Where to find English-speaking accountants and bookkeepers in The Netherlands?

Where do you start when looking for an accountant in the Netherlands who communicates in English? We have the solution. Our extensive network includes numerous accountants and bookkeepers who are fluent in English and are accustomed to working with international clients. These professionals are well-equipped to handle a variety of accounting needs, ensuring clear communication and understanding. Moreover, many of our network members are open to digital collaborations, making remote work a viable and efficient option. This flexibility allows you to benefit from their expertise regardless of your location within the Netherlands.

What's the difference between an accountant and bookkeeper in The Netherlands?

In international terms, accountant is the collective noun for several functions. In The Netherlands, the definitions are a bit different from other countries. A bookkeeper is a more administrative title, and everybody in the Netherlands is able to start a job as a bookkeeper. This is not a protected profession. 

On the other hand, to become an accountant, you should have successfully finished a bachelor or master study in accounting. The theory learned can therefore be tested. A distinction is made between AA-accountant (accountant-administration consultant) and RA-accountant (chartered accountant). An AA-accountant has completed a higher professional education and an RA-accountant has completed a university study. A bookkeeper, however, is not permitted to have a particular educational background to call himself a bookkeeper. An accountant has a controlling role and this is a legally protected profession. 

Bookkeepers do mainly the administrative work like entering invoices, tax declarations and annual reports. If a case becomes more complex, it is often recommended going to an accountant instead of a bookkeeper. You should ask yourself the question if you need an accountant or if a bookkeeper will fit your needs as well. In general, a bookkeeper cost less than a university educated accountant.

Common bookkeeping services are: 

• Preparing financial reports;

• Payroll administration;

• Maintaining historical records (by filing documents);

• Balancing a general ledger (GL) by transferring subsidiary account summaries;

• Maintaining a general ledger (GL) by transferring subsidiary account summaries;

• Maintaining records of financial transactions;

• Maintaining subsidiary accounts by verifying, allocating and posting transactions;

• Preparing VAT returns each month, each quarter or each year;

• Balancing subsidiary accounts by reconciling entries.

An accountant has slightly more authority than a bookkeeper and can therefore carry out more activities. An accountant also has a primarily controlling and advisory role, rather than an executive role like the bookkeeper. 

Common activities of an accountant are: 

• Drafting internal and external reports

• Providing advice on financial, business economic, legal and tax issues

• Auditing annual accounts and financial reporting

• Closing the annual accounts

• Drafting the auditor's report

• Checking VAT returns

The bookkeepers and accountants in our network will be happy to help you with your financial statements, VAT returns or complete accounting.

How do I know if the bookkeeper is qualified and licensed?

Do you want to be 100% sure that the Dutch bookkeeper you are working with is qualified? Then we recommend checking to see if the firm is registered with the NOAB. NOAB, The Dutch Association of Administration and Tax Experts, is a professional association with over 1,000 member firms. At Boekhouders.nl, we work only with experienced and qualified firms. 

How to start your business in The Netherlands?

Eenmanszaak, VOF, BV: the differences

The benefit of an ‘eenmanszaak’ and ‘VOF’ (Vennootschap onder Firma) is the easy accessibility to start your own business. When you are thinking about starting a ‘BV’ (Besloten Vennootschap) you have to arrange additional things. First you have to go to a notary to set up a company deed and a shareholder agreement. 

The biggest difference between an ‘eenmanszaak’ / ‘ VOF’ and a ‘BV structure’ is the private liability. Let’s hope it will never happen, but when your company would go bankrupt you are personally liable with an ‘eenmanszaak’ or ‘VOF’. If you are the owner of a ‘BV’ you are normally employing yourself to the company which will give you more certainty. 

While reading this you probably think that it is the safest and best option to set up a BV structure. Maybe it is, but this depends on the volume you will make and how high the profit will be. The most start-ups start as an ‘eenmanszaak’ or ‘VOF’ because of the tax benefits you will have. If you are not sure about the right business type for your business, we advise you to discuss your case with an accountant.

Which administrative duties do you have in the Netherlands?

How to find an accountant, tax accountant or bookkeeping firm in The Netherlands?

Do you need help finding a registered accountant in the Netherlands for bookkeeping and/or preparing financial reports? Or perhaps your company needs an audit firm in The Netherlands?

At Boekhouders.nl we believe in the strength of helping each other. Therefore, we connect dozens of entrepreneurs every day. We own a database of over 800 accounting firms in the Netherlands, including the metropolitan areas of Amsterdam, Rotterdam. Utrecht, The Hague and Eindhoven.

If you are still looking for a financial partner, someone who thinks along with you and delivers quality, you should definitely use the free service of Boekhouders.nl. We can connect you with up to three fluent English-speaking accountants or bookkeepers in your area. Without obligation, you can have a meeting with all of them, to see if there is a match. Entering into a partnership is entirely your choice, there are no obligations.

Require bookkeeping services in The Netherlands? Just fill out the form below, we will contact you within 24 hours on working days.