Top 10 Audit Firms in Abu Dhabi
Audit firms in Abu Dhabi play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and trust in the financial records of companies registered and operating within the Emirate. Auditing is one of the most important functions for businesses around the world because it shows that the companies are honest as well as reliable when disclosing their financial information to stakeholders. Whether you have just started your business or already operating a large company, the following top 10 audit firms in Abu Dhabi offer not only reliable auditing services to review and audit your financial statements but also a range of essential services like corporate tax, AML compliance, e-invoicing, accounting services, company formation, company liquidation, among others.
Tier 1: Big 4 Audit Firms in Abu Dhabi
1 – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
PwC is a well-known audit firm that works with businesses all over the world. They operate in over 150 countries and support both large corporations and smaller private companies. Their team has decades of experience, and they are reputable for handling audits, taxes, and business advisory. PwC is well known in helping businesses keep their financial records accurate and in line with the accounting standards, making them a reliable partner for a large number of corporations around the globe. Some of the very important highlights about PwC are as follows:
- Provides audit and assurance services to many of the fortune 500 companies
- Strong focus on IT, digital transformation and AI
- One of the very few firms providing quality ESG audit services
- More than 370,000 professionals around the world — highly skilled, well trained, and reliable
- Provides high quality training courses through PwC Academy
- Generally considered to be very expensive due to high fee
2 – Deloitte
Deloitte is known for its smart audit services and strong presence around the world. They provide reliable support to clients in areas like auditing, taxes, risk control, and financial advisory. Additionally, Deloitte has exceptional experience in managing audits of large businesses which makes it a reliable choice for the audits of big corporations. Deloitte is one of the leading audit firms who has published detailed list of International Accounting Standards and International Financial Reporting Standards to help not only audit professionals but also students pursuing their accounting qualifications. Moreover, these standards include detailed and comprehensive explanations with real-life examples to enhance understanding. Key highlights about Deloitte are as follows:
- Similar to PwC, Deloitte also provides a wide range of services to fortune 500 companies
- Deloitte employs over 450,000 professionals globally
- Well known for high quality internal audit, external audit, and M&A consulting services
- Serves a wide range of semi-government and government clients
- Strong focus on cybersecurity, AI, and ESG
- Maintains a high fee structure
3 – KPMG
KPMG is a trusted accounting firm in Abu Dhabi and across other states of the UAE, with a strong presence worldwide. They work in over 145 countries, offering audits, taxation, consulting, and other services all in one place. This makes things easier and more cost-effective for businesses. Their team has several years of experience and helps improve how companies handle and report their finances. Here are some key highlights about KPMG:
- KPMG has around 275,000 professionals working across its member firms worldwide
- Highly respected for quality audit, taxation, and advisory services
- Very well known for deal advisory, performance improvement, and business valuation among leading multinational companies
- Closely works with public institutions and government owned and controlled entities
- Strong focus on ESG and climate change
- Has a premium pricing model
4 – EY (Ernst & Young)
EY works with big companies to handle their audits in a highly professional way. They are currently operating in over 150 countries around the world with hundreds of offices providing auditing, mergers and acquisitions, feasibility studies, international taxation, and business restructuring services. Some important facts about EY are outlined below:
- Employees over 400,000 employees around the world
- Their clients include top-tier corporate giants as well as public listed companies
- Highly respected for world-class external and internal auditing, taxation, and business restructuring services
- EY invested around $1.4b to launch an AI platform called EY.AI
- Strong focus on women empowerment, technology, and automation
- Fee range is generally on a higher side
Tier 2 & 3: Mid-Tier and Local Audit Firms in Abu Dhabi
5 – BDO (Binder Dijker & Otte)
BDO is an international firm that provides audit services to large corporations and public companies. They cater to the needs of their clients and deliver audits that suit company of every size. With global experience and industry knowledge, BDO provides highly professional and reliable service to companies worldwide.
