Accounting Services in Dubai

Running a business in the UAE means keeping clean, compliant books is no longer optional it is a legal obligation under the Commercial Companies Law, the VAT regime and the Corporate Tax Law. MARKEF Consulting is an ACCA Approved Employer and a leading accounting firm in Dubai that has helped over 2,000 businesses since 2014. Our accounting services in Dubai give startups, SMEs, free zone entities and established enterprises a complete finance function without the cost of an in-house team.

From daily bookkeeping and bank reconciliation to VAT returns, corporate tax computation and monthly management reports, our accountants keep your financial records accurate, audit-ready and fully aligned with UAE regulations. Whether you need accounting and bookkeeping services in Dubai on a fixed monthly retainer, a one-time cleanup of backlog accounts, or an outsourced finance department that scales as you grow, you get a dedicated team, transparent pricing and reporting you can actually use. Every set of books we maintain follows International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Federal Tax Authority (FTA) documentation requirements so when tax season or an audit arrives, nothing is left to chance.

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What Our Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in Dubai Cover

We provide an end-to-end accounting bookkeeping service that replaces or supports your internal finance function. Instead of stitching together freelancers, spreadsheets and last-minute tax filings, you get one accountable partner handling your entire accounting cycle — recording, reconciling, reporting and filing.

Our core accounting services include:

Bookkeeping and financial record keeping

sales, purchases, expenses, receipts and payments recorded in your general ledger

Financial statements and financial reporting

balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and cash flow statement

Corporate tax compliance

registration, computation and annual return submission under the UAE Corporate Tax Law

Payroll accounting and processing

payslips, WPS files, gratuity and leave computation

Management reports

monthly reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and cash flow management

Accounting software setup

Zoho Books, QuickBooks and Xero implementation and cloud accounting

Audit preparation

audit-ready documentation and liaison with your appointed auditor

VAT accounting and VAT return filing

FTA-compliant records and periodic returns

Because these services sit under one roof alongside our VAT, corporate tax and audit & assurance teams your VAT return reconciles to your ledger, your ledger reconciles to your bank, and your corporate tax return is built on numbers you can defend. That continuity is where most fragmented, low-cost bookkeeping arrangements fail.

Our Accounting Services in Dubai

Bookkeeping Services in Dubai

Accurate bookkeeping is the foundation of every reliable accounting system. Our bookkeeping services in Dubai cover the full transaction lifecycle so your books are always current and your reports always tie out:

  • Recording daily financial transactions — sales invoices, purchase bills and expense bills
  • Maintaining the general ledger and all subsidiary ledgers
  • Accounts payable and accounts receivable tracking and ageing
  • Bank reconciliation and credit card reconciliation
  • Journal entries, including accruals, prepayments and month-end adjustments
  • Fixed asset register and depreciation schedules
  • Inventory accounting and stock reconciliation
  • Trial balance preparation and account reconciliation

We set up a proper chart of accounts before any transactions are posted, so your data is structured for meaningful reporting from day one — not retrofitted at year-end. This is the difference between a professional bookkeeping service and simple data entry.

Financial Accounting and Financial Reporting Services

A financial statement is the formal record of your company’s financial position and performance. Our financial reporting services turn raw transactions into the statements management, banks, investors and auditors rely on:

  • Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) — assets, liabilities and equity
  • Income Statement (Profit and Loss Statement) revenue, cost and profitability
  • Cash Flow Statement operating, investing and financing movements
  • Annual accounts prepared in line with IFRS for filing and audit

These statements do more than satisfy compliance. They let you see gross margin by line of business, spot where cash is trapped, and answer lender or investor questions with confidence. For complex reporting questions, our IFRS advisory team is on hand.

 

Management Accounting and Monthly Reporting

Compliance tells you where you have been; management accounting tells you where you are going. Alongside your monthly bookkeeping, we deliver management reports designed for decision-making:

  • Monthly profit and loss statement and balance sheet
  • Accounts receivable and accounts payable reports
  • Budgeting and forecasting, including cash flow forecasting
  • Variance analysis against budget and prior periods
  • Financial analysis and KPI dashboards on request

For owners who want a lighter footprint, our monthly bookkeeping services deliver a clean, tax-ready close every month. And when you need senior financial leadership without a full-time hire, our CFO on demand and CFO advisory services turn those numbers into strategy.

