and Standard), AIM, AQUIS, NASDAQ & OTC, ASX and TSX & TSX-V.

We can help support businesses at each stage of their lifecycle, from pre-initial public offering (IPO) advice, throughout the IPO as reporting accountants and ongoing support as auditors or providing accounting and tax support to meet the businesses requirements. We pride ourselves in pragmatic and tailored advice to suit the size and stage of a business.

Managed by experienced professionals who understand what it takes to make a business thrive in their respective markets, our member firms in Greater China, and our global network of China Desks, facilitate seamless inbound and outbound business irrespective of your location. They partner closely with our network of 220 member firms to advise you on the best way to enter the Chinese market and to navigate local regulations and market complexities.

PKF China Desks

We have a strong presence across the Greater China region, with seven member firms and over 50 offices throughout China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, all of whom work closely with our PKF China Desks to service the evolving needs of today’s business.

Our growing network of PKF China Desks, based across nine key hubs in the US, Europe, Asia and Africa, provide businesses with the expertise and connectivity to expand anywhere in the world. These desks can partner with over 220 member firms to equip businesses with the necessary cultural insights, language support, connections, and technical expertise they need to realise their global ambitions.

• Audit and Assurance
• Accounting
• TaxCorporate tax
• Personal tax
• Transfer Pricing
• Tax filings
• Tax structuring
• Tax consulting
• Company IncorporationBusiness start-ups
• Visa services
• Bank registrations
• HR, Labour and Payroll services
• Cross-Border operations
• Law and legal services
• Outsourcing (incl. BPO)
• Wealth and Financial planningBusiness and financial planning
• Estate and trust planning
• Treaty Analysis
• Holding and repatriation planning
• Corporate Finance
• Capital markets
• Due Diligence
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Valuations