SystemsCPA · CFO & Procurement Guide · Türkiye
Accounting Services RFP in Turkey: A Guide for Foreign-Owned Companies
How international companies should define the scope of an accounting services RFP in Türkiye — including in-house bookkeeping, statutory review, tax compliance, month-end closing, English reporting, responsibility allocation and provider selection.
Quick Answer
What should an accounting services RFP in Turkey include?
A strong RFP should do more than list tax returns and bookkeeping tasks. It should define who owns transaction processing, who reviews the Turkish statutory ledger, who prepares adjustments, who controls the month-end close, who files taxes, what headquarters receives each month, which systems are used and how unresolved accounting or tax issues are escalated.
For a foreign-owned Turkish company, the most important decision is usually the operating model: full outsourcing, co-sourcing with an internal finance team, or a statutory-review model around an existing ERP or shared service center.
Definition — Accounting Services RFP: a request for proposal used by a company to define the accounting, tax, reporting and finance-support services it expects from an external provider and to compare potential providers on a consistent basis.
Before You Request Pricing
First decide which finance activities should remain inside the company.
Two Turkish subsidiaries may both ask for “accounting services” while requiring completely different operating models. The RFP needs to make that distinction explicit.
Full Accounting Outsourcing
The external provider performs most local transaction recording, statutory accounting, tax compliance and recurring finance work. The company supplies documents, approvals and business information.
External provider-ledCo-Sourced Finance Model
The company’s internal team or shared service center processes day-to-day transactions, while the Turkish provider performs local statutory review, tax work, adjustments, closing controls and headquarters support.
Often suitable for multinational groupsStatutory & Tax Review
The Turkish company maintains its own accounting function and requires an external CPA team primarily for local statutory review, tax computations, filing, technical advice and selected controls.
Internal finance-ledA Common Multinational Scenario
Your Turkish team already books the transactions. Do you still need an external accounting firm?
Often, yes — but the external provider does not necessarily need to duplicate the bookkeeping already performed internally.
A foreign-owned Turkish company may process sales invoices, purchase invoices, bank transactions, inventory, import costs, employee expenses and general-ledger entries through its own finance team, ERP or regional shared service center.
In that structure, the local provider can sit around the existing process rather than replace it. The local scope may focus on Turkish statutory review, tax calculations and filings, proposed accounting corrections, closing controls, local compliance, reconciliations and communication with headquarters.
This distinction should appear clearly in the RFP. Otherwise, providers may quote for full bookkeeping even when the company only needs an experienced Turkish statutory and tax layer.
RFP Scope Matrix
Define ownership activity by activity.
The RFP should identify the expected owner of every material finance workstream. A responsibility matrix is usually more useful than a generic list of “accounting services.”
| Workstream | Typical Internal / SSC Role | Potential Turkish Provider Role | RFP Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales & purchase invoices | Transaction entry, approvals and source documents. | Statutory / tax review where included in scope. | Who records transactions and who reviews their Turkish treatment? |
| Bank accounting | Posting bank transactions and treasury data. | Reconciliation review and local accounting adjustments. | Who prepares and who reviews monthly bank reconciliations? |
| Inventory & import costs | Operational records, stock movements and import documentation. | Accounting / tax review and period-end control. | How will inventory and landed-cost accounting be reviewed? |
| General ledger | Primary ERP or transaction-processing ownership. | Turkish statutory review and proposed corrections. | Does the provider review the ledger or merely use it for tax filings? |
| Tax calculations | Source data and internal approvals. | Preparation, review and technical analysis as agreed. | Which taxes are included and what supporting reconciliations are prepared? |
| Tax filings | Management approval and cash-funding coordination. | Local filing and deadline management where included. | Who prepares, approves and submits each filing? |
| Month-end close | Operational cut-off and group close timetable. | Local reconciliations, adjustment support and review. | What is considered “closed” before the trial balance is released? |
| Payroll-to-GL | HR inputs and payroll approvals. | Payroll accounting and liability reconciliation where included. | Who confirms payroll expense and liabilities agree to statutory payroll records? |
| Intercompany | Counterparty coordination and group policy. | Local reconciliation and Turkish tax/accounting review. | When are intercompany differences identified and escalated? |
| Group reporting | Group chart, reporting templates and accounting policy. | Local-to-group mapping, explanations and selected adjustments. | What exactly will headquarters receive each month? |
| Audit / authority support | Group information and management coordination. | Local records, schedules and technical support. | Is support for audits and authority requests included or separately charged? |
What the RFP Should Ask
12 questions that reveal how the provider will actually operate.
