2018 Leading Adviser Supplement

20 Acquisition International - Leading Advisers 2018 52 Issue 12 2018 Sentinel Accountants & Consultants, based on the Caribbean island of Sint Maarten, provides a full range of accounting and tax consulting services, as well as business advisory services. The firm has clients in the sectors of hospitality, trade, logistics, aviation, education, petroleum, semi- government institutions, and legal services. anaging Director of Sentinel Accounts & Consultants, Marlon G Matser, has a rich family history rooted in the Caribbean islands and Europe. Born and raised in Sint Maarten, by parents of a diverse background, he was educated in the Netherlands and has a demonstrated history of more than 20 years’ experience in various fields. Marlon tells us about his approach to business and how he ensures that a successful outcome, along with complete client satisfaction, is achieved each and every time. “We approach all services based on the specific needs of the customer as we offer complete tailor- made solutions,” he begins. “Our process starts with simply listening and cataloguing why the potential customer has approached our company in the first place and naturally what they are hoping to achieve. We fit our chosen associate and firm to the needs of the client.” Marlon explains that the industry is undergoing a period of change due to enhanced corporate compliance and banking regulations. “This has hurt foreign investment and start-ups, which stifles growth at a time when that is what we are in dire need of.” The need for such growth resulted following a catastrophic event which took place last year and Marlon tells us more about how the company has had to adapt in order to survive. “Our business had enjoyed 19 years of annual growth,” he says. “However 2017 brought a terrible hurricane to our shores which resulted in our first Contact: Marlon Gary Matser Company: Sentinel Accountants & Consultants Address: Tamarind Plaza, Suite F, 133 Union Road Cole Bay, Sint Maarten (Dutch Part) Telephone: 001 721 544 2834 Web Address: sentinelsxm.com Triumph in the Face of Adversity M 1809AI32 decline in business. Since the disaster, we have focussed on our remaining clients and adapted to the new realities and needs post Hurricane Irma. We are also very much focussed on efficiency and, therefore, are questioning everything we do going forward.” Getting back on track in Hurricane Irma’s wake is not the only challenge that affects Marlon, the company and life on the island of Sint Maarten. “One of our main challenges is a limited talent pool. The best and brightest do not live on islands but flock to major cities which offer more opportunities and innovation than we do. However, we have branched out into the USA where we plan to eventually have a thriving affiliate with which we can rotate the talent between a big country like the United States and a small nation like Sint Maarten. It should be a win win situation for us. “ Marlon has been a board member in various corporations and organisations where he has successfully overseen planning, development and completion of corporate reorganisations and capital projects, ranging from the first Community Center on St. Maarten to one of the largest aviation investment projects in the North-eastern Caribbean. With regards to the future, Marlon has great plans to become the first name in business, advisory and tax consulting, and certain key developments will help to ensure that he gets there. “I foresee further compliance and innovation, in which a large part of the current work will become obsolete, due to AI and IT technology in general. These will affect our business tremendously within the next decade. However one of our attributes is our rapid adaptability to the changing landscape around us.” “One of our main challenges is a limited talent pool. The best and brightest do not live on islands but flock to major cities which offer more opportunities and innovation than we do.” 1809AI32 Leading Tax Consulting and Advisory F rmof the Year, Dutch Caribbean