Accounting & Bookkeeping · UAE
Accounting & Bookkeeping Services in the UAE
UAE businesses must maintain IFRS-compliant accounting records that support FTA Corporate Tax and VAT filings, WPS salary transfers, and free zone audit requirements.
Overview
Fintax Support Limited manages multi-currency and multi-entity books across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Emirates, reconciling AED and foreign currency accounts on Odoo, Zoho, and QuickBooks. We code transactions for UAE VAT (standard 5%, zero-rated, exempt), track reverse charge mechanisms, and prepare monthly management accounts aligned with FTA reporting periods.
Key compliance areas in UAE
06 areas- Corporate Tax 9%
- FTA VAT registration
- Free Zone vs Mainland
- ESR
- WPS
- UBO reporting
Regulatory framework
The FTA requires businesses to maintain accounting records for at least seven years under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses. VAT-registered entities must issue tax invoices meeting FTA format requirements and maintain a tax credit note register. WPS compliance requires salary payments through approved UAE banking channels.
FTA (Federal Tax Authority)Key facts
- 7 yearsRecord keepingunder Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022
- WPSSalary paymentsthrough approved UAE banks
10 specialised services
Our Accounting & Bookkeeping services in UAE
On this page (10)
- FTA-Compliant Bookkeeping & Record-Keeping
- IFRS-Compliant Financial Statements
- VAT-Ready Accounting & Input/Output Tracking
- Corporate Tax-Ready Financial Record Preparation
- Bank & Credit Card Reconciliation
- Monthly & Quarterly Management Accounts
- Cloud Accounting Setup (Zoho, QuickBooks, Xero, Odoo)
- Multi-Entity & Multi-Currency Accounting
- eCommerce Bookkeeping (Noon, Amazon UAE)
- Outsourced CFO & Financial Controller Services
01 / 10
FTA-Compliant Bookkeeping & Record-Keeping
Maintain accounting records that meet Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requirements for VAT and Corporate Tax compliance across mainland and free zone entities. FTA-compliant bookkeeping ensures every transaction is documented, coded, and retained for the statutory periods — five years for VAT records and seven years under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, Article 56 — so your business is audit-ready at all times.
FTA record retention compliance
Mainland & free zone coverage
AED functional currency
Digital document storage
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Compliance assessment
Review your licensing authority, VAT registration status, Corporate Tax obligations, and current record-keeping gaps.
- 02
Chart of accounts setup
Configure IFRS-compliant accounts in AED with VAT and CT coding dimensions for mainland or free zone operations.
- 03
Daily transaction recording
Post sales, purchases, expenses, and payroll with supporting documentation attached to each ledger entry.
- 04
Retention and audit readiness
Archive records per FTA retention periods and prepare monthly compliance checklists for VAT and CT filing support.
- 01
Compliance assessment
Review your licensing authority, VAT registration status, Corporate Tax obligations, and current record-keeping gaps.
- 02
Chart of accounts setup
Configure IFRS-compliant accounts in AED with VAT and CT coding dimensions for mainland or free zone operations.
- 03
Daily transaction recording
Post sales, purchases, expenses, and payroll with supporting documentation attached to each ledger entry.
- 04
Retention and audit readiness
Archive records per FTA retention periods and prepare monthly compliance checklists for VAT and CT filing support.
The Federal Tax Authority requires all VAT-registered and Corporate Tax-registered businesses to maintain complete accounting records that accurately reflect every transaction. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, Article 56, Corporate Tax records must be retained for at least seven years from the end of the relevant tax period, while VAT records follow a five-year retention requirement from the end of the tax period to which they relate. Records must be maintained in Arabic or English and be available for FTA inspection on request. We configure bookkeeping workflows for mainland DED-licensed entities and free zone companies — including designated zone operators — ensuring AED is used as the functional currency with proper foreign exchange translation. Digital storage of tax invoices, contracts, and bank statements supports both FTA audits and free zone authority annual compliance reviews.
