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Alessandra Farinella – International Accountant in Spain

Home Team Alessandra Farinella – International Accountant in Spain

Contacts

+34 93 25 53 135
alessandra.farinella@lawants.com
Alessandra Farinella – International Accountant in Spain
Head of Accounting & Compliance Department

Alessandra Farinella is a Chartered Accountant and Tax Advisor with advanced experience in accounting, tax, and fiscal consulting for international and foreign-owned businesses operating in Spain. Specialized in statutory financial statements, group consolidations, domestic and international taxation, compliance, and tax planning, she leads the Accounting & Compliance Department at Lawants, ensuring comprehensive support in the management of accounting and tax obligations under Spanish law.
Her professional background also includes statutory audit, extraordinary corporate transactions, financial analysis, and structured interactions with the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria – AEAT). Registered with the Italian Register of Statutory Auditors held by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (registration no. 67020), Alessandra advises entrepreneurs and companies on cross-border taxation, offering a comparative and integrated perspective of different tax systems with a strong focus on Spain.

Academic Background

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business Administration – University of Catania (110/110, May 2000)
  • Master’s Program “Professionals and Taxation” – Il Sole 24 Ore (May 2010)
  • Postgraduate Program in Tax Advisory (300 hours) – Dual degree issued by Escuela de Negocios y Dirección and Universidad Europea Miguel de Cervantes, with a focus on the Spanish tax system, Personal Income Tax (IRPF), Corporate Income Tax (Impuesto sobre Sociedades), and VAT (IVA)

Professional Qualifications

  • Chartered Accountant (CPA equivalent)
    Registered with the Board of Chartered Accountants (February 2005)
  • Statutory Auditor
    Registered with the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (no. 67020, since 2005)
  • Licensed Economist authorized to practice in Spain
    Qualification issued by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (November 2014)

Areas of Specialization

The international accounting and tax practice led by Alessandra Farinella provides specialized expertise in the following areas:

  • Spanish corporate taxation
    Comprehensive management of tax obligations for resident and non-resident companies in Spain, preparation and filing of corporate tax returns and statutory forms (Models 200, 202, 303, 349, 111, 115, 190, 193), application of Corporate Income Tax, VAT, and withholding tax regulations in accordance with Spanish tax law.
  • Tax structuring and planning for entities
    Analysis of corporate structures and intra-group flows, support in extraordinary transactions, tax burden optimization under Spanish regulations, scenario analysis, and assessment of tax impacts on domestic and international operations.
  • Corporate accounting under Spanish GAAP (PGC
    Bookkeeping and accounting supervision for companies and entities, accounting entries and reconciliations, adjusting and closing entries, cost center accounting, and review of accounting policies in compliance with the Spanish General Chart of Accounts (Plan General de Contabilidad).
  • Annual accounts and financial reporting
    Preparation of statutory annual accounts (balance sheet, profit and loss statement, notes to the accounts, cash flow statement), drafting of the management report (informe de gestión), financial analysis, and support in group reporting for international corporate groups.
  • Tax and corporate compliance in Spain
    Management of corporate tax calendars, mandatory VAT obligations (including SII where applicable), maintenance of accounting and tax books, group reporting obligations, and statutory communications with the Spanish Tax Authorities
  • Technical liaison with the AEAT
    Management of electronic filings for legal entities, responses to tax notices, limited audits and inquiries (comprobaciones limitadas), collection procedures, refund claims, corrections, and administrative review procedures; support during preliminary stages of tax inspections.
  • Management control and executive analysis
    Preparation of budgets, forecasts, and business plans, variance analysis, evaluation of margins and corporate KPIs, implementation of management dashboards, and ongoing monitoring of financial performance.
  • Corporate transactions and corporate compliance
    Technical support in company incorporations, amendments to bylaws, capital increases and reductions, dissolutions and liquidations; maintenance of shareholders’ registers and statutory books, coordination with notaries and the Spanish Mercantile Registry.
  • International VAT and EU operations
    Management of intra-EU transactions, Model 349 filings, VAT on digital services, tax registration of non-resident companies in Spain, and analysis of permanent establishment requirements.

Services

Accounting and Tax Services

Comprehensive accounting and tax advisory services for businesses operating across multiple markets. International tax optimization in compliance with domestic and international regulations.

Financial Statements and Financial Analysis

In-depth financial analysis to identify opportunities, prevent risks, and maximize the value and growth potential of your business in Spain.

Labor Advisory Services in Spain

Full outsourcing of workforce management in Spain. Cost efficiency and resource optimization through an experienced and reliable labor advisor.

Tax Advisory Services in Spain

Strategic management of tax obligations with the Spanish Tax Authorities (Hacienda). Tailored tax planning for international businesses.

Accounting Services in Spain

Professional accounting support to maintain constant control over cash flow and ensure full compliance with Spanish GAAP.

How to Invest in Spain

A consolidated network of institutional and professional contacts to identify investment opportunities and support your company’s expansion into new international markets.

Nuria Jimenez Rodriguez
Accounting Assistant
Guillermo Baldassarre
Of Counsel - International Law Tax
Neus Flix
Head of Tax Department
Roberto Bosco – International Lawyer in Spain
Managing Director

More Information

Why Choose an International Accountant in Spain

Relying on an international accounting firm in Spain represents a strategic advantage for entrepreneurs and professionals involved in cross-border operations. In-depth knowledge of multiple tax systems allows complex international tax matters to be managed with confidence, avoiding costly errors and optimizing the global tax structure of your business.