 

VAT Accounting and Return Filing

VAT has applied in the UAE at a standard rate of 5% since 2018. Businesses that exceed the mandatory registration threshold of AED 375,000 in taxable supplies must register with the FTA; voluntary registration is available above AED 187,500. Our VAT services keep you compliant and penalty-free:

  • FTA-compliant, tax-ready bookkeeping and document management
  • Input and output VAT tracking and reconciliation
  • Preparation and submission of periodic VAT return filing via EmaraTax
  • Variance analysis against budget and prior periods
  • VAT advisory on the correct treatment of your supplies (standard, zero-rated, exempt)

Corporate Tax Compliance

The UAE Corporate Tax Law applies to financial years beginning on or after 1 June 2023. Getting your books right is now directly tied to what you owe. Our corporate tax services keep you aligned with the FTA

  • Corporate tax registration on the EmaraTax portal and TRN issuance
  • Annual corporate tax computation from IFRS-compliant financials
  • Annual corporate tax return submission within the statutory deadline
  • Advisory on Small Business Relief eligibility and elections, plus transfer pricing where relevant

For owners who want a lighter footprint, our monthly bookkeeping services deliver a clean, tax-ready close every month. And when you need senior financial leadership without a full-time hire, our CFO on demand and CFO advisory services turn those numbers into strategy.

 

Payroll Accounting and Processing

Payroll in the UAE carries its own compliance burden through the Wages Protection System (WPS). Our payroll accounting service covers salary structure configuration, payroll processing, payslip generation, SIF file creation for WPS, and computation of overtime, leave encashment and end-of-service gratuity — all posted correctly into your accounts.

 

Key figures to plan around current as of 2026 — always confirm the latest position for your specific circumstances:

Corporate Tax Point Position (2026)
Rate on taxable income up to AED 375,000 0%
Rate on taxable income above AED 375,000 9%
Small Business Relief Available where revenue is ≤ AED 3 million for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026. The relief must be elected each year and is not automatic.
Return filing & payment deadline Within 9 months of the end of the tax period.
Late registration penalty AED 10,000.
Record retention Financial records must be kept for at least 7 years.
Qualifying Free Zone Person (QFZP) 0% Corporate Tax on qualifying income, provided all QFZP conditions are met.

Because Small Business Relief ends on 31 December 2026, businesses that have relied on it should be putting proper accounting processes in place now for full corporate tax compliance from 2027 onward exactly the kind of transition we manage for clients.

 

Accounting Software Setup and Cloud Accounting

Modern accounting runs on the right software. We are experienced across the platforms UAE businesses use most  Zoho Books, QuickBooks and Xero accounting  and help you select, implement and run the one that fits your workflow. Cloud accounting gives you real-time visibility of your financial records, faster monthly closes, fewer manual errors and secure, anywhere access to your numbers

Audit Preparation and Support

Many mainland and free zone companies must file audited financial statements. We keep your books audit-ready year-round and, through our audit & assurance practice, provide full support during the audit  preparing schedules and confirmation letters, liaising with your auditor, and remediating findings  so the process is smooth rather than stressful.

UAE Accounting &
Compliance Requirements (2026)

Professional accounting isn't just about keeping your books organised—it helps your business stay compliant with UAE regulations, avoid penalties, and meet all reporting obligations across mainland, free zone, and offshore jurisdictions.

Why Businesses Need
Professional Accounting

  • Legal bookkeeping requirements
  • Corporate Tax compliance
  • IFRS financial reporting
  • Audit readiness
  • Avoid penalties
  • Seven-year record retention

Bookkeeping is mandatory in the UAE regardless of your business size, industry, or transaction volume.

Record Keeping

Maintain accounting records that accurately explain business transactions and financial position.