Who owns transaction processing?
State whether invoices, banks, expenses, inventory and general-ledger entries are processed internally, by an SSC or by the provider.
What does “review” actually mean?
Ask whether review is limited to tax-return preparation or includes account-level statutory, tax and balance-sheet review.
How are corrections communicated?
Define whether proposed journals are sent as an adjustment list, posted directly into the ERP or reviewed with the internal team first.
Who owns the close calendar?
Establish cut-off dates, reconciliation deadlines, review points and the date on which headquarters receives the final reporting package.
Which balance-sheet accounts are reconciled?
Banks, receivables, payables, tax, payroll, fixed assets, inventory, intercompany and other material balances should have defined owners.
What tax compliance is included?
Avoid vague references to “all tax filings.” Request a clear filing matrix and identify which computations, returns and reconciliations are part of the recurring fee.
What reporting does HQ receive?
Specify language, frequency, reporting currency, chart mapping, P&L, balance sheet, trial balance, tax summary and commentary.
Can the provider work inside your systems?
Identify ERP, accounting, invoicing and reporting systems and whether the provider requires direct access, exports or interface files.
Who is your day-to-day contact?
Ask for the proposed team structure, senior review level, escalation contact and language capability before appointment.
What happens when an issue is found?
A provider should have a clear process for explaining accounting, tax and compliance issues, proposed actions, owners and deadlines.
What is outside the recurring fee?
Ask specifically about tax audits, prior-period corrections, restructuring, special reports, statutory changes, extraordinary filings and project work.
How will transition be managed?
Require a handover plan covering opening balances, prior filings, electronic records, authorizations, unresolved issues and the first close.
English Reporting
“English reporting required” is not a complete reporting specification.
If headquarters needs English-language reporting, the RFP should define the actual output rather than simply stating the language requirement. A translated Turkish trial balance may not be enough for a group CFO or controller to manage the entity.
Numbers
Define whether HQ needs a trial balance, P&L, balance sheet, management accounts, cash information, AR/AP ageing, tax balances or group reporting schedules.
Translation
Specify whether local accounts should be mapped into a group chart, reporting currency or IFRS / group-accounting structure rather than simply translated into English.
Explanation
Require concise commentary on unusual movements, unresolved reconciliations, material tax issues, local compliance matters and actions required from management.
Example Monthly Deliverables
What can headquarters ask to receive?
The appropriate reporting pack depends on the group. A multinational RFP can nevertheless define a minimum recurring output.
Month-End Close
Do not purchase “monthly reporting” without defining when the books are actually closed.
One of the largest differences between accounting providers is not which reports they can export. It is the control process completed before those reports are released.
An RFP should identify the expected monthly close date and the review procedures required before the period is treated as complete. Depending on the operating model, this may include document cut-off, accruals, bank reconciliations, AR/AP review, inventory, fixed assets, payroll-to-GL reconciliation, tax-to-GL reconciliation, intercompany differences and analytical review.
If the parent company closes on a specific group timetable, include that timetable in the RFP. The local provider can then explain whether the proposed scope and information flow can support it.
Systems, Language & Team
Test operational fit, not only technical credentials.
ERP and accounting environment
State which ERP, local accounting, e-invoicing and reporting systems are used. Ask how data will move between the company and the Turkish provider.
Communication with headquarters
If English communication is required, specify whether this applies only to reports or also to meetings, issue explanations, tax memos and day-to-day correspondence.
Named engagement contacts
Ask who will actually manage the account, who reviews technical work and who becomes involved when a significant tax or accounting issue arises.
Response and escalation
Define expected response times for normal queries and the escalation process for filing deadlines, material errors, tax-office correspondence and urgent headquarters requests.
Vendor Evaluation
Accounting provider scorecard for a Turkish subsidiary.