Lawants, an international accounting and tax firm with offices in Barcelona and Madrid, provides comprehensive support in English, removing linguistic and cultural barriers that often complicate interactions with local professionals. Our English-speaking accountants in Spain understand the needs of foreign-owned businesses expanding into the Spanish market and operate through a strong international professional network.

Advantages of an International Accounting Firm in Spain

  • Specialized English-language assistance: Direct communication in English with professionals who understand international business dynamics ensures targeted advice without misunderstandings or delays.
  • Comparative tax perspective: The ability to analyze and compare different tax systems enables identification of tax optimization opportunities, correct management of double taxation issues, and efficient structuring of cross-border financial flows.
  • Experience with international clients: We understand the specific needs of foreign companies, from cross-border invoicing and EU transactions to international tax planning and group reporting.
  • Tailored service: Every business project is unique. Our international accountants in Spain adapt services to the specific needs of SMEs, professionals, and multinational companies with Spanish subsidiaries.

How Our International Accounting Services in Spain Work

Who We Work With

  • Foreign entrepreneurs starting a business in Spain: Full assistance from company incorporation to ongoing accounting and tax compliance, with a focus on obligations toward the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT) and Social Security.
  • International professionals working in Spain: Support with Spanish tax registration, management of personal income tax filings (IRPF), advice on tax residency, and optimization of social security contributions.
  • Foreign companies with branches or subsidiaries in Spain: Full accounting services under Spanish GAAP, group consolidations, reporting to headquarters, and management of VAT and Corporate Income Tax obligations.
  • Companies operating across multiple jurisdictions: Integrated management of cross-border tax matters, EU operations, international tax planning, and support in extraordinary cross-border transactions.

Collaboration Process

Our collaboration begins with a detailed analysis of the client’s specific needs and business project. Together, we define objectives, timelines, and the most efficient organizational structure to ensure compliance and operational efficiency.

Our team of international accountants in Spain uses advanced accounting software and artificial intelligence tools to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and transparency. Clients have constant access to their accounting, financial, and tax information related to their activities in Spain.

Differences Between an International Accountant and a Local Spanish Advisor

The Spanish Professional System

In Spain, the professional roles closest to an international accountant are the asesor fiscal or gestor administrativo. Unlike other jurisdictions, practicing in Spain requires validation of foreign academic qualifications and registration with Spanish professional bodies such as the Colegio de Economistas or the Register of Tax Advisors.

This professional framework makes the contribution of internationally qualified accountants licensed in Spain particularly valuable. Lawants professionals combine international training, in-depth knowledge of Spanish tax law, and the formal authorizations required to operate legally as tax advisors in Spain.

Integrated Approach

While a traditional local advisor may lack experience in cross-border matters, Lawants’ international accountants in Spain offer an integrated approach that takes into account:

  • Spanish and international tax regulations
  • Double taxation treaties
  • Tax filing obligations across jurisdictions
  • Optimization of cross-border financial flows
  • Communication with tax authorities in Spain and abroad

International Accounting Firm in Spain: Experience and Advanced Services

Certified Professional Expertise

Lawants is an international accounting and legal firm composed of accountants and lawyers specialized in assisting foreign businesses and professionals in Spain. Our team operates through an international network that allows us to provide integrated services across Spain and other European markets.

Our professionals have completed the required validation of foreign academic qualifications in Spain and are registered with the relevant Spanish professional bodies, including the Colegio de Economistas and the Register of Tax Advisors. This dual qualification enables us to operate legally in Spain while maintaining deep expertise in international taxation.

Specialized Accounting Services in Spain

  • Fiscal representation in Spain: For foreign companies operating in Spain without a permanent establishment, we provide fiscal representation and tax domicile services, managing all relations with the Spanish Tax Authorities and ensuring full compliance.
  • Support during tax audits: Assistance during AEAT inspections, preparation of required documentation, management of communications with tax authorities, and representation during assessment procedures, including responses to tax notices and limited audits.
  • Due diligence and business valuation: For acquisitions and investments, we conduct comprehensive due diligence, financial diagnostics, and business valuations to identify risks and opportunities, analyzing financial statements, contracts, tax positions, and corporate structures.
  • Intrastat reporting and EU transactions: Full management of Intrastat declarations for intra-EU trade in goods, including assistance with complex cross-border compliance requirements.
  • Cross-border M&A advisory: Full support in international M&A transactions, from tax and legal due diligence to transaction structuring, negotiation, and post-acquisition integration.
  • International tax planning: Analysis of corporate structures to optimize global tax exposure in compliance with international regulations, transfer pricing advisory, and support in cross-border restructurings.

Contact the International Accounting Team at Lawants in Spain

Lawants operates from offices in Barcelona and Madrid, providing services throughout Spain. Our international accounting firm in Spain is available for in-person consultations, video calls, and full remote management of all accounting and tax matters.

To request an initial, no-obligation consultation with our English-speaking accountants in Spain, contact us via the website form or directly by email. We will provide an initial assessment of your business project and a tailored proposal for the services you require.

Our team of international accountants and tax advisors in Spain is ready to support you at every stage of your business journey, from initial planning to day-to-day management, with the reliability and professionalism of a partner who truly understands the Spanish system and cross-border operations.

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