Financial records must be retained for at least 7 years.

IFRS Compliance

Businesses are expected to prepare financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Mainland Companies

  • Maintain accounting records
  • Prepare IFRS financial statements
  • Registered auditor required

Free Zone & Offshore

Compliance requirements vary across DMCC, JAFZA, DAFZA, RAKEZ, RAK ICC and other jurisdictions.

Audit, filing and reporting obligations differ depending on your licence.

Compliance Across Every
UAE Business Type

Mainland LLC

  • Maintain proper accounting records
  • IFRS financial statements
  • Registered auditor required

DMCC

  • Audited financial statement summary
  • Upload within six months of year-end

JAFZA • DAFZA • RAKEZ

  • Prepare IFRS-compliant financials
  • Licensed auditor
  • Submit audited reports within required timeline

Offshore Companies

  • Maintain proper accounting records
  • Support all business transactions
  • Meet offshore compliance obligations

We Make Compliance Simple

Our accounting specialists identify exactly what your business is required to prepare, file, and maintain—based on your licence, jurisdiction, and business activities.

Accounting

Bookkeeping

Audit Coordination

Corporate Tax

ESR

AML

FATCA / CRS

Talk to Our Accounting Experts →
Stay Compliant
Avoid Penalties
Meet Deadlines
Focus on Growth

Choose the perfect plan

Solopreneurs and small companies can opt for basic accounting packages! Our team is qualified and dedicated professionals to approach the basic needs of the business with friendly and flexibility in the time and cost of the services.

AED 1,000

Per month

  • Upto 100 transactions
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Quarterly Management Reports
  • Business Hour Support
Get Started

AED 1,500

Per month

  • Upto 300 transactions
  • Management Reporting
  • Quarterly Cashflow Report
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Business Hour Support
Get Started

AED 2,200

Per month

  • Upto 700 transaction
  • Bank Reconciliation
  • Monthly Cashflow Report
  • Payroll
  • Annual Audit
  • Management Reporting
  • End of financial year processes
  • Business Hour Support
  • Budgets & Forecasting
Get Started

Outsourced Accounting Services vs In-House: The Real Cost

Hiring an in-house accountant looks straightforward until you add up the true cost. Beyond salary, an in-house hire in the UAE carries visa and labour costs, mandatory medical insurance, gratuity provisions, annual leave, recruitment, training and accounting software licences — plus the risk of a single point of failure when that person is on leave or resigns.

Factor In-House Accountant MARKEF Outsourced Accounting
Cost Full salary + visa + insurance + gratuity + software ✔ Fixed monthly fee, scaled to your needs
Expertise One person's skill set ✔ A full team across bookkeeping, VAT, corporate tax and audit
Coverage Gaps during leave or resignation ✔ Continuous — no single point of failure
Software You license and maintain it ✔ Included and fully managed
Scalability Re-hiring as you grow ✔ Adjust the plan up or down on demand
Compliance Risk Rests on one individual ✔ Backed by ACCA-standard, reviewed processes

Why Choose MARKEF for Accounting Services in Dubai

ACCA Approved Employer

MARKEF is officially recognised as an approved employer by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) an endorsement of the professional standards, training and ethics behind every engagement. Learn more

2,000+ businesses served

More than a decade of hands-on experience with the SME sector across the UAE and wider MENA region.

IFRS and FTA compliant

Every engagement follows recognised accounting standards and Federal Tax Authority documentation requirements.

A full finance function under one roof

Accounting, bookkeeping, VAT, corporate tax, audit support, CFO services and management consulting — one accountable partner instead of five vendors.

A dedicated team, not a call centre

Named points of contact, monthly review meetings and a direct WhatsApp line.

Based in Business Bay, serving the whole UAE

On-site support in Dubai or fully remote online accounting services wherever you operate.

Industries We Serve

Our accountants tailor your chart of accounts, reporting structure, and compliance requirements based on your industry, ensuring accurate financial reporting and better business decisions.

Real Estate

Project accounting, property-level financials and service charge management.

Construction

Project costing, WIP reporting and cash flow control.

