Accounting Technologies

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Accountants need to stay up to date with technological advances in order to respond to market conditions and their clients’ needs. Technological innovations have led the way, establishing how accounting is done nowadays. Digital resources and online tools help improve productivity and organization.

Now, we can find advanced technology to help streamline accounting processes and management of books of accounts.

How does technology impact accounting?

The biggest impact IT has made on accounting is enabling companies to develop and use computerized systems to track and record financial transactions. This system allows companies to create individual reports quickly and easily, enabling management to make decisions faster, using up-to-date information.

There are many applications of modern technology in accounting. Out of the many available options, in this blog we summarize the five types of accounting technologies that are currently transforming the accounting industry:

  1. Artificial Intelligence & Robotics

    In simple terms, Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer or a robot controlled by a computer to do tasks that are usually done by humans because they require human intelligence and discernment.

  2. Cloud Computing

    Cloud computing accounting software is accounting software that is hosted on remote servers. It provides accounting capabilities to businesses in a fashion similar to the SaaS (Software as a Service) business model. Data is sent into “the cloud“, where it is processed and returned to the user.

    A Simple Advantage
    This opens up a new way for accountants to work with their clients. Using cloud accounting, there is more time to engage with the client and focus on business strategy instead of getting burdened with detailed processes.

    Difference between Traditional Accounting and Cloud Computing?
    Traditional Accounting Software comes with initial infrastructure costs as well as maintenance costs of on-site software and hardware.

    Cloud computing, on the other hand, provides a software function without large upfront costs or licensing fees.

  3. Innovations in Tax Software

    An innovation is defined as the process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value or for which customers will pay. To be called an innovation, an idea must be replicable at an economical cost and must satisfy a specific need.

    Tax preparation software is an online, automated system for preparing individual and business income taxes. It’s used by both tax preparation businesses, like CPA’s(Certified Public Accountant), and individual taxpayers who prefer to do their own returns. It eliminates the need for the taxpayer to complete his or her return using actual forms.

    The tax software of today has helped improve accuracy while reducing margins of error – something businesses want to embrace in order to avoid tax penalties and prevent issues with stakeholders. Better tax software also helps streamline audits by making them more efficient and effective.

  4. Mobile Accounting

    Mobile accounting is the ability to access and process accounting information, which could be data, applications, etc. over devices that are not restricted by physical locations.

    Mobile accounting could mean different things to different people and businesses, so the first step in a successful rollout is defining what it means to you and your company. For example, consider who the users will be and what they will be using it for. Think about the different functions you’d want your mobile accounting and financial solution to cover.”

  5. Social Media

    Social media has become an essential tool for firms wanting to engage with current and potential clients while expanding their brand reach. Social media is a tool that will continue to evolve and provide accountants with a valuable sales and marketing platform that can instantly connect firms to current and future clients.

    Most accounting firms understand the importance of implementing traditional marketing into their overall business development plans, but many firms may not realize the power of integrating social media marketing into their long-term marketing strategies.

    Social media should be a part of a firm’s overall business development strategy, and if done consistently, will help amplify the effectiveness of all other marketing and business development efforts.

DMCC Launches Employee Protection Scheme

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Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), in collaboration with Dubai Insurance Company (DIC) have launched a new “Employee Protection Insurance (EPI) Programme” to provide more comprehensive benefits for all DMCC and member company employees. The said programme will offer increased protection for DMCC employees in the event their employers default on salaries, gratuity or repatriation cost.

Effective 19th May, 2020, Employee Insurance Scheme (EPI) programme will replace the bank guarantee requirements for every DMCC member’s employees during the submission of visa and permanent identity card related service request, with a certificate of insurance to be issued upon completion of the application.

To avail this benefit, as per DMCC notes:

  • All visa-related service requests saved as ‘Draft’ on the Member Portal will be cancelled on 19th May, 2020, therefore you will need to initiate a fresh service request
  • All visa-related service requests in progress on the Member Portal will go through the existing Bank Guarantee process
  • DMCC encourages you to renew your due employee visas to avail the benefits below:
    • The AED 3,000 bank guarantee will be refunded upon the renewal service request being approved and closed
    • The EPI for renewed employees will cover the following in case their employer defaults:
      • Unpaid salaries
      • Unpaid air ticket allowance
      • End of service payments.

Dubai South Announces Economic Stimulus Package

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To lighten the effects of the current situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the world due to the coronavirus, Dubai South Free Zone announced several economic stimulus incentives. The stimulus package is a part of the UAE Leadership’s vision to stimulate the economy and support different sectors of the business society so that Dubai will remain a sought-after business destination.

