Gran Canaria Accountants: How to choose them and why you need one

When setting up a business here, there are different types of Gran Canaria accountants who you can hire. Some specialise in accounting, while others  specialise in taxation. Also, the size of the companies that they handle varies. Most will charge a flat monthly fee to do all the paperwork. That includes not only the accounting,  filling out and submitting the tax forms correctly, but advice on how to legally run the business to get maximum profit. If you have workers, it includes preparing their wage forms.

Gran Canaria accountants: Why you need to hire one

1. It is a time saver. It takes too long to learn and do the accounts, which have to be done properly following the Spanish accounting system. It is better to focus on growing the business, and outsource the accounts to a professional who can get the job done fast and efficiently. Many accountants will even take all the papers to your business, or send them with a courier, for you to sign them, and send them back for submitting.
2. It saves you money and stress. Accounts and taxes have to be submitted on time. The accountant will do these for you and remind you about deadlines. Tax papers submitted after the deadline can have a surcharge of 20% or more. All you have to worry about is signing the papers.
3. Government tax inspections: If you are a corporation, the tax authorities might want to check your accounts. Instead of  wasting time taking the accounts to them, it is better to send a qualified professional who knows what is going on.
4. Changing laws: The professional accountants are always on top of the latest developments on taxation laws, which change every year.

How to Choose the best from all of the Gran Canaria accountants

1. Accounting companies instead of individuals: If you choose to outsource (recommended, especially when you are starting out, and your turnover is small), it is best to choose a small company that has  various employees who can get the work done on time. In some companies, work is done by one employee and then double-checked by another.
2. Complete business paperwork solution: Always choose a company that not only specializes in accounts, but also in  labor and tax laws. It is a time saver to have all the paperwork done in one place.
3. Qualified: Ensure that the accountant has a degree, and has a registration number, of  the Association of Economists or similar. There are plenty of people out there who never went to college, but claim they are accounting professionals. If you hire them, things might go smoothly until there is a problem, which is when they will not be able to help you.
4. Well established and experienced: It is better to choose an accountant who does accounts for plenty of companies, and who has been doing it for many years. He or she will be able to quickly recommend the best options and will save you time and money.
5. Availability: The professional must be able to immediately answer questions, and not tell you that he or she will let you know later. That means that the person is not doing his/her homework, i.e. not spending any time to study the laws and be on top of them. Some “professionals” pretend they are too busy to help (unless, of course, the customer is being unreasonable and asking questions for an hour every day of the week).
6. Organization skills: The accountant not only has to be organized himself/herself, but also must be aware of all the deadlines and prepare everything well ahead in time.

I personally use and recommend the services of Carmelo. I feel he is one of the best Gran Canaria accountants. Not only he is qualified, but comes from a business family background. He knows what he is doing and has been really helpful since I started my business back in 2005. We were together in college in the late eighties, and the friendship continues over twenty years later, although we aren’t as handsome as when we first met.

Carmelo with his team in his office

Carmelo with myself, looking for new business opportunities.

Another photo of the (retired) superheroes

Carmelo and me outside his office, getting suntanned.

Carmelo's office is located in the heart of the capital of Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, just a short walk from El Corte Ingles department store. His details are:

Asesoria CRG

Calle Valencia 66 bajo

35006 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Website: http://www.asesoriacrg.com/

Carmelo will be happy to give a personalised consultation to anyone who is interested in starting a business in Gran Canaria. He can also give advice to non-residents on how to set up an office to manage running businesses in other countries, while enjoying pleasant weather all year round. A fee may be charged.

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