Accounting Services in France for English Speakers
Navigating the French tax and accounting landscape is already complex—it shouldn’t be made any more difficult by a language barrier. We provide all of our services in English.
Three profiles, one common need
French Subsidiaries of International Groups
Your parent company is American, British, or international, and you manage a subsidiary in France. You need to maintain impeccable local accounting records while reporting to headquarters in a format they can understand—US GAAP, IFRS, or UK GAAP.
GAAP Conversion
Tax pack
Payroll
ERP NetSuite / SAP
Expatriates & International Entrepreneurs
You live in France or run a business there as a foreign national. French tax rules, social security contributions, and administrative requirements may seem confusing to you. We make them clear and manageable.
Taxation of Expatriates
Company Formation
Income Tax Return
Social Security Contributions
Foreign real estate investors
You own or are buying real estate in France. From furnished rentals to Airbnb listings to real estate development, the French real estate tax system is complex—we’ll guide you through every step, in English.
LMNP / LMP
SCI
Airbnb / Short-term rentals
Cross-Border Taxation
Accounting for English Speakers
Your One-Stop Shop for Setting Up and Running a Business in France
Starting a company in France as a foreign entrepreneur can be challenging. Beyond the incorporation itself, opening a bank account, depositing share capital, arranging insurance coverage, setting up payroll, understanding tax obligations and dealing with French administration can quickly become overwhelming.
At L2A Advisory, we do much more than simply register your company. We act as your trusted local partner and project manager throughout the entire process, coordinating every step of your business setup in France.
Over the years, we have built a strong network of trusted partners including lawyers, notaries, banks, insurance brokers, payroll specialists and immigration advisors. Rather than leaving you to navigate these providers on your own, we guide you through the process and coordinate the various stakeholders on your behalf.
We assist with:
Company incorporation and registration
Share capital deposit procedures
Bank account opening support, including introductions to partner banks familiar with international entrepreneurs
Business insurance arrangements
Payroll setup and employment administration
Tax registrations and compliance
Ongoing accounting, tax and reporting requirements
Our clients particularly appreciate our ability to facilitate bank account openings for non-residents and international founders, an area where many entrepreneurs face significant delays.
Unlike online incorporation platforms that only help you create the company, or law firms whose involvement often ends after incorporation, we remain by your side for the long term. From day one through the growth of your business, we provide continuous support covering accounting, payroll, tax compliance and financial management.
One point of contact. One coordinated process. One trusted advisor for your French business journey.
Accounting Services for Expats and International Businesses in France
Accounting Services in English for Individuals and Businesses in France
Navigating accounting and taxation in France can be daunting for expatriates and foreign-owned businesses. French tax laws are complex, frequently updated, and differ significantly from international standards.
Without proper guidance, many expats and business owners risk non-compliance, penalties, or missed tax optimization opportunities.
At L2A Advisory, we provide accounting services entirely in English, combining the precision and reliability of large firms with the personalized, flexible approach of a boutique advisory. Our services help clients understand their financial position, comply with all regulations, and make informed decisions for sustainable growth.
Does this sound familiar?
Your accountant doesn't speak English—every meeting requires an interpreter or some guesswork.
You receive official documents that you don't fully understand, and you're not sure if you're in compliance.
Your headquarters requires financial reports prepared in accordance with US GAAP or IFRS—but your local accountant is not familiar with these standards.
Are you an expatriate or a foreign investor who feels lost navigating the French bureaucracy and the regulations of your home country?
Why choose us:
- Tailored services for expatriates and international companies operating in France
- Communication fully in English to avoid misinterpretation and stress
- Deep expertise in French accounting standards, tax laws, and regulatory reporting
- Personalized solutions to optimize financial efficiency, manage risk, and ensure legal compliance
- Support across all accounting, tax, and financial management needs
Core Services:
- Bookkeeping & Annual Financial Statements
Tax Compliance & Advisory
Payroll Management for English-speaking employees
Financial Planning, Reporting & FP&A
Business Modeling, Strategy & Forecasting
Support for Company Incorporations and Subsidiaries
We are your trusted partner in France—we handle all your accounting, tax, and consulting needs entirely in English, so you can focus on your business.
