CKS Global Consultants is a Singapore accounting and corporate services firm, established in 2002 and incorporated as a company in 2009. The firm offers a full range of services covering accounting, GST compliance, corporate secretarial work, taxation and financing, serving clients across most fields of business in Singapore, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and government organisations.
CKS built its service philosophy around three principles it summarises as C-K-S: Complete end-to-end service for start-ups, established enterprises and grass-roots organisations alike; a Knowledge-based approach that simplifies complex business issues; and Service delivered with the client's needs as the sole focus.
The firm is a professional member of several recognised accounting bodies, including CGMA, CIMA, SIATP, ISCA, ACCA, CPA and ACT. In July 2016, CKS achieved one of the highest compliance ratings — 30 out of 36 — in ACRA's Compliance Review Assessment for AML/CTF, as one of the first batch of Registered Filing Agents selected for the review, a score that ACRA classifies as demonstrating a high level of effectiveness in complying with general AML/CTF requirements.
Established in 2002 and incorporated as a company in 2009, CKS Global Consultants has built itself into a one-stop accounting and corporate services firm for Singapore businesses. From its office at Midview City on Sin Ming Lane, the firm serves clients across most fields of business, from small and medium enterprises through to government organisations.
CKS frames its approach around three principles that spell out its own name: Complete, Knowledge, and Service. "Complete" means end-to-end solutions for whatever stage a business is at — start-up, established enterprise, or grass-roots organisation — covering accounting, secretarial, tax or financing needs under one roof. "Knowledge" is about simplifying complex business and compliance issues using the firm's professional expertise. "Service" is framed simply as being dedicated to the client, with quality as the constant.
The firm's service list is broad. On the accounting side, CKS handles everything from monthly, quarterly, yearly or ad hoc bookkeeping through to full management and supervision of a client's accounting function — including, where needed, providing accounting personnel directly. The firm also reviews existing accounting statements and processes, advises on both computerised and manual book-keeping, and acts as a business integrator helping companies assess, improve and install automated accounting and invoicing systems, before compiling financial statements and annual reports with a directors' statement.
Corporate compliance is another core pillar: company secretarial services, incorporation and strike-off, annual return and ACRA filing, corporate advisory, government grant submissions, and trademark registration are all part of the offering. On the tax side, CKS covers corporate and individual taxation, quarterly GST F5/F7 submissions, GST registration and de-registration, GST ASK reviews, IRAS income tax and GST investigative work, and AIS submissions.
Rounding out the list, CKS also handles payroll services, sets up and trains clients on ABSS accounting and payroll software, assists with SME financing through banking partners, offers serviced office space, and helps with Singapore customs and Tradexchange service applications.
CKS points to a notable achievement from its ACRA Compliance Review Assessment history: in July 2016, as one of the first batch of Registered Filing Agents selected for review, the firm achieved a score of 30 out of 36 on ACRA's AML/CTF compliance assessment — a result ACRA classifies in its highest "Compliant" band, reflecting a high level of effectiveness in meeting general AML/CTF requirements.
The firm is also a professional member of several recognised accounting and finance bodies, including CGMA, CIMA, SIATP, ISCA, ACCA, CPA and ACT — credentials that back up the depth of expertise behind its day-to-day client work.
CKS also works alongside associate partners to extend its service range. One associate offers services including the sale, customisation and support of ABSS accounting and payroll software, trademark registration, corporate advisory, tax and GST advisory and investigative work, and securing banking and non-banking financing for companies. Another associate covers serviced office space, investment, and software development — giving CKS clients access to a wider network of support beyond its own direct services.
For businesses dealing with the kind of pressures CKS lists on its site — unclear margins, difficulty securing capital, high accounting staff turnover, or uncertainty around director duties and available tax incentives — the firm positions itself as a single point of contact to sort out accounting, compliance, tax and financing questions together, rather than juggling separate providers for each.