Key Aspects of Statutory Audit in the UAE:
Mandated by Law:
- Companies operating in the UAE must conduct statutory audits, particularly those registered under the Commercial Companies Law (Federal Law No. 32 of 2021).
- The requirement also applies to entities in free zones, although the specific audit obligations may vary based on the free zone authority
Purpose and Goals:
- Accounting companies in UAE confirm that the financial statements accurately reflect the company's financial status
- Assess adherence to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
- Accountants and auditors in Dubai detect any possible fraud or inaccuracies in the financial documentation
Entities Requiring a Statutory Audit
Entities requiring a statutory audit in the UAE include LLCs (Limited Liability Companies), Public Joint Stock Companies (PJSCs), and businesses operating in free zones like DMCC, DIFC, DAFZA, JAFZA, etc.
In addition, branches of foreign companies may also be subject to statutory audits, depending on their legal and operational setup. Auditing companies in the UAE ensure that these entities comply with financial reporting regulations.
Responsibilities of a Certified Auditor
- The audit should be performed by an auditor licensed and registered with the UAE Ministry of Economy or the appropriate free zone authority, such as DMCC approved auditors, DIFC approved auditors, DAFZA approved auditors, JAFZA approved auditors, and many more.
- The auditor is responsible for preparing a report that presents their conclusions and assessments of the financial statements.
Importance of Assistance for Statutory Audits
Assistance with statutory audits is crucial for businesses to ensure trust and credibility among investors, shareholders, and stakeholders. By utilizing professional accounting services in UAE, companies can enhance their financial transparency and compliance with regulations. This process not only strengthens stakeholder confidence but also helps detect and address any potential discrepancies or irregularities in financial records. Our team also provides assistance to help businesses improve their financial strategies while ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. By partnering with Excellence, companies not only fulfill their audit obligations but also gain valuable insights into improving their overall financial health.
Failing to conduct a statutory audit or submit audited financial statements can lead to severe consequences such as fines, penalties, or even the suspension of business operations. To mitigate these challenges, your business can seek help from reputable auditing companies or accounting and bookkeeping companies in UAE to ensure that your business stays compliant and avoids costly legal repercussions.
How Can Excellence Help?
Excellence can assist businesses with the compliance of statutory audits in the UAE. Here's how we can help:
- Knowledge of UAE Laws: Excellence is well-versed with UAE statutory audit requirements, including compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 32 of 2021 (UAE Commercial Companies Law) and sector-specific regulations like those for free zones (e.g., DMCC, DIFC).
- GAAP and IFRS Compliance: Excellence ensures that the financial statements abide by the generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) or, as required in the UAE.
Preparation of Financial Statements
At Excellence, we play a key role in maintaining up-to-date and accurate accounting records, ensuring that all financial transactions are adequately documented. As part of our accounting services in UAE, we assist businesses in generating essential financial reports such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Our services are designed to adhere to legal and regulatory requirements, supporting businesses across different industries in maintaining transparency and compliance.
Coordination with Auditors
We act as a liaison between businesses and statutory auditors, facilitating clear communication and providing clarification on accounting entries, business transactions, and compliance issues. As part of our accounting services in UAE, we also offer audit support, providing explanations and additional evidence required by auditors to complete their review efficiently.