- BDO has over 115,000 employees working around the world
- The fee is on a higher side
- Most suited for big organizations due to the high fee and the level of quality these companies expect
- Core services include financial audits, business consulting, taxation, and business process outsourcing
- Actively supports sustainability, climate change, and advancement of women in leadership
- Upholds ethical standards, robust governance, and professionalism in all engagements
6 – Vertix Auditing
Vertix Auditing is one of the most reliable audit firms in Abu Dhabi, providing auditing services to corporations of all sizes. The firm’s fee structure is highly competitive, making its services accessible and affordable for startups,. SMEs, and large companies alike. Vertix’s audit team is highly qualified, many of whom holding international qualifications like ACCA, ICAEW, ICAP, and CPA. Their experience in handling audits matches the quality offered by Tier 1 and Tier 2 audit firms – but at a very reasonable audit fee. Moreover, Vertix Auditing also provides accounting and bookkeeping services, anti-money laundering consulting, VAT, corporate tax, mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring and business valuation services. Vertix has developed multiple free tools including Busienss Setup Cost Calculator, Business Valuation, Gratuity Calculator etc. which are widely used by thousands of companies operating inside and outside of the UAE. Listed below are key highlights about Vertix Auditing:
- Offers competitive fee compared to big four audit firms
- Widely used by small and medium-sized companies
- ISO certified audit firm in Abu Dhabi as well as all other Emirates of the UAE
- Known for external audits, internal audits, outsourced accounting, bookkeeping, and tax consultancy services
- Utilizes the latest audit tools and integrates AI into almost every audit and advisory assignment
- Ongoing training including forensic auditing, AI, accounting standards, M&A, and business advisory
7 – Grant Thornton
Grant Thornton is a trusted firm that helps businesses with tax, audit, business advisory, and accounting services. Their audit team is highly qualified, most of them holding international certifications like ICAEW, ACCA, CPA along with years of experience in professional auditing. Their clients including large private companies, listed companies, and government owned companies too. A few very important facts about Grant Thornton are as follows:
- Fee levels are moderate and not as high as big four
- Over 75,000 trained professionals serving companies around the world
- Several awards including technology & innovation award, firm of the year, and international business award
- Provides robust internal and external audit services
8 – Baker Tilly
Baker Tilly is another leading audit firm which is known for excellent services ranging from audit, tax, company formation, company liquidation, and mergers & acquisitions. They have skilled business advisory team to solve every type of problem businesses generally face. Their extensive experience makes them a suitable option for companies looking for a responsive audit partner. Listed below are some essential points about Baker Tilly:
- Baker Tilly’s fee structure is reasonable in most cases
- Main clients range from start-ups to mid-sized companies
- Employs over 30,000 professional consultants around the world
- Well known for quality audits and consulting engagements
9 – Crowe
Crowe is a large accounting firm with offices distributed throughout over 130 countries. They work with many well-known companies around the globe and provide trustworthy and reliable audit and business advisory services. Crowe is a Tier 2 company with clients ranging from small to listed companies. Crowe’s core competencies and key highlights are as follows:
- Crowe offers a moderate fee model to its clients
- Provides services primarily to medium to large organizations
- Employees receive regular in-house and external training programs
- Incorporates advanced technologies, including AI, to execute engagements
10 – HLB Hamt
HLB Hamt is an ISO-certified firm that works with mid-sized and large businesses around the world. They provide medium to high cost audit services while still keeping the quality high. Their team is known for being accurate, on time, and following all the necessary audit standards. This makes them a great choice for businesses that are expanding and need dependable support. The following are important points about HLB Hamt:
- HLB maintains an affordable and completive fee structure
- Well recognized by medium to large local and international corporations
- Core strengths lie in auditing and tax services
- Has various international awards including International Accounting Bulletin and International Accounting Forum Award
Disclaimer: The above is a general list of accounting firms Abu Dhabi. There are several other reputable firms that may or may not be included here and could be considered in future updates. While we have tried best to put together the list carefully, we encourage readers to conduct their own research before selecting a firm. We shall not be responsible for any dissatisfaction, loss, or damage arising from the use of any of the firms mentioned. One of the best ways to find local auditing firms is to search on Google using terms like “accounting firms near me” to identify firms near your location. Alternatively, you can search on local directories like GoodFirms or perform a quick online search for top audit firms in Abu Dhabi.