Drafting annual financial statements can be both an easy and a complicated task. It all depends on the size of your business and the number of monthly transactions. There are financial statements, which do require footnote disclosures. On the other hand, there are financial statements, which are presented without any footnotes.

There may be different purposes for the statements. For example, normally your bank will be satisfied to see some basic financial figures in order to make sure your company is able to settle debts. Financial statement or report is usually prepared by transferring account trial balances to a set of templates, appropriate for accounting laws of specific country.

Specific requirements for annual financial statements in different jurisdictions
Today the majority of year-end financial statements are made in full accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, you should always consider the specific requirements for the chosen jurisdiction. For example:

The fiscal year. In vast majority of countries (especially EU member states), the financial year ends on December 31st. Other jurisdictions may have different approaches, since the financial year may end in different periods, depending on the registration date of the company, e.g., (in Singapore, the United Kingdom, Hong-Kong and others);
Timeframes to file the annual reports. Depending on the jurisdiction, the timeframe for submission of the annual report may vary from just few months up to a year: 3 months in Bulgaria and in Singapore; 4 months in Latvia, up to 12 months on Cyprus, or up to 8 months in the UK;
Requirements for audit. Note that in some countries every company must submit audited report (Cyprus, Singapore, Hong-Kong, Ireland). While in other countries companies may prepare an audited report voluntarily or, if they reach certain criteria (read further about Audit).
We highly recommend checking up local national legislation prior to drafting or submitting annual report, as in different jurisdictions requirements may slightly vary. You can also ask our bookkeepers for detailed information - click here to know more.

With the right documentation and initial expenses, it is possible for a foreign citizen to open a bank account in Guatemala. This international account and investment opportunity offers several advantages based on economic regulations and tax structures. Interest rates, tax laws and fees vary depending on the country in which you invest; Careful research and strategic financial actions could result in significant portfolio growth.

If one is considering opening a bank account in Guatemala, one must enlist the help of international experts to guide them through the process.

Legal structures in Guatemala
Each international jurisdiction adheres to different legal structures for taxation and banking. Confidus Solutions helps you understand the nuances of each country's legal structure. In order to do business in Guatemala, it is crucial that you have a thorough understanding of the financial and legal ramifications.

Initial investments
The vast majority of bank accounts in Guatemala require an initial financial outlay to secure the account opening. This value differs from bank to bank and also depends on variable exchange rates. An international financial expert will help navigate these conversions, as well as the various fees and minimums associated with maintaining a bank account. Make sure you understand the interest and growth rates associated with each prospective international bank account so you can maximize your returns while minimizing risk.

Tax structures in Guatemala
To get the best results and avoid bureaucratic and legal pitfalls, enlist the support of an expert in international finance and economics. This initial investment in proper processes and research will help avoid a litany of long-term costs and fees related to unforeseen errors and legal errors. Language skills, financial know-how and bureaucratic experience ensure that your account opening is processed smoothly and without unintended consequences.

Manufacturing is the largest economic sector in the world, which is also one of the most important, directly and indirectly accounting for a large part of all economic activity and all jobs worldwide. It processes items and is dedicated to either creating new goods or adding value by producing finished goods for sale to customers or intermediate goods to be used in the production process. After the industrial revolution that began in Britain a few centuries ago, labour-intensive textile production was successfully replaced by mechanization and the use of fuel. Today, manufacturing creates jobs, technological development and an increase in international investment.

For this reason, some jurisdictions are leveraging manufacturing output and value-added exports to increase their operations, business performance and revenue, and to address the challenges and opportunities that manufacturers face every day in conducting their businesses.

According to Deloitte's 2016 Global Manufacturing Competitiveness Index, China, the United States, Germany, Japan and South Korea are ranked as the top five most competitive manufacturing countries in the world. These countries generate about 60% of global manufacturing GDP.

China
Canada and its provinces compete on a global scale for investments that result in low production costs, low wages for factory workers, and the adoption of globally popular product mandates. As a result, there are some significant trends in Chinese manufacturing that can easily be highlighted. These trends include creating a globally competitive, expansive manufacturing business model, helping to create a competitive business environment for manufacturing in China and increasing sales in domestic and overseas markets. This fact can encourage start-ups to grow, invest and compete with other successful manufacturing companies.

United States
The United States is successful in attracting investment in many of the world's most active industries, such as aerospace, auto assembly, pharmaceuticals, to name a few. The USA has signed an agreement with Germany to implement a dual vocational training program for the advanced manufacturing sector. US business policies focus primarily on technology transfer, sustainability, monetary control, and science and innovation, giving manufacturing companies (automotive in Detroit and high-tech in Silicon Valley) a competitive advantage.

Germany
Germany retains a relatively high share of manufacturing exports. The country provides long-term support in government-sponsored science labs and national programs created to foster manufacturing innovation in areas such as solar and wind power and renewable energy (renewable energy sources accounted for 28% of the country's electricity generation in 2014). In addition to an energy revolution in the manufacturing industry, the country is striving to phase out nuclear energy.

Japan
Japan has a technology-intensive manufacturing sector that dominates the global manufacturing landscape in most advanced economies. The country maintains manufacturing competitiveness as there is a close link between manufacturing competitiveness and innovation. Japan has strong potential to become one of the most advanced manufacturing jurisdictions in the world. The Robot Revolution Realization Council was established in the country in 2014 as part of the Japan Revitalization Plan, introducing infrastructure and energy resources for next-generation vehicles. Japanese companies account for 50% of the global factory robot market.

South Korea
As the world leader in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays (LCD), smartphones and memory chips, automobiles, and the world's largest shipbuilder, South Korea is actively pursuing growth in free trade agreements with more than 50 countries. The country invests heavily in education and produces a large number of researchers every year. It is also known that supporting manufacturing innovation in South Korea with venture capital investments to boost high-tech startups is identified as a strategic priority.