Dubai, UAE: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the global body for professional accountants, has launched its new UAE Tax and Regulation certificate course.  Supporting the UAE government’s vision of developing a sound economy with a healthy tax ecosystem, the certificate is aimed to equip finance professionals during a transformative shift in the country.

The UAE Tax and Regulation Certificate course offers an introduction to local legislation related to the practice of the accounting and auditing profession in the emirates. This includes the rules of conduct and ethics of the profession, the corporate system, the tax system, and civil and criminal liability related to the practice of the profession. After completing the certificate, candidates will be able to fully comprehend the local and regional business environment and regulations, be aware of existing legislation related to indirect tax, VAT, direct tax, and tax administration, and understand how to apply UAE anti-avoidance and anti-corruption legislation.

Fazeela Gopalani, Head of ACCA Middle East, said: "The Tax and Regulation certificate we're launching aims to empower finance professionals with the capability to deal with the UAE's transition into the realm of the tax economy. Collaborating closely with the UAE government and local accountancy entities, it is part of our purpose and mandate to create practical tools and valuable insights that will enhance the accountancy profession and the ability of those who practice it to adapt to a dynamic and swiftly changing landscape."

Addressing Talent Gap

 As UAE businesses and organisations grapple with the huge implications of the recently-implemented corporate tax, in-house talent may not be enough, with the new laws demanding a level of complexity in financial understanding that has previously not been required or taught. Tax is its own specialist area, and payroll managers, finance managers, and the likes need to be fully up to speed with the new regulations.

The figures speak for themselves: the demand for tax professionals in the UAE grew by 40% in 2021 and the figures were similar in 2022.

Fazeela added: “As the number of businesses in the UAE grows steadily, the demand for skilled, competent finance professionals is growing in tandem. Many of the traditional skills are being replaced with a demand for accountants who understand the latest digital technology and how it can be harnessed, AI, the ability to network across cultures and countries and be effective communicators as well as the ability to paint a picture of the business to the board that goes beyond numbers. And the latest demand is to have an understanding of tax.”

The certificate is structured in an accessible and user-friendly way that underlines key information and provides useful summaries and is designed for qualified accountants and auditors with an educational or vocational background in auditing. It provides topic-by-topic exploration of specific articles, laws, and decrees. There are a number of knowledge checks in each module to test the knowledge as the candidate progresses through the course. The course is updated regularly to make sure it stays relevant.   

For more information about the new tax certificate, please visit ACCA’s official website at https://www.accaglobal.com/middle-east/en.html.

Media Contacts – Middle East:

Jola Chudy | jola@jolachudy.net 

Sheila Tobias | sheila@jolachudy.net 

About ACCA

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants.

We’re a thriving global community of 241,000 members and 542,000 future members based in 178 countries and regions, who work across a wide range of sectors and industries. We uphold the highest professional and ethical values.

We offer everyone everywhere the opportunity to experience a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management. Our qualifications and learning opportunities develop strategic business leaders, forward-thinking professionals with the financial, business and digital expertise essential for the creation of sustainable organizations and flourishing societies.

Since 1904, being a force for public good has been embedded in our purpose. In December 2020, we made commitments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals which we are measuring and will report on in our annual integrated report.

We believe that accountancy is a cornerstone profession of society and is vital helping economies, organizations and individuals to grow and prosper. It does this by creating robust trusted financial and business management, combating corruption, ensuring organizations are managed ethically, driving sustainability, and providing rewarding career opportunities.

And through our cutting-edge research, we lead the profession by answering today’s questions and preparing for the future. We’re a not-for-profit organization. Find out more at accaglobal.com