Accounting service costs in Dubai & UAE vary significantly based on several factors, including the size of the business, the complexity of the services required, and whether the services are outsourced or handled in-house. The accounting services cost in Dubai varies from one provider to another. In fact, these variances are very common in terms of scope, complexity, and scale. The firms charge for transaction volume, regulatory requirements, service level, and even advisory depth. The analysis of SSCOGLOBAL shows that by structuring costs according to these four drivers, the business leaders could budget accurately enough to select the right partner for the company.
Situation Overview
With the ever-evolving tax regulations and compliance conditions, accurate financial record keeping has become a prerequisite for any organization contemplating doing business in Dubai. Routine bookkeeping and strategic accounting advisory services must be obtained by organizations to ensure that their operations are transparent and have the required capacity to grow. In the face of Value-Added Tax, Economic Substance Regulations as well as Ultimate Beneficial Owner filings, knowing the cost of accounting services in Dubai becomes crucial, especially in terms of budgeting and deciding on vendors. The market features all kinds of players, from small local firms to the Big Four, each varying in the mix of services offered and pricing.
Key Cost Drivers
First, transaction volume drives cost: the number of invoices, receipts, and payroll entries determines processing time and resource allocation. Second, regulatory complexity affects VAT registration and quarterly filing compliance, and free-zone entities often bear additional reporting requirements. Third, the level of service influences fees: simple monthly reporting does not equate to a real-time dashboard, and on-demand CFO support is not the same as a standard monthly close. Finally, accounting advisory commands the highest rates, as strategic insights such as cash-flow modeling, growth financing, or M&A scenario planning require senior expertise. These four MECE drivers account for the bulk of the variance in accounting services costs in Dubai.
Pricing Models in Dubai
| Model | Description | Typical Range (AED/month) |
| Fixed Fee | A package of defined deliverables (for example, bookkeeping plus VAT filings) | 1,500–5,000 |
| Hourly Rate | Charged per hour of work performed | 200–600 |
| Retainer + Variable | A base fee plus per‑transaction or per‑hour add‑ons | 1,000 + 50 per invoice |
Fixed‑fee arrangements suit businesses with predictable volumes because they lock in a set cost for a defined scope. Hourly‑rate structures benefit organizations with irregular workloads, since they pay only for time spent. Retainer‑plus‑variable models combine stability with flexibility by charging a baseline fee and applying per‑transaction or per‑hour surcharges.
Cost Ranges by Company Size
Micro‑businesses with one to five employees generally spend between AED 1,500 and AED 2,500 per month for basic bookkeeping and VAT compliance, and they pay AED 750 to AED 1,500 per hour for limited accounting advisory. Small enterprises employing six to twenty staff typically allocate AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 monthly for enhanced reporting and payroll services, and they incur AED 1,000 to AED 2,000 per hour for strategic advisory. Medium‑sized firms with twenty‑one to one hundred employees often invest AED 5,000 to AED 12,000 per month for a full accounting suite, while CFO‑level accounting advisory commands AED 2,000 to AED 3,500 per hour. Large organizations with over one hundred employees require customized enterprise solutions priced above AED 12,000 per month, often supplemented by a dedicated advisory team under a retainer agreement.
Deep Dive into Routine Services
Bookkeeping & Reporting
Bookkeeping and reporting encompass the recording of daily transactions on a monthly or quarterly basis, and the cost is driven directly by transaction volume since a higher volume of entries demands more processing resources.
VAT Compliance
VAT compliance includes preparing VAT returns, maintaining ledgers, and submitting filings by the end of the month following each quarter; costs vary according to the number of VAT schemes a business operates and the complexity of cross‑border sale
Accounting Advisory
Accounting advisory goes beyond data entry to deliver strategic value. It covers cash‑flow modelling for 12–24 months ahead, budget variance analysis both month‑on‑month and under alternative scenarios, funding‑support services such as preparing financial packs for lenders or investors, and M&A readiness tasks like due‑diligence reports and synergy assessments. Clients who invest in robust accounting advisory often achieve faster decision‑making and improved capital efficiency, justifying the premium fees for senior‑level expertise.
Benchmarking Against the Big Four
| Service | Big Four Range (AED) |
| VAT Filing Package | 4,000–7,500/mo |
| Monthly Reporting | 6,000–12,000/mo |
| Advisory Hourly | 3,000–6,000/hr |
While SS&Co Global offers competitive pricing with tailored services, the Big Four bring a global brand presence but command significantly higher fees.
Cost Optimization Strategies
Outsourcing selectively can reduce headcount by delegating high‑volume data entry while retaining core accounting advisory in‑house or under a premium retainer. Automating routine tasks through cloud accounting platforms and AI‑driven invoice capture lowers manual effort and error rates. Bundling services, such as bookkeeping, payroll, and VAT, enables clients to negotiate package deals and secure volume discounts through multi‑year commitments.
SS&Co’s Value Proposition
SS&Co Global combines local expertise with streamlined processes. Our transparent pricing ensures clear fixed‑fee packages without hidden transaction surcharges. Our tech‑forward approach leverages automated bookkeeping to reduce manual errors and provides real‑time dashboards for immediate insights. Integrated advisory is embedded in every offering, with a dedicated senior consultant available for strategy sessions.
Action Plan for Prospective Clients
First, assess your current spending by gathering existing invoices, expense reports, and advisory bills. Second, define your service needs by listing required tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, and accounting advisory. Third, request proposals from three to five firms, including SS&Co Global. Fourth, compare cost versus value by evaluating fees in light of service depth. Finally, engage in a three‑month pilot and refine the scope based on your experience.
Conclusion
Accounting services cost in Dubai depends on transaction volume, regulatory complexity, service level, and accounting advisory depth. Pricing models range from fixed‑fee and hourly‑rate to retainer‑plus‑variable structures, and costs vary by company size. SS &Co delivers competitive, transparent packages that combine efficient routine services with premium accounting advisory. By following a structured vendor‑selection process, businesses can optimize costs and gain strategic financial insights.
For a customized quote on accounting services cost in Dubai and to explore our accounting advisory solutions, contact SSCO GLOBAL today.
