Question 1

How much do bookkeeping services cost in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Monthly bookkeeping packages start from AED 1,500 for startups and micro-businesses with fewer than 50 transactions. SMEs with moderate volume typically range from AED 3,000 to 7,000 per month. Enterprise engagements with multi-entity consolidation and daily reconciliation are priced on a custom basis after a scoping call.

Question 2

What is included in your bookkeeping service?

Accepted Answer

Our standard package covers transaction recording, bank reconciliation, accounts payable and receivable management, VAT return preparation, payroll processing, and monthly financial reports. We also provide year-end audit support, FTA correspondence handling, and ad hoc advisory calls at no extra charge.

Question 3

How often will my books be updated?

Accepted Answer

We update books weekly as standard practice, with daily updates available for high-volume businesses. Bank reconciliations are completed monthly at minimum. You receive a full management report pack by the 10th of each month covering the prior period.

Question 4

Do you handle VAT filing with the FTA?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare and file VAT returns directly with the Federal Tax Authority on your behalf. This includes transaction classification, input and output VAT calculation, return preparation, submission, and payment tracking. We also handle voluntary disclosures and respond to FTA audit queries.

Question 5

What accounting software do you use?

Accepted Answer

We work with QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zoho Books, Tally ERP 9, and FreshBooks. If you already use a platform, we integrate with it. For new clients, we recommend the best fit based on your industry, transaction volume, and reporting needs. All platforms we use are FTA-approved for digital record keeping.

Question 6

Can you handle bookkeeping for free zone companies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve businesses in DMCC, JAFZA, DIFC, DAFZA, RAKEZ, and all major UAE free zones. Free zone bookkeeping requires specific knowledge of licence renewal accounting, inter-zone transfers, and exemption documentation. Our team manages these nuances daily.

Question 7

Do you provide payroll processing services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We process monthly payroll in full compliance with UAE WPS requirements. This includes salary calculations, SIF file generation, MOHRE reporting, end-of-service gratuity tracking, leave balance management, and payslip distribution. We support teams from 5 to 500+ employees.

Question 8

How do you ensure accuracy in bank reconciliation?

Accepted Answer

We follow a three-step reconciliation process. First, automated bank feed matching catches routine transactions. Second, our accountants review and classify unmatched items manually. Third, a senior reviewer signs off on the final reconciliation before it enters your financial statements.

Question 9

What industries do you specialise in for bookkeeping?

Accepted Answer

We serve trading and import-export firms, professional services, hospitality and F&B, e-commerce and retail, real estate, construction, healthcare, and technology startups. Each industry has specific accounting treatments, and our team assigns specialists with relevant sector experience.

Question 10

Can you help prepare for an external audit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We maintain audit-ready books throughout the year, not just at year-end. When your auditor begins fieldwork, we provide a complete trial balance, supporting schedules, bank confirmations, and reconciliation files. Most SKIMBOX clients complete their annual audit in under two weeks.

Question 11

Do you offer catch-up bookkeeping for backlog periods?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We regularly onboard clients with 6 to 24 months of unrecorded transactions. Our catch-up process includes gathering bank statements and source documents, reconstructing the chart of accounts, entering all historical transactions, and reconciling to current. Timelines depend on volume but most backlogs are cleared within 2 to 4 weeks.

Question 12

How do you handle multi-currency transactions?

Accepted Answer

We record transactions in their original currency and convert to AED using the UAE Central Bank exchange rate on the transaction date. Unrealised and realised foreign exchange gains and losses are tracked separately and reported monthly. This is critical for trading companies with USD, EUR, and GBP exposure.

Question 13

What reports will I receive each month?

Accepted Answer

Your monthly management pack includes a profit and loss statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, aged receivables and payables reports, bank reconciliation summaries, and a variance commentary comparing actuals to budget or prior period. Custom KPI dashboards are available on request.

Question 14

Is my financial data secure with SKIMBOX?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We use encrypted cloud platforms with two-factor authentication and role-based access controls. Financial data is backed up daily with 256-bit AES encryption. We maintain strict confidentiality agreements and follow UAE data protection regulations for all client information.

Question 15

What is the difference between bookkeeping and accounting?

Accepted Answer

Bookkeeping focuses on recording daily financial transactions, reconciling bank accounts, and maintaining organised records. Accounting builds on those records to produce financial statements, tax filings, and strategic analysis. SKIMBOX provides both, so your books feed directly into compliant financial reporting.

Question 16

Do I need bookkeeping if I use accounting software?

Accepted Answer

Software is a tool, not a service. It records what you enter, but it does not classify transactions correctly, reconcile discrepancies, or ensure FTA compliance. A professional bookkeeper ensures your data is accurate, complete, and ready for VAT filing and audits. Most software errors come from incorrect manual entry.

Question 17

How quickly can you start managing my books?

Accepted Answer

Onboarding typically takes 3 to 5 business days. We collect access to your bank accounts, accounting software, and source documents during the first two days. System setup, chart of accounts review, and opening balance verification complete by day five. Regular weekly updates begin immediately after.

Question 18

Do you support businesses on the UAE mainland and free zones?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We serve both mainland and free zone businesses across all seven emirates. Mainland companies require specific municipality fee tracking and trade licence renewal accounting. Free zone companies need exemption documentation and inter-zone transfer records. We handle both structures daily.