Pricing should be part of the decision — not the entire decision. A simple weighted scorecard allows finance and procurement teams to compare proposals on the issues most relevant to the operating model.
| Evaluation Area | Suggested Weight | What to Test |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish accounting & tax capability | 20% | Local technical depth, review approach, tax-compliance capability and ability to identify issues. |
| International / HQ reporting | 15% | English communication, group reporting, chart mapping and management-level explanations. |
| Operating-model fit | 15% | Ability to work around an existing internal team, ERP or shared service center without unnecessary duplication. |
| Month-end control | 15% | Reconciliations, close timetable, balance-sheet ownership and open-issues reporting. |
| Team & responsiveness | 10% | Named contacts, senior oversight, communication quality and escalation model. |
| Systems capability | 10% | Ability to work with company ERP, reporting tools and data-sharing requirements. |
| Transition methodology | 5% | Opening balances, prior filings, handover controls and first-close approach. |
| Commercial proposal | 10% | Recurring fee, assumptions, exclusions, volume thresholds and additional-work rates. |
The percentages above are illustrative. Groups should adjust the weighting to reflect their own risk profile, transaction volume, reporting requirements and internal finance resources.
Commercial Comparison
Ask providers to price the same scope.
A low proposal may simply contain less work. The commercial section of the RFP should therefore force providers to state their assumptions and exclusions.
Provider Change
Treat accounting transition as a control project.
If the RFP is part of a change of provider, the incoming firm should explain how it will validate the opening position rather than simply accept the previous trial balance and continue posting.
Opening balances
Determine which balances have supporting schedules, which are reconciled and which require investigation.
Compliance history
Collect relevant prior filings, electronic accounting records, correspondence and unresolved local compliance matters.
First close
Establish the new close calendar, responsibilities, reconciliations, reporting format and issue-escalation process.
Copy-Paste Template
Example Accounting Services RFP for a Turkish subsidiary.
The following template can be adapted by a finance or procurement team before requesting proposals from Turkish accounting firms.
1. Company Background
[Company Name] is a Turkish subsidiary of [Parent Company / Group], operating in [industry]. The company currently employs approximately [number] employees and operates through [number] bank accounts / locations / warehouses, where relevant.
2. Current Accounting Operating Model
Our internal finance team / shared service center currently performs day-to-day accounting activities including, as applicable:
- sales and purchase invoice processing;
- bank transaction recording;
- accounts receivable and accounts payable;
- inventory and import-cost accounting;
- employee expenses;
- fixed-asset accounting;
- general-ledger posting; and
- internal management reporting.
3. Services Requested From the Turkish Accounting Provider
We are seeking a Turkish accounting and tax service provider to support our local statutory and compliance requirements. The expected scope should address:
- periodic review of accounting records maintained by the company;
- identification and communication of required accounting adjustments;
- Turkish statutory accounting and compliance review;
- preparation / review of agreed Turkish tax calculations and filings;
- month-end and year-end closing support;
- reconciliation of material tax and statutory accounts;
- support for payroll-to-GL reconciliation, where applicable;
- intercompany accounting review, where applicable;
- support with statutory and tax authority requirements;
- English-language communication with headquarters; and
- agreed monthly financial / compliance reporting.
4. Monthly Reporting Requirements
Please explain which of the following outputs can be included within the recurring engagement:
- reviewed Turkish trial balance;
- English-language P&L and balance sheet;
- local-to-group account mapping;
- tax and payroll liability summary;
- balance-sheet reconciliation status;
- intercompany reconciliation status;
- material accounting / tax issues log; and
- monthly commentary for headquarters.
5. Month-End Close
Our target group reporting deadline is [Day X / date]. Please explain your proposed timetable for receipt of data, accounting review, proposed adjustments, tax review, reconciliations and delivery of the final monthly reporting package.
6. Systems
The company currently uses [ERP / accounting software / reporting system]. Please explain your preferred operating model for access, data extraction, posting of adjustments and exchange of supporting documentation.
7. Language & Communication
Day-to-day communication and recurring reporting to group finance must be available in English. Please identify the proposed engagement team and the individuals who will be responsible for recurring communication and technical escalation.
8. Transition
Please provide your proposed approach to onboarding, including review of opening balances, prior tax filings, statutory records, electronic authorizations, unresolved accounting issues and the first monthly close.
9. Proposal Requirements
Please include:
- your understanding of the requested scope;
- proposed responsibility matrix;
- proposed engagement team;
- relevant experience with foreign-owned Turkish companies;
- systems and reporting capability;
- monthly service timetable;
- transition methodology;
- recurring fees;
- one-off onboarding fees, if any;
- volume assumptions;
- services specifically excluded from the recurring fee; and
- rates or methodology for additional project work.
