Logistics and Freight Forwarding Accounting in Dubai, UAE

As a premier global trade and logistics hub, Dubai presents immense opportunities for logistics and freight forwarding companies. However, this dynamic environment also brings complex financial challenges, from navigating multi-currency transactions and cross-border VAT regulations to managing fleet and warehouse assets. Reliable and specialized accounting is crucial for survival and growth.

Oncount is a leading accounting and advisory firm in the UAE, offering structured, compliant financial services tailored to logistics companies operating in Dubai and key free zones such as JAFZA and Dubai South. We provide the accuracy, compliance, and strategic insight needed to meet all UAE Corporate Tax requirements and drive profitability.

Request for free consultation

Start with a free 35-minute expert session

Thank you — your answers have been submitted.
Our team will review your inputs and get in touch shortly.

Usually within 1 business day via email or WhatsApp

Comprehensive Accounting Solutions for the Logistics Sector

To successfully manage the unique accounting needs of the logistics industry, a comprehensive approach is essential. A top accounting firm provides end-to-end financial management, moving beyond basic data entry to offer strategic guidance. Oncount’s services for logistics and freight forwarding companies are designed to maintain organized finances, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver the insights needed for smarter business decisions.

Our comprehensive support includes:

Specialized Daily Bookkeeping: Capturing complex transactions specific to freight, including revenue recognition for shipments in transit, handling pass-through costs like duties and taxes, and managing multi-currency accounts.
Accounts Payable and Receivable Management: Efficiently processing carrier invoices, managing customer billing for freight and ancillary services, and optimizing cash flow in a transaction-heavy environment.
Payroll Management: Handling payroll for a diverse workforce, including drivers, warehouse staff, and administrative personnel, while ensuring compliance with the UAE’s Wage Protection System (WPS).
Financial Statement Preparation: Creating accurate monthly and annual financial statements (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow) that provide a clear view of your company’s financial health and operational performance.
VAT and Corporate Tax Filing and Planning: Expertly managing VAT on local and international transportation services and preparing for UAE Corporate Tax with strategic tax optimization and compliant filing.
Budgeting and Forecasting: Assisting in the development of detailed budgets and financial forecasts to help manage costs, plan for capital expenditures, and drive strategic growth.
Inventory and Asset Accounting: Implementing robust systems for tracking warehouse inventory and managing the depreciation and maintenance costs of your fleet and other significant assets.
Technology Integration: Integrating your accounting software with operational systems like Transport Management Systems (TMS) or Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) to ensure seamless data flow and improve accuracy.

Benefits of Specialized Logistics Accounting Firms

Choosing a firm that specializes in logistics and transportation offers a significant competitive advantage over a general accountant. Their industry-specific experience allows them to provide more effective support.

Deep Industry Knowledge: A specialized firm understands the nuances of the logistics sector, including incoterms, customs duties, freight revenue recognition, and the financial impact of supply chain disruptions.
Enhanced Cost Analysis: They can implement job costing systems to track the profitability of each shipment, lane, or client, providing crucial insight to optimize pricing strategy and operations.
Navigating Complex Tax Rules: Expert guidance on the specific application of VAT to local and international freight forwarding services is crucial for ensuring compliance and avoiding penalties. They also provide strategic tax optimization for UAE Corporate Tax.
Improved Operational Efficiency: By integrating financial systems with operational tools (TMS/WMS), they help streamline workflows, reduce manual data entry, and provide real-time financial data for better decision-making.
Strategic Financial Guidance: Beyond bookkeeping, a specialized consultant offers advisory on fleet financing, warehouse investment, and managing the financial risks associated with global trade.

Steps for Setting Up Logistics Accounting in Dubai

Establishing a robust accounting framework is a foundational step for any logistics business in the UAE. Oncount guides you through this crucial process:

Business Structure Review

We analyze your trade license (mainland, JAFZA, Dubai South, etc.) to determine the specific accounting and tax regulations that apply to your operation.

Select and Configure Accounting Software

We help you choose a powerful accounting tool (like Zoho or Xero) and configure it for logistics, including custom charts of accounts.

Integrate Operational Systems

We assist in linking your accounting software with your Transport Management System (TMS) or Warehouse Management System (WMS) for automated data flow.

Establish Job Costing Procedures

We design and implement a system to track revenue and direct costs for each shipment or job, enabling accurate profitability analysis.

