Month End Procedures in Turkey: Essential Guide for Foreign Investors
For foreign investors operating in or planning to invest in Turkey, managing company finances efficiently is crucial. One of the most important aspects of financial management is month end procedures. These procedures ensure the accuracy of financial records, compliance with Turkish regulations, and proper preparation for audits. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential steps in month end procedures in Turkey and explain how partnering with a local financial expert can benefit your business.
We offer customized month end procedure support tailored to the unique needs of foreign investors in Turkey. Whether you need long-term or short-term assistance, on-site or remote services, we are available to ensure your company stays compliant and financially healthy.
Why Month End Procedures Matter
Month end procedures form the backbone of a company’s financial health. They help ensure that:
- Financial statements are accurate and up-to-date.
- Taxes and regulatory filings are correct and submitted on time.
- Any issues, such as discrepancies in cash flow or billing, are identified early.
- Top management can make informed business decisions based on reliable financial data.
In Turkey, financial and tax compliance can be particularly challenging for foreign companies unfamiliar with local accounting standards and regulations. That’s why it’s essential to have an expert on your side to manage these processes smoothly.

Core Steps in Month End Procedures in Turkey
Foreign investors must understand the specific steps involved in month end procedures in Turkey to ensure their businesses remain compliant with Turkish regulations. These steps generally include:
1. Revenue Recognition and Invoicing
- Ensure all sales for the month have been recorded in the accounting system.
- Issue invoices for goods and services provided during the month.
- Reconcile deferred revenue accounts and adjust as needed.
Revenue recognition must align with the local tax regulations, and errors here can lead to significant tax penalties. With our experience in managing multinational accounting systems, we can assist you in handling revenue recognition in full compliance with Turkish tax laws.
2. Expense Recording and Accruals
- Record all operational expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities.
- Accrue any expenses that have been incurred but not yet invoiced.
- Ensure that all recurring expenses are allocated correctly in the accounting system.
Accurate expense recording is essential for understanding your company’s cash flow. We can help you streamline this process and avoid costly mistakes.
3. Bank Reconciliation
- Match bank statements with internal financial records.
- Investigate any discrepancies, such as pending transactions or bank fees.
Effective bank reconciliation ensures that your cash balances are correct and that any potential issues are spotted early. Our expertise in overseeing financial operations for multinational firms allows us to ensure proper bank reconciliations for your business.
4. VAT and Tax Calculations
- Calculate the VAT due on sales and purchases.
- Ensure that the VAT accruals for the month are accurate and ready for submission.
In Turkey, VAT regulations are strictly enforced, and incorrect calculations can result in fines. With our deep understanding of Turkish tax laws, we can help your company manage VAT calculations efficiently.
5. Inventory Management
- Review stock levels and adjust inventory records as necessary.
- Record inventory purchases and usage for the month.
Accurate inventory tracking can significantly impact your company’s bottom line. With our expertise, we can guide you through the proper methods for valuing and managing inventory in compliance with Turkish accounting standards.
6. Fixed Assets and Depreciation
- Update depreciation schedules for any newly acquired or disposed fixed assets.
- Calculate and record depreciation expenses for the month.
Recording depreciation correctly is crucial to maintaining accurate asset values. We offer expertise in managing the fixed asset register and ensuring all depreciation records are accurate according to Turkish standards.
7. Payroll Processing
- Ensure that all employee salary payments have been processed.
- Record payroll taxes and employee contributions.
- Accrue any unpaid wages or benefits.
Payroll accuracy is not only important for employee satisfaction but also for tax compliance. We can help ensure that payroll processing is accurate and that all contributions are recorded in compliance with Turkish employment laws.
8. Accounts Receivable and Payable
- Follow up on outstanding invoices and ensure timely payments from clients.
- Reconcile accounts payable and record any bills paid or due.
Managing receivables and payables can be challenging for companies working with international and local suppliers. we offer expertise in ensuring your company remains up-to-date with both payments and collections.
9. Financial Reporting
- Prepare key financial statements, such as the profit and loss statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
- Compare actual performance with budget forecasts and identify any discrepancies.
Accurate financial reporting is essential for strategic decision-making. With our extensive experience in financial reporting, we can assist your company in generating precise and compliant reports.
Turkish GAAP and Month End Procedures
Understanding and complying with Turkish GAAP is critical for foreign investors in Turkey. These standards, aligned with Turkish Financial Reporting Standards (TFRS), ensure that companies’ financial statements are transparent, comparable, and reliable. Our deep knowledge of Turkish GAAP enables us to assist companies in preparing financial statements that meet both local and international standards.
