How to Size an Outsourced Bookkeeping Package in the UAE

An outsourced bookkeeping package should be sized by the work and control required, not by an arbitrary transaction number. The scope should reflect entities, accounts, sales channels, currencies, payroll coordination, VAT and Corporate Tax support, reporting cadence and the quality of records received.

Count the real workload Map sales invoices, purchases, bank accounts, payment gateways, payroll journals, inventory, expenses, branches, currencies, intercompany entries and manual adjustments. Include the time needed to chase missing evidence and resolve exceptions.

Define outputs and deadlines Specify reconciliations, close date, management accounts, ageing, VAT coordination, document storage, reporting pack, review meetings and escalation. State what is excluded, such as audit, legal advice, tax opinions or transaction support unless separately agreed.

Match systems to control Identify the accounting system, integrations, user roles, approval controls, source-document workflow, backups and reporting requirements. A low-fee package that leaves key reconciliations or evidence unresolved may create a higher management cost.

Reassess as the business changes Review the package when transaction volume, entities, funding, tax obligations, systems or reporting expectations change. The engagement should be defined in writing before work begins.