Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)

Do You Have Questions?

If you’re new to ADMA or looking for professional services to elevate your business, this section will guide you through our platform and demonstrate how we can assist you.

What is the difference between accounting and bookkeeping?

Bookkeeping involves recording daily transactions, while accounting involves summarizing, analyzing, and interpreting financial data to create reports and insights.

How often should bookkeeping records be updated?

The frequency of updates depends on the size of the business and volume of transactions. Small businesses may update weekly, while larger businesses with higher transaction volumes should update daily.

Why is bookkeeping important for UAE businesses?

Accurate bookkeeping is critical for complying with UAE VAT regulations, preparing for audits, and managing cash flow effectively.

What accounting standards do UAE businesses follow?

Most UAE businesses follow International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as mandated by local laws and free zone regulations.

What are the consequences of poor bookkeeping practices?

Poor bookkeeping can lead to inaccurate tax filings, financial mismanagement, cash flow issues, and potential penalties from regulatory authorities.

How can outsourcing accounting benefit UAE businesses?

Outsourcing accounting services to professionals ensures compliance, accuracy, cost savings, and allows businesses to focus on their core activities.

What is the role of ADMA in providing bookkeeping services?

ADMA offers tailored bookkeeping services that ensure accurate record-keeping, VAT compliance, and financial reporting, helping businesses stay on top of their financial health.

What is accrual accounting and is it mandatory in the UAE?

Accrual accounting records income and expenses when they are incurred rather than when cash is exchanged. It is mandatory for many businesses under IFRS in the UAE.

What are the key financial statements a business should prepare?

The key financial statements include the balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, and statement of changes in equity.

How does bookkeeping support tax compliance in the UAE?

Accurate bookkeeping ensures that all transactions are properly recorded, making it easier to calculate and file VAT and other taxes in compliance with UAE laws.

What is the chart of accounts, and why is it important?

The chart of accounts is a complete listing of every account in a company’s general ledger, helping businesses categorize and track financial transactions.

How can ADMA assist with VAT accounting?

ADMA ensures that businesses maintain accurate VAT records, comply with filing requirements, and avoid penalties by following UAE tax regulations.

What is the role of a trial balance in accounting?

A trial balance is a report that lists all general ledger accounts and their balances to ensure that total debits equal total credits, verifying the accuracy of financial records.

How does bookkeeping impact cash flow management?

Proper bookkeeping provides real-time insights into cash inflows and outflows, helping businesses manage liquidity and avoid cash shortages.

How often should financial statements be reviewed?

Businesses should review their financial statements at least quarterly to ensure accuracy, identify trends, and make informed decisions.

What are common bookkeeping errors, and how can they be avoided?

Common errors include missing receipts, incorrect categorization of expenses, and failure to reconcile accounts. These can be avoided by using professional bookkeeping services like ADMA’s.

Why is account reconciliation important?

Reconciliation ensures that the company’s financial records match its bank statements, helping to identify and correct discrepancies.

How does ADMA use technology to improve bookkeeping services?

ADMA employs advanced accounting software to streamline processes, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with local regulations, making bookkeeping more efficient and accurate.

What is double-entry bookkeeping?

Double-entry bookkeeping is a system where every transaction is recorded as both a debit and a credit, ensuring that the accounting equation remains balanced.

What is depreciation, and how is it recorded in bookkeeping?

Depreciation accounts for the reduction in the value of an asset over time. It is recorded as an expense on the income statement and reduces the asset’s value on the balance sheet.

How does bookkeeping contribute to financial audits?

Accurate bookkeeping provides a solid foundation for financial audits by ensuring that all transactions are properly recorded, categorized, and easily accessible for review.

How does bookkeeping impact financial forecasting?

Accurate bookkeeping provides historical financial data that helps businesses predict future revenue, expenses, and cash flow, improving the accuracy of forecasts.

How does VAT compliance affect bookkeeping in the UAE?

VAT compliance requires businesses to accurately record taxable transactions and file VAT returns in accordance with UAE tax laws. Failure to do so can result in penalties.

What is the significance of expense categorization in bookkeeping?

Proper expense categorization helps businesses track costs, manage budgets, and ensure accurate tax reporting.

How does ADMA help businesses comply with UAE bookkeeping regulations?
ADMA offers expert bookkeeping services that ensure compliance with UAE laws, including VAT regulations, accounting standards, and audit requirements.

