In Switzerland the fiduciary sector is an integral part of the SME landscape. Fiduciaries keep the books, prepare annual financial statements and tax returns, handle payroll and social insurance, and advise on business questions — from formation to succession. For many SMEs they are the first point of contact in all financial matters.
The value lies not only in correct processing but in relief: SMEs gain time for their core business and a reliable contact who understands their figures. Trust, discretion and continuity are the most important currency here. A good fiduciary often knows the company over many years and thinks along entrepreneurially.
Swiss accounting law — anchored in the Code of Obligations — sets the framework for proper bookkeeping. Fiduciaries ensure that this framework is observed, that deadlines towards tax authorities and social insurance funds are met, and that the figures are meaningful at all times. This avoids surprises and puts decisions on a solid basis.
A common misconception is that fiduciary work is pure bookkeeping. In fact the range goes far beyond that: liquidity planning, budgeting, value-added tax, payroll administration, advice on investment and financing, and support with formation and succession are all part of it. Fiduciary work is therefore as much administration as advisory — depending on the client’s needs.
Planet GmbH, a participation of HOSCH Holding, has provided fiduciary and advisory services in Wildegg since 2004 — personal, multilingual and built around long-term client relationships. Within the group it forms the centre of competence for financial, tax and advisory questions and can apply its knowledge both for the other participations and for external mandates.