In Singapore, companies are legally mandated to maintain various statutory registers, which serve as crucial records of a company's structure, ownership, and key appointments. The responsibility for ensuring these registers are accurately maintained and kept up-to-date largely falls upon the corporate secretary, a vital role in corporate governance and compliance. The Importance of Statutory [...]
In an era of digital transformation, the way businesses manage their finances is evolving. Gone are the days of being tied to a single desktop computer, manually entering data into spreadsheets, or sending cumbersome files to an accountant. Today, cloud accounting software offers a more dynamic, efficient, and secure way to manage your company’s books. [...]
Effective management of employee leave entitlements is crucial for businesses in Singapore, ensuring compliance with local labour laws while fostering a positive work environment. The primary legislation governing most leave types is the Employment Act (EA). Understanding the different categories of leave, their eligibility criteria, and employer obligations is key to smooth operations. Key [...]
Hiring foreign workers in Singapore can be a strategic move for businesses to address labour shortages or acquire specialised skills. However, it comes with a stringent set of regulations and obligations primarily enforced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). Employers must navigate these requirements carefully to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. Understanding Work Passes [...]
Operating a company in Singapore comes with several regulatory obligations, primarily governed by the Companies Act. The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) mandates various filings to ensure transparency and accountability. Understanding these requirements is crucial for all businesses, regardless of size, to maintain compliance and avoid penalties. General Requirements for Company Accounts [...]
For any business that buys or sells physical goods, inventory is one of the largest and most significant assets on the balance sheet. How you track and value this inventory has a direct impact on your company’s financial health and profitability. Proper inventory management accounting is not just a bookkeeping task; it's a critical business [...]
As a business grows, its initial structure may no longer be the best fit. For many successful sole proprietorships and partnerships in Singapore, the logical next step in their evolution is to convert to a private limited company (Pte Ltd). This transition is a significant milestone, offering a wealth of benefits that can protect owners [...]
A board meeting is the cornerstone of corporate governance, where critical decisions shaping a company's future are made. However, the effectiveness of these meetings hinges on one vital, yet often overlooked, tool: the board pack. A well-prepared board pack ensures that directors are informed, discussions are focused, and decisions are strategic. This is where the [...]
For any business, major transactions like a merger or acquisition (M&A), a significant fundraising round, or a substantial bank loan are pivotal moments. These events are almost always preceded by a rigorous process known as due diligence.During this intense period of scrutiny, your company's corporate secretary moves from a background compliance role to a central [...]
When embarking on the exciting journey of starting a new company in Singapore, entrepreneurs typically focus on the big picture: business strategy, product development, and market entry. However, the success of a company launch also depends on a strong and compliant foundation. This is where the corporate secretary, an often-underestimated role, acts as the unseen [...]