VAT Registration and Setup

We manage the VAT registration process and configure your systems to correctly handle the complex VAT rules for local and international freight.

Corporate Tax Preparation

We ensure your accounting setup is fully compliant with the requirements of the UAE Corporate Tax law from day one.

Fixed Asset Register Creation

We create a detailed register for your fleet, warehouse equipment, and other major assets to properly manage depreciation and asset lifecycle.

Implement Reporting Workflows

We establish clear monthly workflows for bookkeeping, bank reconciliation, and the preparation of management reports with industry-specific KPIs.

Legal Requirements in the UAE: Why Accurate Accounting is Crucial for Businesses

For logistics companies in Dubai, maintaining accurate financial records is a non-negotiable legal requirement. Proper accounting is essential for tax compliance, operational licensing, and demonstrating financial stability to partners and authorities.

Mandatory Record-Keeping: The UAE Commercial Companies Law mandates that all businesses must maintain accurate accounting records for at least five years.
Tax Compliance: The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) requires precise bookkeeping for both VAT and Corporate Tax. Inaccurate records can lead to significant fines and legal issues.
Operational Licensing: Authorities like the RTA or free zone administrations may require financial statements for license renewals.
Financial Credibility: Well-maintained financial reports are crucial for securing trade finance, loans for fleet expansion, or attracting investment to fuel growth.

Applicable Laws & Resolutions

Federal Decree-Law No. (47) of 2022 on the Taxation of Corporations and Businesses
Cabinet Decision No. (52) of 2017 on the Executive Regulations of the Federal Decree-Law No. (8) of 2017 on Value Added Tax (including articles on transportation services)
Recordkeeping requirements from the Federal Tax Authority (FTA)

Risk & Penalty Mitigation

Non-compliance with UAE tax and accounting laws can result in severe financial penalties. Oncount’s expert service helps you mitigate these risks.

Fines for Incorrect Tax Filing: Avoid penalties related to the incorrect application of VAT on international freight services or errors in Corporate Tax returns.
Loss of Tax Benefits: We ensure accurate classification of expenses to maximize deductions under Corporate Tax and properly claim recoverable input VAT.
Proactive Compliance Management: Our firm uses compliance dashboards, automated alerts for tax deadlines, and secure data backup systems to ensure your financial obligations are always met on time.

About Oncount: Top Logistics Accounting Firm in UAE

Oncount is a premier UAE-based accounting and regulatory consulting firm with specialized experience in the logistics and freight forwarding sector. Our services are meticulously aligned with FTA mandates and international financial reporting standards, providing the financial clarity and strategic support needed to thrive in Dubai’s competitive market.

8+ Years of Local Experience, 320+ Clients Served

Multilingual Service: Our professional team provides expert accounting services in English, Arabic, and Russian to support diverse clients.
Full Regulatory Adherence: Deep expertise across mainland, JAFZA, Dubai South, and other major logistics free zones.
Proven Industry Experience: Our client portfolio includes freight forwarders, 3PL providers, and distribution companies, demonstrating our ability to manage the sector’s unique accounting needs.

Clarity Over Routine: Professional Accountants and Consultants in Dubai

We deliver strategic financial partnership, not just routine data entry. Each client is assigned a dedicated manager for proactive guidance and seamless communication.

Structured Monthly Workflows: We implement clear workflows with deadline tracking for all accounting, tax, and compliance tasks.
Complex Planning and Support: Our consultants assist with complex financial planning, from cash flow management to budgeting for new assets.
Digital Communication and Reporting: We utilize secure digital platforms for all communication and provide investor-ready financial reports.

Why Choose Us for Logistics Accounting Services in Dubai

Oncount is a leading authority in logistics finance in the region. Our commitment to quality, technical precision, and structured delivery makes us the ideal accounting partner to help your business gain a competitive advantage.

Quality Control Process

Dual Document Reviews: A maker-checker process ensures every financial statement and tax return is reviewed for accuracy before submission.
Periodic Compliance Audits: We conduct internal audits of your financial records to ensure ongoing compliance with all relevant regulations.
SOP Alignment with Regulations: Our procedures are constantly updated to reflect the latest guidelines from the FTA and other authorities.

