Salomaa Yhtiöt audit and financial management with BDO

Challenge

Salomaa, a family-owned group of companies operating since 1935 and offering marketing and communications expertise services, needed comprehensive audit and financial management support. With over 400 marketing and communications professionals across multiple business units and a revenue of 185 million euros, Salomaa required experienced audit partners who could provide not only audit services but also broader financial and tax expertise. The company needed support with audit services, tax matters, corporate law, and other financial administration challenges that arise in managing a large, complex corporate group.

BDO made an impression on me when they started as the principal auditor. We had just had enough staff changes that we wanted expert support. We had many internal, one-time projects and issues in progress that needed to be completed. BDO was there to support us and offered help and added value. It felt like they wanted us to succeed. Currently we primarily buy audit services from BDO. In addition, we get professional expertise and help from them whenever needed, whether it's taxation, corporate law, or anything else that comes up along the way. In these situations, we turn to them. We particularly appreciate how BDO brings up things in connection with their audit process that could be done better in our organization or where attention should be paid. This helps with business development and identifying development areas that might otherwise go unnoticed. These development areas can be, for example, administrative matters. It brings us added value when we know that someone is reviewing our operations from this perspective and bringing up possible alternatives. We have great confidence in their expert services. — Heidi Govenius, Group Financial Controller, Salomaa-konserni

Salomaa Yhtiöt BDO Suomi

Solution

BDO became Salomaa's primary audit partner approximately six years ago when the company selected a new principal auditor. BDO's solution includes: comprehensive audit services for the entire group; additional professional expertise and support in taxation, corporate law, and other financial matters as needed; identification of improvement opportunities and development areas through the audit process; and strategic guidance on administrative and operational matters. BDO brings value by highlighting areas where Salomaa could improve operations or where attention should be paid, helping identify development opportunities that might otherwise be missed. The partnership emphasizes collaborative development of the business with BDO serving as a trusted advisor beyond traditional audit functions.

Results

Salomaa has maintained a strong partnership with BDO for approximately six years. The company benefits from comprehensive audit services covering the entire group, additional expert support in taxation and corporate law, and strategic insights that help improve operations. BDO's audit process identifies development opportunities and areas for improvement, providing added value beyond standard audit requirements. The partnership demonstrates trust in BDO's professional expertise and the company's commitment to supporting Salomaa's success. Salomaa values the proactive approach BDO takes in identifying improvement areas and providing guidance on administrative and operational matters.