English speaking accountants in France: Your CPA partner for growth
Expert CPAs for foreign companies & international subsidiaries
Expanding into France offers immense opportunities, but navigating the "Plan Comptable Général," complex tax laws, and rigid payroll rules can be a barrier.
At Vachon firm, we bridge the gap. With over 25 years of experience, our bilingual Chartered Accountants turn French compliance from a hurdle into a growth enabler. We ensure your subsidiary stays compliant locally while reporting seamlessly to your headquarters in English.
Why you need specialized accounting support in France ?
Operating a business in France is fundamentally different from the US, UK, or other jurisdictions. Standard translation isn't enough; you need transposition of concepts.
French GAAP vs. IFRS/US GAAP: You must maintain statutory accounts in French standards (FEC) while reporting to your group in international formats.
Complex Corporate Taxation: From the 25% corporate tax rate to the distinct social surtaxes, optimizing your fiscal position is critical to protect margins. (source)
Strict Payroll & Social Charges: Employer contributions can reach 40% of gross salary. Mistakes in "Dossier Social Nominatif" (DSN) filings trigger immediate penalties.
VAT & Regulatory Compliance: Late VAT filings or incorrect invoicing protocols in France lead to steep fines and audits.
The Reality: Non-compliance is not an option. You need a local partner who speaks your language literally and financially.
AUDIT
ACCOUNTING
TAXATION
Vachon: Your bilingual CPA partner in Paris
Established in 1997, Vachon is more than just a bookkeeping firm. We are Experts-Comptables (Licensed CPAs) dedicated to foreign-owned businesses.
Why international companies choose us :
100% Bilingual service: No language barriers. We explain complex French regulations in plain English.
Cross-border expertise: We master the reconciliation between French statutory requirements and your group’s reporting needs (consolidation packages).
One-Stop solution: Handle your accounting, tax, payroll, and legal secretary duties under one roof.
Strategic insight: Beyond compliance, we act as your local CFO, offering budgeting, forecasting, and tax optimization strategies.
Comprehensive services for foreign companies
We tailor our scope to fit your needs, whether you are a tech startup, a branch office, or a large multinational subsidiary.
Accounting & financial reporting
Maintenance of general ledger in compliance with French GAAP.
Monthly/Quarterly reporting mapped to your Group ERP (IFRS, US GAAP).
Preparation of statutory annual accounts and liaison with auditors (Commissaires aux Comptes).
Tax compliance & advisory
Corporate Income Tax returns and tax consolidation group setup.
VAT Management: Registration, monthly filings, and refund claims for foreign entities.
Optimization of tax credits (CIR/CII) and transfer pricing documentation.
Payroll & HR administration
Outsourced payroll processing compliant with French labor laws.
Management of all social declarations (URSSAF, Retraite).
Assistance with employment contracts, onboarding, and expat tax management.
Business advisory & audit
Entity setup: Guidance on choosing the right legal structure (SAS vs. SARL vs. Branch).
Due diligence: Financial audits for acquisitions in France.
Internal control: Strengthening your local governance and procedures.
Who we support ?
We provide tailored solutions for:
Multinational corporations: Ensuring subsidiaries align with HQ reporting standards.
SMEs & startups: Acting as an outsourced finance department.
Foreign entrepreneurs: Guiding market entry and initial registration.
French branches: Managing the specific nuances of branch accounting vs. subsidiary accounting.
"A U.S.-based tech company tasked Vachon Group with managing their new Paris subsidiary. We set up their French ledger in parallel with U.S. books and handled all local filings.
The result: The U.S. CFO felt in control without needing to learn French law, and the subsidiary passed its tax inspection with zero issues."
Ready to expand in France with confidence ?
Don’t let French bureaucracy slow you down. Partner with Vachon for clarity, compliance, and control.
Contact us today for a free consultation with an expert English-speaking accountant.
Frequently asked questions
Do I really need an English-speaking accountant in France ?
Yes. French accounting logic differs significantly from Anglo-Saxon models. An English-speaking CPA doesn't just translate words; they translate concepts, ensuring you understand your liabilities and that your reporting matches your parent company's expectations.
Is a statutory audit mandatory for my French subsidiary ?
Not always. Statutory audits are only mandatory when you exceed specific thresholds regarding revenue, total balance sheet, or number of employees. Vachon Group helps you monitor these thresholds and coordinates with statutory auditors when required.
How does French VAT apply to foreign businesses ?
If you conduct taxable transactions in France, you must register for VAT (TVA), usually at a rate of 20%. Foreign businesses are subject to strict filing deadlines. We handle the entire lifecycle, from VAT registration to monthly returns and reclaiming VAT credits.
How can I reduce payroll costs and taxes in France ?
While social charges are high, various schemes exist to optimize costs, such as R&D tax credits or specific hiring incentives. We review your structure and expenses to ensure you are using all legal levers to minimize tax exposure and optimize cash flow.
How can we optimize our tax strategy in France to reduce costs?
Our tax experts look for every legal opportunity to minimize your French tax burden. We’ll review your corporate structure and inter-company transactions to ensure efficient transfer pricing and use of tax treaties (preventing double taxation). We advise on available tax credits and incentives (for R&D, hiring, training, etc.), and make sure you deduct all allowable expenses. Strategic decisions like financing your subsidiary with debt vs equity can also impact taxes, we guide you on the optimal approach. The goal is to optimize your tax position while staying fully compliant. With proper planning, foreign businesses can often significantly reduce French corporate tax and social charge costs without incurring any risks.