Question 19

What happens if the FTA audits my company?

Accepted Answer

Our team handles the entire FTA audit process on your behalf. We compile all requested documentation, prepare response letters, attend meetings as your authorised representative, and resolve queries directly with the tax authority. Clients with SKIMBOX-maintained books consistently pass FTA audits without penalties.

Question 20

Can you manage accounts for multiple entities or branches?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We manage multi-entity bookkeeping with inter-company reconciliation and consolidated reporting. Whether you operate three free zone entities and a mainland company or have branches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, we maintain separate ledgers and deliver consolidated financial statements.

Question 21

How do you handle VAT on imported goods?

Accepted Answer

Import VAT in the UAE is accounted for using the reverse charge mechanism. We record the customs declaration value, apply the 5% VAT rate, and report it as both output and input tax on the same return. We also track customs duty paid and reconcile it against your import documentation.

Question 22

Do you provide bookkeeping for startups and new businesses?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer startup-friendly packages that include initial chart of accounts setup, accounting software configuration, opening balance entry, and ongoing monthly bookkeeping. Startups also get guidance on VAT registration thresholds, record-keeping obligations, and first-year compliance milestones.

Question 23

What is WPS and why does it matter for payroll?

Accepted Answer

The Wage Protection System is a MOHRE-mandated electronic salary transfer system. All UAE employers must pay salaries through WPS-approved channels. Non-compliance results in fines and licence renewal blocks. SKIMBOX generates WPS-compliant SIF files and ensures every payroll run meets regulatory deadlines.

Question 24

Can you handle end-of-service gratuity calculations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We calculate end-of-service gratuity for every employee based on UAE Labour Law provisions. This includes tracking tenure, basic salary changes, and the distinction between limited and unlimited contracts. We maintain a running gratuity liability in your books so there are no surprises at termination.

Question 25

How do you price bookkeeping for high-volume businesses?

Accepted Answer

High-volume businesses with over 500 monthly transactions receive custom pricing based on transaction count, entity structure, and reporting frequency. We offer dedicated accountant allocation and daily reconciliation for these clients. Contact us for a scoping call to get an accurate quote.

Question 26

Do you work with businesses that have no prior bookkeeping records?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We frequently onboard businesses that have operated for months or years without formal records. We reconstruct your financial history from bank statements, invoices, receipts, and contracts. Once the backlog is cleared, we transition to ongoing monthly bookkeeping with proper controls.

Question 27

What is the VAT registration threshold in the UAE?

Accepted Answer

Mandatory VAT registration applies when taxable supplies and imports exceed AED 375,000 over the previous 12 months or are expected to exceed that amount in the next 30 days. Voluntary registration is available at AED 187,500. SKIMBOX monitors your revenue and advises on the optimal registration timing.

Question 28

Can you integrate bookkeeping with our existing ERP system?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We integrate with SAP Business One, Oracle NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Odoo, and other ERP platforms common in the UAE market. Integration includes automated journal entries, bank feed syncing, and consolidated reporting across modules. We handle the technical setup and ongoing data validation.

Question 29

How do you manage petty cash and expense tracking?

Accepted Answer

We set up structured petty cash procedures with documented approval workflows, receipt capture via mobile apps, and monthly reconciliation against your petty cash float. All expenses are coded to the correct chart of accounts category and reflected in your monthly management reports.

Question 30

What makes SKIMBOX different from other bookkeeping firms in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Three things set us apart. First, every client gets a dedicated Dubai-based accountant, not an offshore team. Second, we deliver management reports by the 10th of every month with variance commentary. Third, our technology-first approach connects your bank feeds, invoicing, and payroll into a single source of truth.

Question 31

Do you offer corporate tax advisory alongside bookkeeping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With the UAE corporate tax effective from June 2023, we help businesses determine their tax group structure, identify qualifying free zone income, maintain transfer pricing documentation, and prepare corporate tax returns. Our bookkeeping feeds directly into corporate tax compliance with no duplicate effort.

Expert Bookkeeping& Accounting for Dubai SMEs

Complete Bookkeeping Services for UAE Businesses

Professional financial record keeping for businesses

Accounts Mgmt

Reconciliation

Payroll

VAT & Tax

Reports

Full-Service Accounts Management for Dubai Firms

Full-Service Bookkeeping for Dubai

Creativity

Certified Account Experts

Development

FTA-Ready Tax Reporting

Agility

Real-Time Financial Access

Our Structured Bookkeeping Process for UAE Compliance

Onboarding & Financial Review

System Setup & Integration

Ongoing Recording & Filing

Reporting & Advisory Review

Industries We Empower

Trading & Import

Services & Legal

Hospitality & F&B

E-store & Retail

Audit-Ready Books with Full FTA Compliance

FTA-Approved Cloud Accounting for UAE Books

Designed to meet enterprise requirements

Dubai-Based Finance Experts

Dedicated Account Management

Compliance-First Bookkeeping

Transparent Monthly Reporting

Satisfied with SKIMBOX consultancy and services

Explore Insights & Case Studies

Frequently Asked Questions