Outsourcing of Accounting Consultancy services

Cost and Value

What are the cost savings associated with outsourcing accounting services compared to in-house operations?
  • Reduced Labor Costs: Outsourcing eliminates the need for hiring, training, and maintaining a full-time in-house accounting team, which can save on salaries, benefits, and related HR expenses.
  • Lower Overhead: By outsourcing, you avoid costs associated with office space, equipment, and technology infrastructure needed for an in-house team.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Outsourcing provides flexibility to scale services up or down based on your needs, avoiding costs associated with underutilized in-house resources.
  • Access to Expertise: Outsourcing firms often offer specialized skills and advanced technology at a lower cost than maintaining in-house expertise and software.
  • Reduced Compliance Costs: Professional outsourcing providers help ensure compliance with changing regulations, reducing the risk of costly fines and penalties.
  • Minimized Training Costs: Outsourcing firms come with trained professionals, eliminating the need for ongoing employee training and development expenses.
  • Efficient Resource Allocation: Allows your internal team to focus on core business activities rather than spending time on accounting and compliance tasks, potentially leading to greater overall efficiency and productivity.
Are there any hidden fees or additional costs we should be aware of?
No, we work on the principle of transparency and all the costs they would be charged will be clearly specified for each service provided by us.

Service and Expertise

What qualifications and experience do outsourced accountants or firms have?
  • Professional Certifications: Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Accountant, Certified Management Accountant.
  • Accounting Software Proficiency: Expertise in commonly used accounting software (e.g., ǪuickBooks, ZOHO, ODOO, Xero, SAP).
  • Financial Reporting: Ability to prepare and analyze financial statements, forecasts, and budgets.
  • Taxation Knowledge: In-depth understanding of tax laws and regulations relevant to your business.
  • Client Portfolio: A history of successfully serving clients with similar needs.
  • References and Reviews: Positive feedback from current or past clients, showcasing reliability and quality.
  • Degrees: Advanced degrees in accounting, finance, or related fields from reputable institutions.
  • Ongoing Education: Participation in continuing professional education to stay updated on the latest accounting standards and practices.
  • Compliance Expertise: Experience with compliance issues, audits, and regulatory filings.
  • Consulting Capabilities: Ability to provide strategic financial advice beyond basic accounting services.
How can we ensure the outsourced provider has expertise in our industry or business sector?
  • Review Portfolio: Examine the provider’s client portfolio for companies in your industry or similar sectors.
  • Ask for Case Studies: Request case studies or examples of their work with businesses in your industry.
  • Industry Certifications: Verify if the provider holds industry-specific certifications or credentials.
  • Specialized Knowledge: Ensure the provider’s team members have expertise in regulatory requirements and best practices relevant to your industry
  • Assess Staff Experience: Ǫualifications: Review the qualifications and professional backgrounds of the staff who will handle your account.
  • Relevant Roles: Confirm their experience in roles that align with your business needs.
  • Client References: Ask for references from clients in your industry and follow up to get feedback on their experiences.
  • Testimonials: Look for testimonials or reviews from industry-specific clients

Ǫuality and Accuracy

How do you ensure the accuracy and quality of the accounting work is performed?
  • Adherence to Standards: Follow established accounting principles and standards (such as GAAP, IFRS) to maintain consistency and accuracy.
  • Regular Training: Ensure that all accounting personnel are well trained and up to date with the latest accounting practices, software, and regulatory changes.
  • Use of Technology: Implement reliable accounting software that can automate and streamline tasks, reducing the risk of human error. Ensure the software is updated regularly.
  • Internal Controls: Establish and maintain strong internal controls, including segregation of duties, approval processes, and reconciliations, to prevent errors and fraud.
  • Regular Reconciliations: Perform regular reconciliations of accounts (e.g., bank statements, ledger accounts) to catch and correct discrepancies early.
  • Review and Approval Processes: Implement a system of review and approval where multiple levels of oversight are involved. For example, having a supervisor review work before finalization.
  • Documentation: Maintain thorough and accurate documentation for all transactions and financial statements. This helps in tracking and verifying entries and supports audits.
  • Audits: Conduct regular internal and external audits to ensure accuracy and compliance. Auditors can provide independent assessments and identify areas for improvement.
  • Ǫuality Assurance: Establish a quality assurance process where a dedicated team or individual reviews the work to ensure it meets quality standards.
What measures are in place to handle errors or discrepancies in financial reporting?
  • Automated Checks: Use accounting software with built-in error detection features, such as anomaly detection and reconciliation tools.
  • Regular Reconciliations: Frequently reconcile accounts, such as bank statements and ledgers, to identify discrepancies early.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Investigate the cause of errors to understand whether they are due to human error, system issues, or other factors.
  • Correction Entries: Make necessary correction entries in the accounting records to rectify the discrepancies.
  • Supervisor Review: Ensure that corrections and adjustments are reviewed and approved by a higher authority or another team member before finalizing.
  • Error Prevention: Educate staff on common errors and best practices for preventing them.
  • Adherence to Regulations: Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulations to minimize discrepancies and errors in reporting.
How do you maintain consistency and reliability in the accounting services provided?
  • Standardized Procedures: Implement and follow standardized operating procedures and accounting standards.
  • Train Staff: Provide regular training and professional development
  • Strengthen Internal Controls: Use segregation of duties and approval processes.
  • Use Reliable Technology: Employ reputable accounting software and integrate systems.
  • Document Everything: Maintain thorough and organized documentation
  • Implement Feedback Mechanisms: Track errors, analyze them, and make improvements.