Alexandre and Loïc
Financial Reporting and Tax Compliance Services
Services Provided by Certified Public Accountants in France
Tax Returns Preparation
L2A Advisory prepares both corporate and personal tax returns accurately and in compliance with the latest French tax regulations. We guide clients through each step, from collecting the necessary documentation to implementing legal tax optimization strategies. Our approach reduces the risk of errors, penalties, and audits, while maximizing tax benefits available under French law.
Annual Financial Statements
We produce full GAAP-compliant annual financial statements, including balance sheets, profit & loss accounts, and detailed notes. These documents provide transparency, enhance stakeholder trust, and facilitate audit readiness. Clients can make strategic decisions with confidence based on accurate, reliable financial information.
Tax Optimization Strategies
Our experts design tax strategies to minimize liabilities within the legal framework. This includes corporate structure optimization, investment planning, deductible expenses, and maximizing eligible tax credits. Each strategy is tailored to the client’s unique financial situation and objectives.
Payroll Management
Payroll management in France is complex due to numerous social contributions and employment regulations. L2A Advisory works with partners that provide payroll processing for English-speaking employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and clear reporting. We can also provide guidance on social charges, employee benefits, and statutory obligations.
Compliance Monitoring
We proactively track deadlines, legislative changes, and tax updates to ensure continuous compliance. Clients are informed in advance of any changes affecting their obligations, reducing stress and mitigating potential risks.
Financial Advisory & Strategic Support
Beyond compliance, we advise clients on financial strategy, budgeting, cash flow management, and business planning. This holistic approach helps businesses optimize performance while remaining fully compliant with French regulations. It is one our strenght: we act as both a CPA and an external CFO for your business.
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in France
Guidance on French accounting standards and principles
Registration & Professional Standards
CPAs in France are registered with the “Ordre des experts-comptables” and adhere to strict ethical and professional standards. Registration ensures expertise, mandatory professional insurance, and accountability. Working with a registered CPA protects clients from legal and financial risks and ensures high-quality, compliant accounting practices.
Core Services Offered by CPAs
- Bookkeeping and Accounting
- Financial Reporting & FP&A
- Tax Compliance & Filing
- Company Incorporation & Legal Documentation
- Business Planning & Financial Modeling
- Advisory on Real Estate Investments and Rental Properties
Client benefit:
Engaging a registered CPA ensures compliance with French law, optimizes accounting and tax processes, and reduces risk exposure. Our CPAs anticipate regulatory changes and adapt financial strategies accordingly, providing long-term stability and peace of mind.
Expertise in French Accounting Standards
Services Provided by Certified Public Accountants in France
Plan Comptable Général (PCG) Explained
The PCG, the foundation of French GAAP, sets the rules for recording and reporting all financial transactions. Compliance ensures accurate, consistent, and transparent financial statements. Our CPAs guarantee adherence to these standards, supporting stakeholders, auditors, and regulatory authorities.
Impact on Compliance and Reporting
Compliance with French GAAP is critical for audits, tax returns, and corporate transparency. Non-compliance can lead to fines, penalties, or reputational damage. We help clients identify risks, adjust reporting, and maintain credibility with authorities.
GAAP Conversion for International Companies
For companies operating internationally, we convert financial statements into French GAAP standards. This process includes analyzing current accounting methods, implementing required adjustments, and ensuring compliance for local filings and audit readiness.
Practical example:
A UK company setting up a French subsidiary can have its accounts fully converted to PCG-compliant statements. This ensures accurate tax reporting, regulatory compliance, and integration with international reporting standards.
Guidance for Continuous Compliance
Our CPAs provide ongoing advice on accounting updates, legislative changes, and best practices. Clients can rely on continuous compliance without needing to constantly monitor legal updates themselves.
Accounting Services for French Subsidiaries
Services Provided by Certified Public Accountants in France
Bookkeeping & Financial Reporting
We manage bookkeeping and reporting for subsidiaries and branches of multinational companies, ensuring compliance with local French standards and global group policies.
Tax Compliance & Payroll
Full compliance with French tax laws, including payroll processing, social contributions, and statutory filings, is ensured. Clients can trust that all obligations are met efficiently.
Multidisciplinary Support
L2A Advisory collaborates with VAT lawyers, transfer pricing specialists, notaries, and corporate lawyers. This integrated approach provides full support for accounting, taxation, and legal requirements.
Client benefit:
International businesses can focus on growth while we manage compliance and optimize financial operations.