10. Proposal Timetable
Please submit your proposal by [date]. Shortlisted providers may be invited to an online meeting with local management and group finance before appointment.
Provider Selection
Red flags to identify before signing the engagement.
It does not explain who owns review, corrections, reconciliations, closing or management reporting.
The senior people in the proposal may not be the people operating the account after appointment.
Reporting may become an export of unreconciled accounting data rather than a controlled finance process.
Headquarters may still need to perform its own reconciliation, mapping and interpretation of the Turkish numbers.
Material accounting and tax questions may remain in email chains rather than moving through a visible issue log with owners and deadlines.
Review what has been excluded before concluding that one provider is commercially cheaper than another.
Related CFO Guides
Build the RFP around the finance process you actually need.
Statutory Accounting & Tax Compliance in Turkey
How a Turkish statutory and tax layer can work around an internal finance team.
Outsourced Finance Function in Turkey
Accounting, close, financial control and group reporting in one operating model.
Month-End Close & Financial Control in Turkey
How to turn recurring accounting into a controlled reporting process.
Changing Accountants in Turkey
A controlled handover framework for foreign-owned companies.
Finance Support for Shared Service Centers in Turkey
How a local Turkish finance layer can work with an existing SSC.
Turkish Statutory Accounting vs IFRS
Understanding the relationship between local books and group reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Accounting services RFPs in Turkey.
What should an accounting services RFP in Turkey include?
It should define the accounting operating model, transaction-processing responsibilities, statutory review, tax compliance, month-end close, reporting requirements, systems, language expectations, provider team, transition process, fees and exclusions.
Can a Turkish company keep bookkeeping in-house and outsource only statutory and tax work?
Yes. A co-sourced model can allow the company’s internal finance team or shared service center to maintain transaction processing while a Turkish provider supports local statutory review, tax compliance, adjustments, close controls and other agreed local requirements.
What is the difference between outsourced accounting and co-sourced accounting?
Under full outsourcing, a provider performs most recurring local accounting activities. Under a co-sourced model, responsibilities are divided between the company’s finance team and the external provider according to a defined responsibility matrix.
Should the RFP include month-end close requirements?
Yes. Foreign-owned companies should define the expected close date, required reconciliations, adjustment process and the date by which headquarters needs the final reporting package.
What English reporting should a foreign parent request from its Turkish accounting provider?
Depending on the group, this may include a reviewed trial balance, management P&L and balance sheet, local-to-group chart mapping, tax and payroll balances, reconciliation status, intercompany status and an English-language open-issues summary.
How should accounting firms be compared?
Compare providers using the same service scope and evaluate local technical capability, reporting quality, operating-model fit, month-end controls, team, systems, transition methodology and commercial terms rather than comparing headline fees alone.
Should an RFP identify the company’s accounting software?
Yes. ERP and accounting systems materially affect the operating model. Providers should understand whether they will work directly in the company’s system, receive exports or maintain a separate local environment.
What should happen when changing accounting firms in Turkey?
The transition plan should define the cut-off date and cover opening balances, prior filings, statutory and electronic accounting records, relevant authorizations, unresolved issues, reconciliations and the first month-end close under the new provider.
Can SystemsCPA respond to an existing accounting RFP?
Yes. International companies can send SystemsCPA their existing scope, RFP or finance operating model. We can review the requested responsibilities and prepare a proposal tailored to the Turkish entity’s accounting, tax, reporting and finance-support requirements.
Already Have an RFP?
Send us your Turkish accounting scope.
If your company is reviewing its accounting, tax compliance or finance-support model in Türkiye, send us your current RFP, scope of services or reporting requirements. We can review the operating model and prepare a proposal around the work your internal finance team actually needs.
This guide is general information for finance and procurement teams and does not constitute a legal, tax, audit or other assurance opinion. The appropriate service scope and responsibility matrix depend on the Turkish entity’s activities, systems, reporting requirements and facts.
Turn Turkey compliance into certainty
SYSTEMS CPA supports foreign-owned companies with company formation, accounting, tax compliance and payroll in Turkey — one accountable local partner. Reviewed by Evren Özmen, SMMM (Certified Public Accountant), TÜRMOB Reg. No. 35675.
