Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Akishima is a city in the western part of Tokyo Metropolis. Accounting and auditing in Akishima are governed by national Japanese laws and regulations rather than local municipal rules. Businesses and nonprofit entities operating in Akishima must comply with Japan's Companies Act, the Certified Public Accountants Act, tax laws administered by the National Tax Agency, and sector-specific regulations. Statutory financial reporting and auditing obligations depend on the legal form and scale of the organization, whether the entity is a listed company, a large private company, or a small business. Local officials at Akishima City Hall and regional tax offices can help with local filing procedures and tax registrations, but the core legal requirements come from national legislation and regulatory agencies.
Accounting and auditing issues often raise legal questions that benefit from professional legal advice. Common situations in which you may need a lawyer include:
- Suspected financial misconduct, fraud, or embezzlement that could lead to criminal charges or civil claims.
- Disputes between shareholders, directors, or business partners about financial statements, dividend distribution, or management decisions.
- Responding to an audit report that identifies compliance failures, internal control weaknesses, or material misstatements.
- Disagreements with auditors or audit firms over audit scope, findings, or professional responsibility.
- Tax disputes with the tax authority, including assessments, audits, or appeals that involve complex accounting questions.
- Regulatory investigations by the Financial Services Agency, CPAAOB, or other authorities into accounting practices or disclosure failures.
- Cross-border accounting and auditing issues such as foreign subsidiaries, transfer pricing, or foreign reporting obligations.
- Drafting or reviewing agreements that affect accounting treatment, such as mergers, reorganization plans, or complex financing transactions.
Lawyers help protect legal rights, advise on procedural steps, coordinate with accountants and auditors, and represent clients in negotiations, administrative proceedings, or litigation.
Accounting and auditing in Akishima are shaped primarily by national laws. Key legal and regulatory elements to be aware of include:
- Companies Act - governs corporate governance, duties of directors, shareholder meetings, and statutory reporting requirements. It sets out the legal framework for preparing and approving financial statements and determines the responsibilities of directors for accurate accounts.
- Financial Instruments and Exchange Act - applies to listed companies and entities issuing securities. It imposes stringent disclosure, internal control, and audit-related obligations for publicly traded companies and has enforcement provisions for false or misleading statements.
- Certified Public Accountants Act and CPAAOB oversight - regulate the qualification, conduct, and registration of certified public accountants and audit firms. Auditors must meet professional standards and may be subject to disciplinary or oversight actions.
- Accounting standards - companies generally follow Japanese Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, although some entities may use International Financial Reporting Standards where permitted or required for consolidated financial statements.
- Tax laws - corporate tax, consumption tax, withholding taxes, and other tax rules affect accounting treatment and reporting. Tax reporting obligations are enforced by the National Tax Agency and regional tax offices.
- Criminal and civil liability - fraudulent accounting, false statements, or failure to file required reports may trigger administrative sanctions, civil claims by shareholders or creditors, and criminal prosecution in serious cases.
- Local procedures - Akishima City Hall handles business registration notifications, local tax matters, and permits. Regional jurisdiction for tax audits and criminal investigations will be aligned with Tokyo metropolitan and national authorities.
Statutory audit requirements are determined by national law and depend on the company type and size. Listed companies and certain large or specified companies are required to have statutory audits by licensed certified public accountants or audit firms. Small private companies may not be required to have statutory audits but might still choose voluntary audits. Consult a lawyer or CPA to confirm obligations for your specific entity.
A certified public accountant has authority to perform statutory audits and issue audit reports under the Certified Public Accountants Act. A tax accountant, often called a zeirishi, specializes in tax filing, tax planning, and representation before tax authorities. There is some overlap, and many professionals hold both qualifications. For legal disputes or regulatory investigations, lawyers work alongside CPAs and tax accountants.
Document your concerns carefully, preserve relevant records, and avoid altering evidence. Consult a lawyer promptly to protect your rights and to get guidance on internal reporting, whistleblower protections, possible criminal reporting, and coordination with auditors. A lawyer can also advise on interim measures such as suspending responsible officers or engaging an independent investigation.
