The financial year-end is a critical period for businesses in Singapore. It’s when companies review financial records, close accounts, and ensure compliance with ACRA and IRAS regulations.
A clear and well-structured checklist for the financial year-end streamlines the process, supports compliance, and ensures accurate financial reporting.
Proper execution provides a clear view of your business finances and helps prevent errors that could lead to fines or delays.
Why Financial Year-End Preparation Matters
The Importance of Financial Year-End Closing
Financial year-end is more than closing your accounts, it ensures compliance and strategic planning, helping your business stay on track, meet all requirements, and plan for future budget forecasts.
Key benefits include:
- Staying compliant with ACRA and IRAS requirements
- Accurate financial reporting for better decision-making
- Identifying growth opportunities and cost management
Good preparation keeps your company organised, confident, and ready to start the new financial year smoothly.
Common Challenges in Financial Year-End Processes
Many companies face problems during their financial year-end. Common issues include:
- Mistakes in year-end accounting procedures caused by incomplete or missing records
- Rushed submissions to meet deadlines for financial statements and tax reporting
- Confusion over adjustments, accruals, and reconciliations
Early planning reduces stress and avoids last-minute mistakes.

Financial Year-End Checklist for Singapore Companies
A detailed financial year-end checklist helps you stay organised and meet all reporting and tax submission deadlines. Below are the key steps for Singapore businesses.
Organise and Reconcile Financial Records
- Record all transactions accurately in your accounting system
- Reconcile accounts payable, accounts receivable, and bank statements
- Verify outstanding balances with supporting documents
Good record-keeping, supported by reliable accounting and bookkeeping services, ensures everything is in order before the year ends.
Review Year-End Accounting Procedures
- Record all accruals, prepayments, and adjustments
- Verify stock counts and inventory valuation
- Update depreciation and review fixed assets
Completing these year-end accounting procedures ensures your books are correct and up to date.
Prepare Financial Statements
- Prepare the Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statements
- Ensure compliance with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS)
- Review notes and disclosures for accuracy
Strong financial reporting gives a clear picture of your company’s performance and supports better decision-making. Working with an experienced accounting team can help ensure your year-end procedures comply with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS).
Tax Compliance Tasks
- Submit Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within three months of your financial year end
- File your corporate tax returns (Form C-S or C) with IRAS
- Utilise tax benefits like Partial Tax Exemption (PTE) and Start-Up Tax Exemption (SUTE)
Early preparation and the support of experienced corporate tax advisors can help you meet all tax requirements without rushing at the last minute.
Fulfil Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
- File your Annual Returns with ACRA after finalising your financial statements
- Prepare for audits if required
- Complete directors’ resolutions and Annual General Meeting (AGM) requirements
Staying compliant with these regulations helps your business maintain a good reputation and avoid penalties.
Employee and Payroll Compliance
- Verify CPF contributions, salaries, and benefits are recorded correctly
- Submit Form IR8A and related reports to IRAS
- Account for bonuses, claims, and leave balances
Accurate payroll processing supported by compliant payroll management services ensures that both HR and finance records remain aligned at year-end.

Streamlining Financial Year-End Closing
The financial year-end closing checklist can seem like a lot of work, but it becomes much easier with early planning and good systems in place.
Start the Process Early
Start reviewing accounts, reconciling transactions, and checking records before your financial year-end date. Doing things early helps prevent errors and gives you time to fix any issues.
Leverage Technology for Efficiency
Use accounting software to save time and reduce mistakes.
- Choose tools that connect with payroll and tax systems.
- Automate parts of financial reporting to avoid manual data entry.
Technology makes your financial year-end closing process faster and smoother.
Engage Professional Services
Working with a professional accountant or corporate services provider can make the process easier.
- Experts can handle year-end accounting procedures and make sure your business follows ACRA and IRAS rules.
- They can also help prepare financial statements, manage audits, and file returns.
Engaging expert support allows your team to focus on daily operations while professionals manage compliance and ensure accuracy.
Conduct Regular Reviews
Don’t wait until the end of the year to review your books. Conduct monthly or quarterly checks to stay on top of your accounts. Regular reviews help identify issues early and reduce last-minute pressure during the financial year-end closing period.

How Professional Services Simplify Financial Year-End Reporting
Professional corporate service providers can help companies handle the financial year–end more efficiently.
Here is how:
- Expertise in Financial Reporting and Compliance: Professionals understand local accounting and tax requirements, helping you stay compliant and meet all deadlines.
- Time and Cost Efficiency: Outsourcing your financial year–end checklist saves time and helps prevent costly mistakes.
- Error Reduction: Trained accountants carefully review your records to ensure everything is accurate.
By working with professionals, your company can handle the year-end process confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.
Closing Your Books the Right Way
Financial year–end is vital for compliance and planning. A clear, structured financial year–end checklist makes the process easier and more organised, while also ensuring accurate financial reporting.
Leveraging technology, maintaining proper records, and engaging professional support can make your financial year–end closing process simple, accurate, and stress-free.
Get expert help from BoardRoom Singapore today to ensure your financial year–end closing is accurate, compliant, and hassle-free.
Contact BoardRoom for more information:
Related Business Insights
-
05 Feb 2026
Stress-Free Annual Tax Filing in Singapore: Practical Tips for Businesses & Individuals | BoardRoom
Discover how BoardRoom's accounting services can help you navigate the shortage of accountants in Singapore with st …
READ MORE -
04 Nov 2025
How to Manage Financial Reporting and Month-End Close Across Regions
Year-end closing procedures are critical for ensuring compliance and business success. Discover practical strategie …
READ MORE -
01 Nov 2025
Why Digital Finance Transformation Is a Leadership Imperative
Discover how digital finance transformation empowers CFOs to drive strategy, boost agility and unlock smarter, insi …
READ MORE