The month end procedures in Turkey involve not only internal reconciliations but also ensuring compliance with external regulatory requirements, including tax reporting, VAT submissions, and preparation for audits. As your trusted advisor, We can help you navigate the complexities of the Turkish regulatory environment and keep your financial records in perfect order.
Common Challenges in Month End Procedures and How I Can Help
Many companies face challenges in their month end procedures, including:
- Missing Documentation: Invoices, receipts, and purchase orders that are not properly recorded can lead to discrepancies. We can assist in creating a robust system for documentation management.
- Unbalanced Ledgers: Inaccurate reconciliations can result in unbalanced ledgers. With our experience, we can ensure that all entries are correct and balanced at month end.
- Overdue Accounts Receivables: Late payments from clients can disrupt cash flow. We can provide effective strategies for managing receivables and improving cash collections.
- Complex Tax Calculations: Taxes in Turkey, especially VAT, can be complicated. We can provide expert guidance in ensuring accurate and timely tax calculations.
The Benefits of Hiring a Local Financial Advisor for Month End Procedures
Foreign investors often find the complexities of the Turkish financial system overwhelming. By hiring a local financial advisor like ourselves, you gain access to an experienced professional who understands both international business practices and Turkish accounting regulations.We can provide tailored advice and hands-on support for your month end procedures in Turkey, ensuring that your business remains compliant, efficient, and ready for growth.
Get Professional Assistance for Month End Procedures in Turkey
Navigating the month end procedures in Turkey can be challenging, especially for foreign investors unfamiliar with the local regulatory framework. By partnering with an experienced professional like ourselves, you can streamline your financial operations and focus on growing your business with confidence.
Whether you need short-term or long-term assistance, on-site or remote support, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of the Turkish financial system.
Optimize Month-End Procedures with Our CFO Services
Month-end closing procedures are crucial for maintaining accurate financial records, providing insights into company performance, and ensuring compliance with Turkish regulations. Streamlined and efficient month-end processes help foreign investors manage their operations in Turkey effectively. Our services provide expert assistance in navigating and optimizing month-end procedures for seamless financial management.
- Comprehensive support in closing the books accurately and preparing reconciliations for all balance sheet accounts
- Assistance with generating and reviewing financial statements such as balance sheets and profit and loss statements in line with Turkish GAAP
- Review and adjustment of accruals, including payroll and other significant expenses, to reflect accurate financial standing
- Guidance on internal controls for data validation and cross-verification to prevent errors and discrepancies during the closing process
- Automation of reporting and preparation of customized management reports for higher transparency and timely decision-making
- Advisory on compliance with tax obligations related to month-end financial activities, ensuring accurate VAT, withholding tax, and other tax accruals
Contact us to enhance your month-end process for smoother financial reporting and improved management insights.
FAQ
1. What are the key month-end procedures for companies in Turkey?
Answer:
The key month-end procedures in Turkey include closing the books, reconciling bank accounts, recording any outstanding invoices, calculating and recording accruals, preparing financial statements, and ensuring compliance with VAT and other tax filings. These steps help ensure accurate financial reporting and tax compliance.
2. What financial reports are required during month-end procedures in Turkey?
Answer:
During month-end procedures, Turkish companies typically prepare financial reports such as the income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, and VAT declarations. These reports provide a clear view of the company’s financial health and help in meeting regulatory obligations.
3. How are tax liabilities handled during month-end procedures in Turkey?
Answer:
In Turkey, companies must calculate and record their VAT, withholding tax, and other tax liabilities as part of the month-end procedures. These taxes are reported in monthly tax returns, which must be submitted to the Turkish tax authorities by specific deadlines, usually around the 24th of the following month.
4. Why is accrual accounting important for month-end procedures in Turkey?
Answer:
Accrual accounting is crucial for month-end procedures in Turkey because it ensures that revenues and expenses are recorded in the period they are earned or incurred, not when cash is received or paid. This provides a more accurate financial picture and is required for compliance with Turkish accounting standards.
5. What challenges do foreign investors face during month-end procedures in Turkey?
Answer:
Foreign investors often face challenges during month-end procedures in Turkey, such as understanding local accounting standards, navigating tax regulations, and ensuring accurate VAT filings. Using local accounting services or software that complies with Turkish regulations can help mitigate these challenges.
