A Guide to Building a Successful Career in Accounting & Taxation in the UAE

Are you planning to build a career in accounting & taxation in the UAE, but don’t know where to start? The UAE’s fast-paced and dynamic financial landscape offers incredible job opportunities to accounting and taxation professionals. However, most people aren’t aware that securing a promising role in the UAE requires the right course and strategic planning. Without proper guidance and knowledge, you could miss an opportunity in the UAE’s competitive market.

Why Choose a Career in Accounting & Taxation in the UAE?

The UAE’s economy is largely divided across industries, such as logistics, real estate, tourism, oil & gas refineries, healthcare and e-commerce. Each of these sectors heavily relies on foreign accounting and taxation professionals to ensure their business aligns with the UAE’s accounting and taxation regulatory compliance. This enables finance professionals to leverage benefits from:

• A growing number of foreign companies
• Growing demand for accounting and tax specialists
• High earning potential and tax-free salary
• Global recognition and career growth
• Diverse industry opportunities

Companies in the UAE often prioritise candidates who are well-versed in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), UAE financial regulations, VAT laws and corporate tax laws.

Here is a list of job roles offered in the UAE and their expected salaries.

Getting Hired for an Accounting & Taxation Job in the UAE

Whether you are a fresher planning to start a career in accounting or an experienced professional looking for career growth, this guide will help you secure your dream accountant position in the UAE.

#1 Acquire Essential Qualifications

Your journey to create an accounting career in the UAE starts with the right qualifications. The UAE employers usually prefer candidates with an academic background in commerce and finance. A bachelor’s degree in commerce, accounting, finance, or business administration can help you acquire a fundamental understanding of accounting principles, auditing basics, financial reporting, and tax concepts.

To further strengthen your portfolio and significantly enhance your employability and earning potential, you can opt to pursue a Master’s degree in accounting or business administration with finance as your core subject. Remember that a degree may not guarantee a job in the UAE, but it is a minimum requirement to kick-start your career in finance.

#2 Enrol in the UAE Accounting and Taxation Course

While a degree provides you with theoretical knowledge, it doesn’t necessarily include the practical application. Often, recruiters look for candidates who have working knowledge of UAE finance regulations and compliance. Enrolling in a specialised course that focuses on accounting and tax regulations of the UAE can help you bridge this gap and get noticed by recruiters.

Munimji, India’s number one vocational institute offers specialised accounting and taxation courses for the UAE market. Our UAE accounting and taxation course combines theoretical knowledge with practical training on UAE accounting practices, VAT registrations, return filings, corporate tax calculations, and accounting software used in the UAE. Our course is ideal for both commerce students and professional accountants who are looking to enhance their technical skills and secure high-paying accounting jobs in the UAE

#3 Choose the Right Accounting or Taxation Career

Accounting and taxation in the UAE offer multiple job roles. These job roles are spread across various departments, such as financial accounting and reporting, VAT and corporate tax consultancy, payroll and compliance management, audit and assurance services, and account management and analysis. Choosing a specialised area of interest can help you in further learning and target specific job roles.

At Munimji, we understand that each specialisation comes with different challenges and responsibilities. Therefore, we not only offer comprehensive learning courses, but also help you choose the right specialisation based on your career goals, interests, academic background, industry demand and long-term growth opportunities. Selecting a niche early can help you stay focused during the course duration and build deeper expertise.

#4 Create a UAE-relevant Resume and Prepare for the Interviews

Having a strong resume is of the utmost importance when applying for jobs in the UAE. Even highly-skilled accountants miss an opportunity just because their resume doesn’t clearly mention their expertise, or if they are not well-prepared for technical interviews. Your resume should clearly highlight your experience in accounting, VAT, and corporate tax, as well as your proficiency in ERP systems.

Preparing for the interview is also equally important. Applying randomly in the UAE job market doesn’t work. Prepare to discuss VAT registration, VAT filing, bank reconciliations, and payroll processing. When you undertake Munimji’s UAE accounting and taxation course, we support you in creating a strong resume and enhancing interview readiness, ensuring your resume aligns with current UAE standards and employer expectations

#5 Grow Your Career with Continuous Learning

Building a successful career in accounting and taxation in the UAE doesn’t end at acquiring a job. Tax laws, tax regulations and compliance requirements evolve on a regular basis. It is essential to keep yourself updated with the latest concepts and regulations associated with accounting and taxation in order to stay relevant and grow into higher roles.

One way to upgrade your skills and knowledge is to undertake advanced courses on accounting and taxation at Munimji. Such courses can improve your eligibility for promotions and higher compensation, ensuring long-term career stability in the UAE.

Conclusion

Successfully acquiring a desired accounting and taxation job in the UAE requires a combination of the right certifications, market knowledge, and great technical skills. When you attend recorded or live sessions of UAE accounting and taxation courses at Munimji, we can help you go through the entire process smoothly, so you can position yourself for success in the dynamic UAE market. Get in touch with us today.

FAQs

I am a fresher; can I apply for accounting jobs in the UAE?

Yes, absolutely. Even freshers can apply for jobs in the UAE if they have a strong understanding of accounting fundamentals, UAE VAT and corporate tax and have undergone practical training.

Is enrolling in an accounting and taxation course essential for UAE jobs?

Well, it is not mandatory, but highly recommended. As these courses offer UAE-relevant practical exposure, real-world studies, and software training, they increase your chances of getting hired by employers in the UAE.

How long does it take to build a career in UAE accounting and taxation?

With the right qualifications, professional courses, and hands-on experience, individuals can become job-ready in just a few months. Continuous learning is a key to long-term career success in the UAE.

Can Indian commerce graduates apply for accounting and taxation roles in the UAE?

Yes. Indian commerce students with strong UAE accounting and taxation knowledge, training, and software skills can build rewarding careers in the UAE.

Can I transition from accounting roles to taxation roles in the UAE?

Yes, by undertaking a short-term UAE taxation course that includes in-depth VAT and corporate tax knowledge, you can smoothly transition to taxation roles.