Common questions
02 / 10
IFRS-Compliant Financial Statements
Prepare financial statements under IFRS as adopted in the UAE — the mandatory standard for mainland companies and most free zone entities. IFRS-compliant statements support FTA Corporate Tax filing, free zone annual audits, bank covenant reporting, and investor due diligence with AED as the presentation currency.
IFRS as adopted in UAE
Primary financial statements
AED presentation currency
Free zone audit readiness
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Accounting policy documentation
Document IFRS accounting policies for revenue recognition, leases, financial instruments, and fixed assets.
- 02
Trial balance and adjustments
Post year-end accruals, depreciation, impairment assessments, and deferred tax provisions under IFRS.
- 03
Financial statement preparation
Compile primary statements and notes covering related-party transactions, segment reporting, and contingencies.
- 04
Director approval and filing
Present draft statements for director sign-off and coordinate with auditors for free zone annual submissions.
- 01
Accounting policy documentation
Document IFRS accounting policies for revenue recognition, leases, financial instruments, and fixed assets.
- 02
Trial balance and adjustments
Post year-end accruals, depreciation, impairment assessments, and deferred tax provisions under IFRS.
- 03
Financial statement preparation
Compile primary statements and notes covering related-party transactions, segment reporting, and contingencies.
- 04
Director approval and filing
Present draft statements for director sign-off and coordinate with auditors for free zone annual submissions.
UAE mainland companies and the majority of free zone entities must prepare financial statements under IFRS as adopted in the UAE, with AED as the functional and presentation currency unless specific free zone rules permit otherwise. DIFC and ADGM entities follow IFRS with additional disclosure requirements set by their respective regulators. IFRS-compliant statements are required for FTA Corporate Tax return filing under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, free zone annual audit submissions, and bank lending covenants. We prepare the full suite of primary statements — statement of financial position, statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, statement of cash flows, and statement of changes in equity — with notes covering revenue under IFRS 15, leases under IFRS 16, and related-party disclosures. For businesses operating in designated zones or across mainland and free zone entities, we ensure correct VAT and CT treatment is reflected in the financial statements.
Common questions
03 / 10
VAT-Ready Accounting & Input/Output Tracking
Code every transaction for UAE VAT at 5% standard, zero-rated, exempt, or out-of-scope treatment with accurate input and output tax tracking for FTA VAT 201 returns. VAT-ready accounting handles reverse charge on imported services, designated zone supplies, and mainland-to-free zone transactions so your recoverable input tax is maximised within FTA rules.
Output tax tracking
Input tax recovery
Reverse charge mechanism
VAT 201 return readiness
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
VAT coding framework
Configure nominal accounts and tax codes for standard, zero-rated, exempt, and reverse charge transactions.
- 02
Transaction classification
Code daily sales and purchases with correct VAT treatment including designated zone and export supplies.
- 03
Input tax apportionment
Calculate recoverable input tax where the business makes both taxable and exempt supplies.
- 04
VAT return reconciliation
Reconcile output and input tax accounts to VAT 201 return figures before EmaraTax filing.
- 01
VAT coding framework
Configure nominal accounts and tax codes for standard, zero-rated, exempt, and reverse charge transactions.
- 02
Transaction classification
Code daily sales and purchases with correct VAT treatment including designated zone and export supplies.
- 03
Input tax apportionment
Calculate recoverable input tax where the business makes both taxable and exempt supplies.
- 04
VAT return reconciliation
Reconcile output and input tax accounts to VAT 201 return figures before EmaraTax filing.
UAE VAT at 5% applies to most domestic supplies, with zero-rated treatment for exports and certain categories including international transport and precious metals. Exempt supplies — including bare land, local passenger transport, and certain financial services — do not attract output VAT but restrict input tax recovery on related costs. Businesses must maintain separate tracking of output tax collected and input tax paid, filing VAT 201 returns via the FTA EmaraTax portal within 28 days of the tax period end. Reverse charge applies to imported services and certain designated zone transactions, requiring self-assessment of output VAT with corresponding input recovery. We configure your accounting system to classify every transaction correctly — including mainland sales to free zone customers, designated zone transfers, and inter-Emirate supplies — ensuring VAT 201 box values reconcile directly from your general ledger.