Yes. Auditors may face civil liability to clients, shareholders, or creditors if they fail to perform audits with due professional care and that failure causes loss. In cases of gross negligence or collusion, auditors could also face disciplinary action or criminal investigations. Liability depends on the facts, contractual terms, and applicable professional standards.
Respond promptly and cooperate while protecting your legal position. Assemble accurate records, consult both a tax accountant and a lawyer, and consider submitting written explanations or supporting documents. If you disagree with an assessment, administrative appeal procedures and litigation are available. A lawyer can help with appeals, negotiation, and representation.
Japan has whistleblower protection measures that shield individuals who report violations from retaliation in many employment contexts. Protections vary by sector and the nature of the report. A lawyer can advise on safe channels for reporting, documentation, and legal remedies if retaliation occurs.
Legal retention periods vary by type of document and by law. Tax-related records generally must be kept for several years for audit and assessment purposes. Corporate records such as minutes and statutory books also have retention requirements. Confirm specific timeframes with a tax accountant and lawyer to ensure compliance.
Materially false financial statements can lead to regulatory sanctions, civil liability to shareholders and creditors, criminal investigations, and reputational damage. Corporate officers responsible for statements may face personal liability or criminal charges in severe cases. Timely legal and accounting advice is critical to manage exposure and remediate the situation.
Foreign companies with local entities generally must prepare local statutory accounts in line with Japanese requirements. Consolidated financial statements for certain groups may be prepared under IFRS if permitted. Cross-border operations introduce additional compliance and tax considerations. Consult a lawyer and a CPA experienced in international accounting to determine applicable standards.
Start by contacting the Tokyo Bar Association or the Japan Federation of Bar Associations for lawyer referrals, and the Japan Institute of Certified Public Accountants for audit firms and CPAs. Local Akishima City Hall business services and regional tax offices can also point to local professional resources. Seek professionals with experience in corporate accounting, audits, tax disputes, or fraud cases as relevant to your matter.
Useful organizations and bodies for accounting and auditing matters in Japan include national authorities and professional bodies. Consider contacting:
- The Financial Services Agency for matters related to securities, disclosures, and regulatory supervision.
- The Certified Public Accountants and Auditing Oversight Board for audit oversight and disciplinary information.
- The Japan Institute of Certified Public Accountants for professional standards and lists of qualified CPAs.
- The National Tax Agency for tax guidance, filing procedures, and dispute processes.
- The Japan Federation of Bar Associations and the Tokyo Bar Association for lawyer referral services and legal counseling.
- Akishima City Hall for local business registration, local tax inquiries, and municipal procedures.
- University law and accounting clinics, local chambers of commerce, and industry associations for practical guidance and referrals.
If you need legal assistance with accounting or auditing issues in Akishima, consider the following practical steps:
- Gather key documents - financial statements, audit reports, tax filings, meeting minutes, contracts, and any relevant correspondence. Organized documents help professionals assess the situation quickly.
- Seek an initial consultation - contact a lawyer with experience in corporate accounting, audits, and tax disputes. Bring documentation and a concise summary of your concerns.
- Coordinate professionals - in many cases you will need both legal and accounting expertise. A lawyer can work with a CPA or tax accountant to develop a combined legal-accounting strategy.
- Preserve evidence - avoid disposing of records and restrict access to potentially relevant files to prevent claims of spoliation.
- Understand fees and timelines - ask about fee structure, estimated time to resolve the matter, and likely steps so you can make informed decisions.
- Consider alternative dispute resolution - for many accounting disputes, mediation or negotiation can be effective and less costly than litigation.
- Act promptly - accounting and auditing issues can have statutory deadlines for appeals, tax assessments, and criminal exposure. Prompt legal advice reduces risk and preserves options.
If you are not fluent in Japanese, arrange for translation or bilingual counsel early in the process to ensure clear communication with regulators, auditors, and legal professionals.