Communication and Reporting

What reports and updates can we expect, and how frequently will they occur?

Financial Statements:

  • Balance Sheet: Typically prepared quarterly and annually.
  • Income Statement: Usually generated monthly, quarterly, and annually.
  • Cash Flow Statement: Generally reported monthly and annually.

Management Reports:

  • Monthly Financial Summary: Provides a snapshot of key financial metrics and performance.
  • Budget vs. Actual Reports: Often prepared monthly or quarterly to compare budgeted figures with actual performance.

Reconciliation Reports:

  • Bank Reconciliations: Typically completed monthly.
  • Account Reconciliations: Often performed monthly or quarterly for key accounts. (SOA)

Audit Reports:

  • Internal Audit Reports: Frequency depends on the audit schedule, usually annual or semi-annual.
  • External Audit Reports: Typically prepared annually following the end of the fiscal year.

Tax Reports:

  • Ǫuarterly Tax Estimates: Prepared and filed quarterly, depending on local tax regulations.
  • Annual Tax Returns: Filed once a year, typically after the end of the fiscal year.

Compliance Reports:

  • Regulatory Filings: Frequency varies by regulation, often quarterly or annually.
  • Statutory Reports: Usually filed as required by local regulations, often annually.

Special Reports: (Any other if requested by clients)

How do you address issues or concerns that arise during the outsourcing relationship?
  • Communicate Clearly: Report issues immediately and maintain open dialogue.
  • Document and Escalate: Record concerns and follow escalation procedures if needed.
  • Monitor and Review: Track performance and review service level agreements regularly.
  • Collaborate on Solutions: Work with the partner to resolve issues and implement corrective actions.
  • Adjust as Needed: Update contracts and processes based on feedback and performance.

Transition and data migration

How will the outsourced services integrate with our existing systems and processes?
  • Assessment: Evaluate the compatibility of the outsourced services with your current systems.
  • Planning: Develop a detailed integration plan outlining steps, timelines, and responsibilities.
  • System Integration: Ensure the outsourced service provider’s systems can seamlessly connect with your existing technology through APIs or data exchange methods.
  • Data Migration: Transfer relevant data between systems while ensuring accuracy and security.
  • Process Alignment: Align the outsourced services with your internal processes and workflows for consistency.
  • Testing: Conduct thorough testing to identify and resolve any integration issues before going live.
  • Monitoring: Continuously monitor the integration to address any issues and ensure smooth operation.
What support will be provided during the transition phase to ensure a smooth handover?
  • Transition Plan: A detailed plan outlining timelines, milestones, and responsibilities.
  • Dedicated Transition Team: A team from both sides to manage and oversee the transition process.
  • Knowledge Transfer: Comprehensive training sessions and documentation to familiarize your team with new processes and systems.
  • Technical Support: Ongoing technical assistance to address any system integration issues or concern.

Flexibility

How flexible are the outsourced services in terms of scope?
Outsourced accounting and tax services are typically flexible in scope, allowing for adjustments based on your needs. They can accommodate changes in volume, add or remove services, and adapt to evolving regulatory requirements or business needs.
Can the services be adjusted as our business needs change or grow?

Outsourced accounting and tax services can be adjusted to accommodate changes or growth in your business, including scaling up or down, adding new services, or adapting to evolving needs.

Performance and Accountability

What is the process for addressing any performance issues or dissatisfaction with the services?
  • Report Issues: Communicate concerns clearly and promptly to the service provider.
  • Review Contract: Check the service level agreement (SLA) for performance metrics and remedies.
  • Collaborate on Solutions: Work with the provider to identify and implement corrective actions.
  • Monitor Improvement: Track performance to ensure that issues are resolved.
  • Escalate if Needed: If unresolved, escalate to higher management or use formal dispute resolution processes.

Relationship and Support

Will we have a dedicated point of contact for our services?

Yes, typically, you will have a dedicated point of contact for your outsourced services. This individual or team will manage your account, address issues, and ensure smooth communication and service delivery.

How does the provider handle ongoing support and address any issues that arise?
  • Dedicated Support Team: Assigning a dedicated team or point of contact for continuous assistance.
  • Service Desk: Offering a support desk or helpdesk for reporting and tracking issues.
  • Regular Check-ins: Scheduling routine meetings or reviews to discuss performance and address concerns.
  • Issue Resolution Process: Implementing a structured process for identifying, addressing, and resolving issues promptly.
  • Feedback Mechanism: Providing channels for feedback and continuous improvement based on client input.

Still have a Question?

If you can’t find the answer in our FAQs, simply fill out our contact form and we’ll get back to you with an answer.

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