Common questions
04 / 10
Corporate Tax-Ready Financial Record Preparation
Prepare financial records structured for FTA Corporate Tax filing under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 — supporting taxable income computation, free zone qualifying income segregation, and transfer pricing documentation. Corporate Tax-ready records ensure your 9% CT liability on profits above AED 375,000 is calculated accurately with full audit trail.
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 compliance
Free zone qualifying income
CT provision calculations
Article 56 record retention
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
CT registration alignment
Map chart of accounts to Corporate Tax return categories and confirm EmaraTax CT registration details.
- 02
Taxable income adjustments
Identify and record CT adjustments for non-deductible expenses, exempt income, and related-party transactions.
- 03
Free zone income segregation
Track qualifying versus non-qualifying income for free zone entities claiming 0% CT on eligible revenue.
- 04
CT provision and return support
Post CT provisions and prepare supporting schedules for annual Corporate Tax return filing with the FTA.
- 01
CT registration alignment
Map chart of accounts to Corporate Tax return categories and confirm EmaraTax CT registration details.
- 02
Taxable income adjustments
Identify and record CT adjustments for non-deductible expenses, exempt income, and related-party transactions.
- 03
Free zone income segregation
Track qualifying versus non-qualifying income for free zone entities claiming 0% CT on eligible revenue.
- 04
CT provision and return support
Post CT provisions and prepare supporting schedules for annual Corporate Tax return filing with the FTA.
Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 introduced UAE Corporate Tax at 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% on income above that threshold, effective for financial years starting on or after 1 June 2023. All UAE juridical persons must register with the FTA and file annual Corporate Tax returns regardless of tax payable. Article 56 requires records supporting the CT return to be retained for at least seven years. We structure your general ledger to segregate taxable income, exempt income, and — for free zone entities — qualifying income eligible for the 0% rate under Cabinet Decision No. 100 of 2023. Non-deductible expenses, related-party transactions requiring transfer pricing documentation, and brought-forward tax losses are tracked separately. Monthly CT provisions ensure your balance sheet reflects the expected tax liability before the annual return is filed within nine months of financial year-end.
Common questions
05 / 10
Bank & Credit Card Reconciliation
Reconcile AED, USD, EUR, and other currency business accounts against your nominal ledger monthly so cash positions are accurate and FTA records are complete. Bank reconciliation is the foundation of UAE-compliant bookkeeping — unreconciled accounts undermine VAT 201 returns, Corporate Tax filings, and free zone audit submissions.
Multi-currency reconciliation
Bank feed integration
FTA audit defence
Payment gateway matching
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Account inventory and feed setup
Catalog all business bank and card accounts across UAE and international banks with feed configuration.
- 02
Transaction matching
Match each bank line to posted nominal entries, flagging unmatched items for investigation.
- 03
FX revaluation
Revalue foreign currency balances at period-end Central Bank of UAE rates with gain/loss posting.
- 04
Reconciliation sign-off
Finalise reconciliation reports confirming bank balance equals book balance for each account monthly.
- 01
Account inventory and feed setup
Catalog all business bank and card accounts across UAE and international banks with feed configuration.
- 02
Transaction matching
Match each bank line to posted nominal entries, flagging unmatched items for investigation.
- 03
FX revaluation
Revalue foreign currency balances at period-end Central Bank of UAE rates with gain/loss posting.
- 04
Reconciliation sign-off
Finalise reconciliation reports confirming bank balance equals book balance for each account monthly.
