Direct answer: Accounting and compliance outsourcing in China typically includes bookkeeping, source-document handling, statutory tax-filing support, bank reconciliation, basic monthly reports and document archiving. It does not normally include annual audit, legal advice, payroll processing, ERP implementation, strategic tax planning or management reporting tailored to headquarters. The exact boundary must be written into the contract and reviewed as a checklist, not assumed from a service label.
1. Why the scope matters more than the brand name
“Accounting and compliance outsourcing” can mean very different things. One provider may post invoices and file VAT. Another may add bank reconciliation, inventory interfaces, English management packs and audit support. The only way to avoid scope disputes is to review a written checklist before signing.
2. Full scope checklist: what is normally included
| Area | Typical included items | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeping | Review source docs, record vouchers, maintain general ledger, fixed-asset register and accounts | This is the foundation of every other report. |
| Tax-filing support | VAT, CIT prepayment, IIT withholding support and related schedules within scope | Missed filings or late filings generate penalties. |
| Bank reconciliation | Match bank statements to ledger, list unidentified items and aged open items | Cash errors usually hide here. |
| Platform reconciliation | Match e-commerce platform settlements to bank receipts and sales records | E-commerce businesses cannot rely on bank-only bookkeeping. |
| Basic reports | P&L, balance sheet, cash flow summary and tax-support schedules | Needed for management and year-end audit. |
| Document handling | Collect, index and store fapiao, bank slips, contracts and supporting documents | Auditors and tax authorities ask for evidence. |
| Compliance calendar | Track filing deadlines and notify client of missing documents | Prevents last-minute surprises. |
| Archive custody | Organise accounting records and return them on contract end | Required by the Accounting Law and useful on exit. |
3. What is normally outside the standard scope
| Area | Why it is usually extra |
|---|---|
| Annual audit | Only a licensed CPA firm can issue a statutory audit report. |
| Year-end CIT reconciliation | Requires detailed review, adjustments and tax authority submission. |
| Payroll and social insurance | Separate HR and labour compliance specialisation. |
| Legal, corporate secretary or licensing | These are legal services, not accounting services. |
| ERP implementation or system integration | Technology project with separate methodology and cost. |
| Strategic tax planning or restructuring | Requires tax adviser or specialist input, not routine bookkeeping. |
| English group-reporting packs | Needs translation, group chart mapping and headquarters alignment. |
| Inventory count or physical audit | Client usually owns physical stock; provider reconciles records to provided data. |
4. How to compare two outsourcing proposals
- Demand the checklist. Each proposal should list included and excluded items line by line.
- Map deliverables to deadlines. When is the monthly report delivered? When are filings supported? What happens if a document is missing?
- Check the exception rule. Who resolves unidentified bank receipts, platform discrepancies and missing fapiao?
- Confirm language and format. Will reports be in English? Will they be Excel, PDF or system-based?
- Review exit terms. What files are returned, in what format and within how many days after termination?
5. Where Caigeek fits
Caigeek’s accounting and compliance outsourcing covers the execution layer: bookkeeping, tax-filing support, bank and platform reconciliation, monthly reporting, document indexing and audit-ready handover. We clearly separate what is included from what requires a specialist partner, such as statutory audit, legal services or ERP implementation.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is included in accounting and compliance outsourcing in China?
It normally includes bookkeeping, source-document handling, tax-filing support, bank reconciliation, basic monthly reports, document archiving and compliance calendar tracking. Platform reconciliation may be included for e-commerce clients if scoped.
2. What is not included in accounting outsourcing in China?
Annual audit, year-end CIT reconciliation, payroll, legal services, ERP implementation, strategic tax planning and English group reporting are usually outside the standard scope.
3. Can the same provider do bookkeeping and annual audit in China?
No. Annual audit must be performed by an independent licensed CPA firm. Bookkeeping and audit should be separate to preserve independence.
4. How do I know if a provider’s scope is too narrow?
If the proposal only lists “monthly accounting and tax” without specifying reconciliations, report formats, exception handling, document custody and year-end handover, the scope is unclear.
5. Is platform reconciliation included in standard accounting services?
Often not. E-commerce businesses should explicitly ask for Tmall, JD, Douyin, Shopify or other platform reconciliation to be included in scope.
6. What documents should the provider return when the contract ends?
Accounting records, vouchers, tax filings, bank reconciliation files, exception logs, fapiao index and system exports. The contract should define format and deadline.
7. Does Caigeek provide payroll or legal services?
No. Caigeek focuses on accounting, finance operations, reconciliation and management reporting. Payroll and legal services are handled by specialist partners.
Important notes
This article provides general procurement and finance-management information for foreign companies operating in China. It is not accounting, tax, legal, audit or investment advice for a specific company. Rules and deadlines should be confirmed with the local tax bureau, market regulation department and a licensed professional adviser.