Legal and Technical Accuracy

Certified and Integrated Tools: We are experts in certified accounting tools like Zoho, Xero, and QuickBooks, with proven experience in integrating them with logistics management software (TMS/WMS).
Integrated Financial Workflows: We create seamless workflows that connect your core accounting functions with payroll, tax, and operational data.
Custom Tech Setup: We design a technology stack that is customized for the specific needs of your logistics or freight forwarding business.

Multilingual, Real-Time Support

4-Language Communication: Our team is fluent in English, Arabic, Hindi, and Russian.
SLA-Based Responses: We guarantee timely and professional support governed by a clear Service Level Agreement (SLA).
Cloud Access to Dashboards: Enjoy 24/7 secure access to your financial dashboards and compliance information via our cloud portal.

Outsourcing Logistics Accounting Services: The Smart Choice for Dubai Businesses

Outsourcing your accounting to a specialized firm allows you to focus your resources on your core operation: moving goods efficiently. Partnering with Oncount delivers significant strategic and financial benefits.

More Time for Core Growth: Free up your management team to focus on sales, operations, and client relationships instead of complex finance and compliance.
Lower Costs Than In-House Teams: Reduce the high overhead costs associated with hiring, training, and retaining a specialized in-house finance team.
Strategic Guidance from Experts: Gain a strategic partner who can provide valuable insight on profitability, cost control, and financial planning to drive business growth.
Significant Risk Reduction: Minimize the risk of costly penalties from incorrect tax filings or non-compliance with UAE regulations.
Real-Time Data for Decision-Making: Access accurate, up-to-the-minute financial data to make informed decisions about pricing, routes, and investments.
Full Legal and Compliance Alignment: Ensure your business is always aligned with the UAE’s evolving tax and commercial laws.

FAQ

About Logistics Accounting in Dubai

Book a Meeting

How is VAT applied to international freight forwarding services in the UAE?

The supply of international transportation services for goods is typically zero-rated for VAT, provided certain conditions and documentation requirements are met. However, local transportation and other ancillary services may be subject to the standard 5% VAT rate. Correctly distinguishing between these is crucial for compliance.

Why is job costing so important for a freight forwarder?

Job costing allows you to track all revenues and direct costs (carrier fees, customs, insurance) associated with a specific shipment. This provides precise profitability insight for each job, client, or shipping lane, which is essential for making strategic pricing and operational decisions.

How does the new UAE Corporate Tax affect logistics companies in Dubai?

Logistics and freight forwarding companies are subject to the 9% UAE Corporate Tax on their annual net profits exceeding AED 375,000. This makes the maintenance of accurate, audited financial records mandatory. A key area of focus is ensuring that all deductible expenses, such as fleet maintenance and fuel costs, are properly documented.

What are the key financial metrics a logistics business should track?

Beyond standard financial statements, a logistics business should monitor KPIs such as Gross Profit per Shipmentt, Revenue per Employee, Fleet Operating Costs as a Percentage of Revenue, and Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) to manage cash flow effectively.

Can you integrate my accounting software with my Transport Management System (TMS)?

Yes. Integrating tools such as Zoho or Xero with your TMS or WMS is a core part of our service. This automation streamlines data flow, reduces manual errors, and provides a real-time, accurate view of your financial operation.

How do you handle the accounting for fleet and warehouse assets?

We create and maintain a detailed fixed asset register to track your fleet, warehouse equipment, and other significant assets. We manage the depreciation schedules according to accounting standards, ensuring your balance sheet accurately reflects the value of your assets.

How can your advisory service help my logistics company grow?

Our advisory services extend beyond daily accounting. We provide strategic guidance on cash flow management, budgeting for expansion, financial modeling for fleet acquisition (lease vs. buy decisions), and developing a financial strategy to support sustainable business growth in the competitive UAE market.

Looking to take your business  to the next level? Our professional accounting team in Dubai is here  to help yousoar financially. We handle everything from detailed reports  to smart tax strategies, so you can focus on whatyou do best—growing your company.

Call us

+971 589 217 784

Join the Team

info@oncount.com

Visit us

The One Tower — 15th floor, office 14
Sheikh Zayed Road — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Get in Touch Today

Ready to see real growth? Reach out to our team for a free consultation.  We'll chat about your needs and show you exactly how our accounting services in Dubai can make a difference for your business.

Thank you — your answers have been submitted.
Our team will review your inputs and get in touch shortly.

Usually within 1 business day via email or WhatsApp