Accurate bank reconciliation is essential for FTA-compliant record-keeping — the Federal Tax Authority expects accounting records to reflect actual cash movements supported by bank statements retained for the statutory five-year (VAT) and seven-year (Corporate Tax) periods. UAE businesses commonly operate multiple currency accounts — AED for local operations, USD for international trade, and EUR for European suppliers — requiring monthly reconciliation with IAS 21 foreign exchange revaluation at Central Bank of UAE rates. We reconcile all business accounts including WPS salary payment accounts, corporate credit cards, and payment gateway settlement accounts for Telr, Stripe, and regional platforms. Unreconciled accounts delay VAT 201 return preparation and create discrepancies in Corporate Tax taxable income calculations. Clean monthly reconciliations reduce FTA audit risk and satisfy free zone authority requirements for annual financial statement audits.
Common questions
06 / 10
Monthly & Quarterly Management Accounts
Receive timely profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow reports in AED that give UAE directors visibility into performance between year-end IFRS filings. Management accounts support Corporate Tax provision planning, VAT cash flow forecasting, and board-level decisions without waiting for annual free zone audit submissions.
Monthly P&L and balance sheet
Cash flow forecasting
KPI dashboards
Quarterly board packages
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Reporting calendar setup
Agree monthly close dates, report format, and KPI metrics aligned to your board or management needs.
- 02
Monthly close execution
Reconcile accounts, post accruals and prepayments, and finalise AED trial balance by agreed close date.
- 03
Management report preparation
Generate P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow with comparative prior period and budget columns in AED.
- 04
Review and delivery
Walk through variances with directors and update Corporate Tax provision estimates each quarter.
- 01
Reporting calendar setup
Agree monthly close dates, report format, and KPI metrics aligned to your board or management needs.
- 02
Monthly close execution
Reconcile accounts, post accruals and prepayments, and finalise AED trial balance by agreed close date.
- 03
Management report preparation
Generate P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow with comparative prior period and budget columns in AED.
- 04
Review and delivery
Walk through variances with directors and update Corporate Tax provision estimates each quarter.
UAE companies file statutory IFRS accounts annually for free zone license renewal and FTA Corporate Tax purposes, but directors need interim visibility to manage cash, tax obligations, and operations throughout the year. Monthly management accounts provide P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow in AED between statutory filings. Reports inform Corporate Tax provision estimates under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022 — helping you set aside funds for the 9% rate on taxable income above AED 375,000 due within nine months of year-end. VAT cash flow forecasting ensures sufficient AED liquidity for quarterly or monthly VAT 201 payments due within 28 days of each tax period end. For businesses operating mainland and free zone entities, consolidated management accounts show group performance while maintaining entity-level CT qualifying income tracking. We reconcile management accounts to FTA-ready bookkeeping records so year-end IFRS statements require minimal reconstruction.
Common questions
07 / 10
Cloud Accounting Setup (Zoho, QuickBooks, Xero, Odoo)
Configure cloud accounting platforms for UAE operations with AED functional currency, FTA VAT tax codes, Corporate Tax reporting dimensions, and bank feed integration. We set up Zoho Books, QuickBooks Online, Xero, or Odoo Accounting with UAE-specific chart of accounts, WPS payroll journal templates, and EmaraTax-compatible reporting.
Platform selection guidance
UAE chart of accounts
Bank and payment feeds
Team access and workflows
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Requirements assessment
Evaluate transaction volume, entity structure, integration needs, and budget to select the optimal platform.
- 02
System configuration
Set up company profile, AED functional currency, IFRS chart of accounts, and UAE VAT tax codes.
- 03
Integration and migration
Connect bank feeds, import opening balances, migrate historical data, and configure payment gateway links.
- 04
Training and handover
Train your team on daily posting, VAT coding, and report generation with ongoing support options.
- 01
Requirements assessment
Evaluate transaction volume, entity structure, integration needs, and budget to select the optimal platform.
- 02
System configuration
Set up company profile, AED functional currency, IFRS chart of accounts, and UAE VAT tax codes.