Advisory on Financial Strategy for Subsidiaries
Beyond compliance, we assist with budgeting, cash flow management, investment planning, and internal reporting. This proactive advisory ensures subsidiaries operate efficiently and contribute positively to the group’s overall performance.
Why Choose L2A Advisory
Accounting Services in English for Individuals and Businesses in France
L2A Advisory combines the technical rigor of large accounting firms with the personalized, flexible approach of a boutique advisory. We offer tailored accounting, tax, and financial management solutions for expatriates and foreign-owned businesses in France. Our client-focused methodology ensures practical advice, communication entirely in English, and continuous optimization of your financial performance and compliance.
Contact L2A Advisory today to speak with an English-speaking CPA in France and secure expert guidance for your business.
What people ask of us
Do I need a CPA if I am an expat in France?
Working with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in France is highly recommended for expatriates, especially when dealing with business activities, real estate investments, or multiple sources of income. French accounting and tax rules are complex, frequently updated, and often very different from international standards. At L2A Advisory, our English-speaking CPAs provide clear guidance on tax filing, bookkeeping, payroll, and business structuring. We act as trusted advisors, helping expats comply with French law, avoid penalties, and optimize their financial situation. Partnering with a CPA offers peace of mind and ensures you make informed decisions for sustainable growth. That said, if your situation is very simple, for example, you are only an employee with salary income you can usually manage your obligations directly on impots.gouv.fr without professional assistance.
What are the main differences between French GAAP and IFRS?
French GAAP, known as the Plan Comptable Général (PCG), is the mandatory framework for statutory reporting in France. It emphasizes compliance, detailed bookkeeping, and the legal form of transactions. In contrast, IFRS is internationally oriented and seeks to reflect the economic substance of operations, focusing on transparency and comparability for investors. This difference in philosophy often appears in areas such as lease accounting or revenue recognition, where IFRS prioritizes the economic reality while French GAAP applies the legal framework more strictly. For international companies operating in France, accounts need to be converted from IFRS to French GAAP for regulatory constraints. At L2A Advisory, we handle this conversion seamlessly, ensuring your financial reports remain accurate, compliant, and aligned with both local and international requirements.
Can L2A manage payroll for international employees?
Yes, L2A Advisory supports foreign companies in managing payroll for employees based in France, and the approach depends on the structure chosen. In some cases, an international company may hire an employee directly in France; in others, it will need to set up a subsidiary or branch. We assist with this corporate and administrative setup to ensure everything is compliant from the start. For the payroll itself, we rely either on trusted specialist partners or on our in-house use of Payfit, a leading payroll software in France. This ensures accurate payslips, correct calculation of social charges, and compliance with complex labor regulations. All reporting and communication are provided in English, helping employers and employees avoid misunderstandings while staying fully compliant.
How do I ensure tax compliance as a foreign business in France?
Ensuring tax compliance in France requires understanding corporate taxes, VAT, social contributions, and annual filings under French law. Mistakes can lead to penalties or audits, especially for foreign-owned businesses unfamiliar with local regulations. At L2A Advisory, we provide end-to-end support: preparing corporate and personal tax returns, monitoring legislative changes, and implementing legal tax optimization strategies. We also manage deadlines and filings so that nothing is missed. Our English-speaking CPAs communicate every step clearly, ensuring you understand your obligations. This proactive approach gives foreign businesses confidence that they are fully compliant while optimizing their tax position in France.
What is the process for converting international accounts to French GAAP?
Converting accounts to French GAAP involves several key steps. First, we review your existing financial statements under IFRS or another local GAAP. Next, we identify required adjustments, such as reclassification of expenses, recognition of provisions, or valuation of assets according to French rules. We then build a detailed bridge from the foreign trial balance to the French GAAP trial balance, clearly documenting all adjustments. Once validated, we ensure these adjustments are also properly recorded in the client’s accounting system to remain fully compliant with French tax administration requirements, including the FEC (Fichier des Écritures Comptables). We then prepare PCG-compliant financial statements, including balance sheet, profit & loss account, and notes, ready for local tax filings and audits. Throughout the process, our CPAs explain the changes in plain English and ensure consistency with your group reporting. At L2A Advisory, we streamline this conversion for subsidiaries, expats, and international investors, guaranteeing compliance and reliable reporting in France.