Dubai South joined other free zones and government departments in coming out with measures that will help individuals and companies during this challenging time and beyond. The stimulus package includes:

  • Flexible payment plans with easy instalment schemes
  • Waivers of penalties on late renewals and cancellation of contracts and licenses
  • 20% reduction on fees for license renewals [please confirm that this is what is meant by license fees renewals] for individuals and companies operating in Dubai South Free Zone
  • First year license fees for new customers in the aviation, logistics and E-commerce sectors and the Business Parks will be waived
  • Reduction of up to 25% on the renewal fees for Dubai South Business Centre customers renewing their contracts between now and October, 2020
  • Flexibility to settle annual rental fees in up to four instalments
  • Rental fees for individuals and companies looking to establish a new business will have a reduction of up to 25%
  • Opportunity to apply for a lease deferral request of up to six months for customers who operate in the Business Park Free Zone, which will be granted on a case-by-case basis.

The said incentive package complements the measures announced by the Government of Dubai and its ongoing efforts to reduce the cost of doing business in the Emirate and help the companies to maintain their resources and employees.

To know more about the Dubai South Free Zone stimulus package, please feel free to contact us at mail@affiniax.com.

E-commerce Business Setup in United Arab Emirates

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E-commerce means buying and selling of goods, products or services over the internet. E-commerce is also known as electronic commerce or internet commerce. These services are provided online over the internet. Transaction of money, funds and data are also considered to be E-commerce. While it is not new, this sector is growing rapidly across the world and creating new opportunities for businesses, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The current situation is further boosting the E-commerce sector in the UAE, as the behaviour of consumers is changing and social distancing is becoming the new norm, forcing businesses to transition to digital models in order to adapt. With the internet becoming an essential requirement of everyday life, many businesses are learning to take advantage of the numerous benefits of E-commerce, as it shifts from a luxury to a necessity.

Several Free Zones in the UAE offer E-commerce licenses with incredibly affordable options. However, there are several reasons aside from the cost to set up E-commerce operations in a UAE Free Zone. Some of them are:

  • Free Zones allow for 100% company ownership
  • Businesses can be started with relatively low capital investment
  • Free Zone businesses have no time barrier
  • No import duties on E-commerce license
  • 0% corporate and personal tax
  • Repatriation of capital and profits
  • Ease of opening bank accounts
  • Visa eligibility
  • Flexible office facility

E-commerce is a great way for businesses to interact with consumers internationally. It has become an important part of our society. It has also become more affordable for small businesses to use the world wide web to sell their products. E-commerce will continue to progress radically over the years as the number of internet users among businesses and consumers continues to grow.

E-commerce licenses can also be set-up with Dubai Economy- once you identify your requirements, you are good to go.

To know more about E-commerce license setup, please feel free to contact us at mail@affiniax.com.

GUIDELINES FOR DMCC MEMBER ENTITY OFFICES AS PER COMPANY REGULATIONS 2020

Corporate Services Provider Dubai, HR Consultancy in Dubai -Guidelines for DMCC Member Entity Offices as per Company Regulations 2020

In line with the new rules and regulations set out on 2nd January 2020, DMCC has introduced guidelines to define the roles and responsibilities of DMCC member entities, who are required to comply with the following changes.

Officer DesignationApplicable Rules
Director
  • Appointment of a Director is mandatory for all Companies except Branches entities.
  • There is no maximum limit to the number of Directors that a DMCC Company can appoint, but a minimum of one Director is required.
Manager
  • Appointment of a Manager is mandatory for DMCC member entities
Secretary
  • Appointment of a Secretary is now mandatory for all DMCC Member Entities except Branches. Branches have the option of appointing a Secretary if they wish to do so
  • Only one Secretary is allowed per DMCC Member entity.
Legal Representative
  • Appointment of a Legal Representative is no longer allowed for any DMCC member entity, but an Authorised Representative of the Company can be appointed with duly issued Power of Attorney.

DMCC Companies registered and licensed prior to the introduction of Company Regulations 2020, which has appointed a Legal Representative and has not appointed a Company Secretary, will have a maximum of twenty-four months to comply with the new rules.

The registered Legal Representative will have to resign, and if the Company wishes, it can issue a Power of Attorney to the Legal Representative in order to make him/her an Authorized Representative. A Company Secretary must be appointed in line with the new rules.

Branches established prior to the introduction of the new Company Regulations 2020, which have appointed a Director and Legal Representatives, will have to arrange for the removal of such Directors and Legal Representatives.

To know more about this, feel free to get in touch with one of our team members at mail@affiniax.com or call us at +971 4 425 6616.

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