- 03
Integration and migration
Connect bank feeds, import opening balances, migrate historical data, and configure payment gateway links.
- 04
Training and handover
Train your team on daily posting, VAT coding, and report generation with ongoing support options.
Cloud accounting platforms streamline UAE bookkeeping by automating bank feeds, VAT calculations, and financial reporting in AED. Zoho Books offers strong UAE localisation with VAT return mapping, QuickBooks Online provides widespread accountant familiarity, Xero excels at bank reconciliation workflows, and Odoo Accounting integrates operations, inventory, and accounting in a single platform — ideal for trading and eCommerce businesses. We configure your chosen platform with an IFRS-compliant chart of accounts, UAE VAT tax codes for standard 5%, zero-rated, exempt, and reverse charge transactions, and reporting dimensions for Corporate Tax qualifying income segregation under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Bank feeds from Emirates NBD, ADCB, Mashreq, and international banks are connected for automated transaction import. For multi-entity structures spanning mainland and free zone operations, Odoo and Zoho support consolidated reporting with entity-level CT tracking.
Common questions
08 / 10
Multi-Entity & Multi-Currency Accounting
Manage consolidated books across mainland LLCs, free zone subsidiaries, and offshore holding structures with AED functional currency reporting and foreign currency transaction tracking. Multi-entity accounting handles inter-company transactions, transfer pricing documentation support, and separate CT qualifying income tracking per entity.
Mainland & free zone entities
Multi-currency transactions
Inter-company reconciliation
Transfer pricing support
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Entity structure mapping
Document group structure, ownership percentages, functional currencies, and CT registration per entity.
- 02
Individual entity setup
Configure separate accounting instances with entity-specific VAT registration and CT reporting dimensions.
- 03
Inter-company processing
Post and reconcile inter-entity transactions with transfer pricing support documentation.
- 04
Consolidation and reporting
Produce consolidated AED management accounts and entity-level IFRS statements for CT and free zone filing.
- 01
Entity structure mapping
Document group structure, ownership percentages, functional currencies, and CT registration per entity.
- 02
Individual entity setup
Configure separate accounting instances with entity-specific VAT registration and CT reporting dimensions.
- 03
Inter-company processing
Post and reconcile inter-entity transactions with transfer pricing support documentation.
- 04
Consolidation and reporting
Produce consolidated AED management accounts and entity-level IFRS statements for CT and free zone filing.
Many UAE business groups operate across mainland DED-licensed entities, free zone subsidiaries in DMCC or JAFZA, and DIFC holding companies — each with separate FTA VAT and Corporate Tax registrations under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022. Multi-entity accounting requires separate general ledgers per entity with AED as the functional currency for UAE operations, while foreign subsidiaries may report in USD or other currencies translated at consolidation. Inter-company transactions — management fees, shared service recharges, inventory transfers, and loan balances — must be recorded at arm's length prices with documentation supporting Corporate Tax transfer pricing requirements. Free zone entities must separately track qualifying income for 0% CT treatment versus mainland-taxed revenue from UAE customers. We maintain entity-level books, reconcile inter-company balances monthly, and produce consolidated AED management reports alongside individual IFRS statements for each entity's free zone audit and FTA filing obligations.
Common questions
09 / 10
eCommerce Bookkeeping (Noon, Amazon UAE)
Reconcile marketplace sales from Noon, Amazon UAE, and other regional platforms against bank settlements with correct VAT treatment on online sales. eCommerce bookkeeping handles platform fees, returns, FBA inventory adjustments, and multi-channel revenue recognition under IFRS 15 for accurate FTA VAT and Corporate Tax reporting.
Marketplace reconciliation
VAT on online sales
Inventory and COGS tracking
Channel profitability
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Platform integration setup
Connect Noon, Amazon, and Shopify data feeds to accounting software for automated sales import.