Retail & E-Commerce

Inventory, POS integration and high-volume transaction accounting.

Hospitality

Revenue tracking across hotels, restaurants and multiple outlets.

Healthcare

Insurance billing, regulatory compliance and financial reporting.

Manufacturing

Cost accounting, production analysis and supply-chain financials.

Logistics

Fleet management, warehousing and transportation costing.

Professional Services

Client billing, payroll and project profitability reporting.

Technology

R&D expenditure, software licensing and scalable reporting.

Food & Beverage

Inventory control, food costing and multi-branch accounting.

How Our Accounting Process Works

  • Free consultation

    We understand your business model, entity type, free zone and current state of your books.

  • Onboarding and due diligence

    You share your trade licence, and ID/visa documents for the manager on the licence, so we can set up your engagement.

  • Software and chart of accounts setup

    We configure Zoho Books, QuickBooks or Xero and build a chart of accounts structured for your reporting needs.

  • Ongoing bookkeeping

    You submit invoices, bills and bank statements to a shared drive; we record, classify and reconcile.

  • Monthly reporting

    You receive your balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and AR/AP reports — plus a monthly review meeting.

  • Compliance filing

    We prepare and file your VAT returns and annual corporate tax return, and keep you audit-ready throughout.

Areas We Serve in Dubai and the UAE

Headquartered in Business Bay, Dubai, we support businesses across every emirate. Popular locations for our clients include Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), DMCC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Quoz, Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubai South — as well as accounting services in the UAE more broadly, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. Whether you need an accounting firm in Dubai for on-site support or fully remote accounting support services, we cover it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are accounting services, and what do they include?

Accounting services cover identifying and recording financial transactions, preparing financial statements, and using that information to help a business stay compliant and make informed decisions. In practice this includes bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, VAT and corporate tax compliance, payroll, management reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and audit support.

What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping is the day-to-day recording and organising of transactions — posting entries, maintaining ledgers, reconciling banks and tracking accounts receivable and payable. Accounting builds on that foundation to prepare financial statements, compute and file taxes, analyse performance and advise on decisions. Most businesses need both, which is why MARKEF delivers them together as one accounting and bookkeeping service.

How much do accounting and bookkeeping services in Dubai cost?

Cost depends on transaction volume, the number of bank accounts, whether you need VAT and corporate tax filing, and your reporting needs. MARKEF offers competitive fixed monthly retainers, and outsourcing is generally far more cost-effective than an in-house hire once visa, insurance, gratuity and software costs are included. Contact us for a tailored quote, or use our cost calculator.

Is bookkeeping mandatory for companies in the UAE?

Yes. Maintaining proper accounting records is a legal requirement for UAE companies regardless of size or industry, and records must generally be retained for at least seven years. Accurate books are also required to file VAT returns and to compute corporate tax.

What is the corporate tax rate in the UAE?

The corporate tax rate is 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 and 9% above that. Small Business Relief may allow eligible businesses with revenue of AED 3 million or less to be treated as having no taxable income for tax periods ending on or before 31 December 2026, but it must be elected each year. Always confirm your specific position with a tax adviser.

Do you offer outsourced or online accounting services in Dubai?

Yes. We provide fully outsourced accounting services delivered remotely, on-site, or as a hybrid. You submit documents digitally and receive reports online, with a dedicated team and regular review meetings — effectively an outsourced finance department.

Is MARKEF a certified accounting firm?

MARKEF is an ACCA Approved Employer, officially recognised by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, and has served over 2,000 businesses across the UAE since 2014. Our work follows IFRS and FTA documentation standards.

How do I get started?

Book a free consultation. We will review your business, explain exactly which compliance obligations apply to your licence and free zone, and propose a fixed monthly plan. Call +971 4 589 2828, WhatsApp +971 50 105 4241, or book online.

Can you work with my existing accounting software?

Yes. We work across cloud accounting platforms including Zoho Books, QuickBooks and Xero. If you are not yet using software, we will recommend and set up the best fit for your business, or migrate you from spreadsheets.