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UAE accounting services.

From bookkeeping to timely statutory reporting, our accounting services keep you compliant, give you accurate and transparent insight into your company’s financial well-being, and improve business performance and profitability.

UAE accounting services

Reliable outsourced accounting services
that scale with your needs.

Flexible options

Tailor our services to fit your needs—monthly, quarterly, or yearly. Pay for the service that best suits your business.

Timely reminders

Our accountants will always update you on any upcoming due dates, eliminating any worry about missing a deadline.

Real-time access

Gain continuous access to your financial data and reports, empowering you with real-time financial insights and support.

Essential accounting services

Complete accounting and statutory compliance solutions.

In the UAE, preparing accounts in accordance with local corporate legislation is a legal requirement, ensuring shareholders and directors can make informed decisions.

Bookkeeping & statutory compliance

  • Bookkeeping & transaction processing

    Setting up your books and all required ledgers for your business on our cloud-based accounting systems, and assisting in transitioning from legacy systems. Maintaining monthly bookkeeping based on approved payment vouchers, claim forms, bank statements, bank-in slips, bank credit advice, bank debit advice, and other accounting source information provided by your management. Establishing automatic bank account feeds and setting up all payments in bank transactions for client approval online.

    Monthly, quarterly or annually

  • Financial reporting/Management accounts

    Preparing and submitting monthly financial accounts, including the Trial Balance, Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Bank Reconciliation. These documents are submitted for approval to both our local office and headquarters. Additionally, if needed, we can provide bank signatories.

    Monthly, quarterly or semi-annually

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Accounting compliance reporting

  • Year-end financial statements

    Preparing and presenting year-end financial statements for businesses, involving the compilation of essential financial documents and summaries. This process offers a comprehensive overview of the company’s financial performance and position at the end of the fiscal year.

    Annually

  • Audit assistance

    Facilitating audit processes by coordinating communication and information exchange between the client and auditors. Ensuring a smooth and efficient audit experience through the provision of necessary documentation and support.

    Annually

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Financial officer

  • Our financial officer services provide comprehensive support for companies in the UAE, helping them maintain compliance while focusing on their core business operations. This cost-effective solution is particularly valuable for regulated companies that require professional financial oversight. Key services:

    • Complete management of finance and accounting functions with IFRS compliance
    • Regular submission of PIB returns through the EPRS system
    • Professional financial oversight for regulated entities
    • Cost-efficient alternative to maintaining in-house financial teams

    Ongoing

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Why Acclime?

Your strategic partner for efficient and expert accounting solutions.

On-time and error-free

Let our specialised team of certified accountants manage your accounts. We ensure that our work is delivered on time and without costly mistakes.

Experienced accountants

We have a clear understanding of the local laws and regulations and can confidently guide you through setting up the right accounting structure and maintenance for your business.

Regional specialists

Our active presence in many global offshore jurisdictions and onshore markets in Asia-Pacific can help your business expand to other important regional markets.

FAQ

Common questions & answers.

What accounting standards are required for businesses in the UAE?

The only accounting standards accepted in the UAE are the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and IFRS for SMEs. All companies subject to UAE corporate tax need to prepare their financial statements in accordance with one of these two frameworks. Full IFRS applies to larger entities and those with public accountability, while IFRS for SMEs is available for qualifying smaller private entities.

Financial statements must give a true and fair view of the company’s financial position and performance. Free zone entities qualifying for the 0% Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) tax rate should also comply with the same standards to maintain their qualifying status. For a full overview, see the guide to UAE accounting standards and compliance requirements.

What are the audit requirements for mainland and free zone companies in the UAE?

Audit requirements in the UAE differ depending on the company’s jurisdiction and legal structure. On the UAE mainland, all limited liability companies are required to have their financial statements audited annually by a licensed auditor. In free zones, requirements vary by zone: most major free zones including the DIFC, ADGM, JAFZA and DAFZA require mandatory annual audits, while some smaller free zones may have more limited requirements.

Entities regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) or the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) face additional audit obligations under their respective frameworks. Under UAE Corporate Tax law, audited financial statements are also required for QFZPs to support their 0% tax rate status. For a broader overview, see the guide to corporate compliance requirements for UAE companies.

What record-keeping obligations do companies have under UAE corporate tax law?

All companies in UAE are required to maintain accurate financial records and supporting documents for a minimum of seven years from the end of the relevant tax period. Records that must be maintained include:

  • General and subsidiary ledgers recording all financial transactions
  • Bank statements and bank reconciliation records
  • Sales and purchase invoices and contracts
  • Source documents including payment vouchers, claim forms and bank credit and debit advice
  • VAT records and tax invoices issued and received
  • Supporting documentation for related party transactions and transfer pricing

Records must be maintained in a manner that allows the Federal Tax Authority to verify the company’s tax return and financial position upon audit. Companies using cloud-based accounting systems must ensure records remain accessible and retrievable throughout the retention period.

What are the annual accounting and filing deadlines for companies in the UAE?

UAE companies subject to corporate tax must file their corporate tax return and pay any tax due within nine months of the end of the relevant tax period. For companies with a 31 December financial year-end this means the return and payment are due by 30 September of the following year. The first tax period for most UAE companies began on 1 June 2023, with returns for that period due by 28 February 2025.

Companies registered for VAT must file VAT returns with the Federal Tax Authority on a quarterly basis, with returns and payments due within 28 days of the end of each tax period. Businesses with annual turnover exceeding AED 150 million file monthly. Excise tax returns are filed monthly where applicable. All filings are submitted through the FTA’s EmaraTax portal, and late filing attracts administrative penalties starting at AED 500 per return for the first offence.

What are the e-invoicing requirements for companies in the UAE?

UAE e-invoicing is a government-mandated system requiring businesses to issue, transmit and store invoices in structured XML format through an Accredited Service Provider (ASP). Established under Ministerial Decisions No. 243 and 244, it applies to all businesses conducting B2B and B2G transactions.

The rollout is phased by revenue threshold: businesses with annual revenue of AED 50 million or more fall into the first mandatory wave, with smaller businesses required to comply in a subsequent phase. A voluntary pilot phase precedes mandatory implementation for each wave. Non-compliance can trigger Federal Tax Authority (FTA) penalties, and e-invoices should be stored within the UAE for a minimum of 10 years.

Ready to get started?

Make running your UAE business more profitable with our flexible and reliable accounting services.

Rajiv Kumar Singh
Is Acclime right for you?

Schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss setting up and operating your company in the UAE.

Zia Murad, Deputy Managing Director