- 02
Settlement reconciliation
Match platform payout reports to bank deposits, separating gross sales, fees, refunds, and VAT.
- 03
VAT and revenue coding
Code each sale with correct UAE VAT treatment and recognise revenue under IFRS 15 across channels.
- 04
Channel reporting
Produce monthly per-platform profitability reports and reconcile to VAT 201 return output tax figures.
- 01
Platform integration setup
Connect Noon, Amazon, and Shopify data feeds to accounting software for automated sales import.
- 02
Settlement reconciliation
Match platform payout reports to bank deposits, separating gross sales, fees, refunds, and VAT.
- 03
VAT and revenue coding
Code each sale with correct UAE VAT treatment and recognise revenue under IFRS 15 across channels.
- 04
Channel reporting
Produce monthly per-platform profitability reports and reconcile to VAT 201 return output tax figures.
UAE eCommerce businesses selling through Noon, Amazon UAE, Namshi, and direct-to-consumer Shopify stores face complex bookkeeping requirements — platform settlement reports show gross sales, commission fees, return deductions, and VAT collected, all of which must reconcile to AED bank deposits and your general ledger. UAE VAT at 5% applies to sales to UAE-resident customers, while exports and certain designated zone deliveries may qualify for zero-rated treatment. Platform fees are recorded as operating expenses with recoverable input VAT where applicable. Inventory held in Noon or Amazon FBA warehouses requires tracking of inbound shipments, sales, returns, and removal orders with cost of goods sold calculated under IFRS. We automate marketplace data import into Zoho, QuickBooks, Xero, or Odoo, reconcile settlements to bank deposits monthly, and produce channel-level profitability reports that support FTA VAT 201 filings and Corporate Tax taxable income calculations under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022.
Common questions
10 / 10
Outsourced CFO & Financial Controller Services
Access senior finance leadership on a fractional basis — financial strategy, FTA tax planning, cash flow management, and board reporting for UAE businesses without a full-time CFO. Outsourced CFO services bridge the gap between day-to-day bookkeeping and strategic financial decision-making across mainland and free zone operations.
Strategic financial leadership
Cash flow & tax planning
Board and investor reporting
FTA compliance oversight
How it works, details and FAQsShow less
How it works
- 01
Financial health assessment
Review current books, FTA compliance status, cash position, and reporting gaps across all entities.
- 02
Finance function design
Define reporting calendar, KPI framework, approval workflows, and team structure for your growth stage.
- 03
Ongoing financial leadership
Monthly close oversight, board reporting, budget variance analysis, and CT/VAT cash planning.
- 04
Strategic advisory
Support fundraising, free zone expansion, mainland licensing decisions, and M&A financial due diligence.
- 01
Financial health assessment
Review current books, FTA compliance status, cash position, and reporting gaps across all entities.
- 02
Finance function design
Define reporting calendar, KPI framework, approval workflows, and team structure for your growth stage.
- 03
Ongoing financial leadership
Monthly close oversight, board reporting, budget variance analysis, and CT/VAT cash planning.
- 04
Strategic advisory
Support fundraising, free zone expansion, mainland licensing decisions, and M&A financial due diligence.
Growing UAE businesses often outgrow basic bookkeeping but cannot justify a full-time CFO — particularly startups in DMCC or DIFC, scaling eCommerce operators, and multi-entity groups navigating mainland and free zone structures. An outsourced CFO provides strategic financial leadership including annual budgeting, rolling forecasts, Corporate Tax planning under Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of 2022, and VAT cash flow management for quarterly EmaraTax payments. We oversee monthly close processes, prepare board-ready financial packages in AED, and advise on free zone qualifying income strategies to minimise CT liability within FTA rules. For businesses preparing for investment rounds or bank facilities, we produce IFRS-aligned financial models and due diligence data rooms. Our fractional model provides senior finance expertise at a fraction of full-time cost, scaling engagement as your business grows across the seven Emirates.
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Accounting & Bookkeeping · UAE
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