BALAN'Z

Balan'z is an accounting firm specialising in financial advice, located on Kompasplein in the old docks district of Ghent. It also sees clients at its offices in Ostend and Oosteeklo, where appointments can be booked directly online. The firm sees itself as the business's coach, whether for a new entrepreneur or an established SME, and puts the human factor first, even in a highly digital environment.

Its history is recent. The two founders, Jordy and Peter, met at De Muynck en Partners. Their shared vision led in 2020 to the merger of their respective offices, MAS and JL Consult, under the name Balan'z. The firm started in Ghent with five staff from their own network and moved in April 2021 into its current offices on Kompasplein. Its first financial year closed at the end of 2021, and the following years were devoted to growth and innovation.

The firm draws a clear line between the work of a bookkeeper, who records income and expenses, and that of an accountant, who analyses and interprets that data. Balan'z translates the entrepreneur's goal into a growth plan, which it then tests against real-time figures. It describes itself as the business owner's right hand in setting and monitoring strategy over the short, medium and long term, proactively spotting risks and opportunities.

For accounting and tax, the firm takes care of full bookkeeping, with the option of cost accounting and detailed periodic reporting. It prepares the balance sheet and the profit and loss account, draws up and files the annual accounts and accompanying reports, and files personal income tax, corporate income tax and non-resident income tax returns. Strict compliance with legislation and timely filing are presented as priorities.

The firm works in a highly digital way. Each business gets a package suited to its size, and thanks to targeted support more than 95% of clients now work fully digitally. The website also offers support for Peppol and software, useful as e-invoicing becomes widespread. The relationship starts with an intake meeting to understand expectations and goals, followed in the first months by close follow-up and regular reviews.

Additional advice covers strategic advice, from formulation to evaluation, business valuation using an in-house tool that takes market conditions and risks into account, credit analysis and liaison with the bank, personal financing, support with subsidy applications and company conversions. Wealth planning combines matrimonial property law, inheritance law and registration duties.

The firm highlights its availability and ongoing training to keep up with developments and trends in the profession. It also presents itself as a business that grows with its clients, and describes a young team, with remote work possible and adapted schedules, some of whom split their week between Ostend and Ghent.