To become the most significant in the Middle East, the Saudi economy is undergoing total transformations as suggested by Vision 2030 aimed at cutting this country's dependence on oil. Oil and gas remain one of the main sectors whose value is still to reach a high percentage of around 90 percent in government revenue. However, progress continues to be in tourism, entertainment, renewable energy, and technology. Increasing importance is being placed on the measures of regulation changes to support small and medium-sized businesses and introduce foreign direct investment. Such recent developments include changes in labor laws towards bettering the rights of workers, changes in corporate taxation, and VAT changes. In this evolving context, the importance of accounting and bookkeeping services cannot be overstated, as they are essential for businesses to navigate regulations, manage financial performance, and support sustainable growth.
Accounting and bookkeeping are essential for businesses in Saudi Arabia to ensure regulatory compliance, including Zakat, VAT, and electronic invoicing (supported by FATOORAH and ZATCA). Proper financial records aid strategic decision-making, improve operational efficiency, facilitate audits, reduce penalties, and ensure the smooth running of businesses. The proper adoption of IFRS in Saudi Arabia instills investor confidence in foreign investments and supports business expansion. Well-managed financial systems, therefore, control cash flow, reduce fraud risks, and optimize tax obligations, contributing to business sustainability and growth.
Accounting is taking the raw financial data recorded through bookkeeping and turning it into useful insights. It involves creating reports and projections to help businesses make smart decisions, manage their money, and follow tax regulations. It provides businesses with a clear understanding of their financial health, identifying trends and areas for improvement. It also supports strategic planning by offering valuable forecasts and scenarios that guide long-term growth and investment decisions. Accounting helps businesses understand their finances and plan for the future.
Bookkeeping is the backbone of a business’s financial system. It involves handling day-to-day tasks like recording sales, purchases, and payments, ensuring everything is accurate. Managing invoices and balancing accounts, bookkeeping keeps the financial details organized so accountants can step in later to analyze the bigger picture. It provides businesses with a clear overview of cash flow, allowing them to identify potential issues before they become significant problems. Effective bookkeeping facilitates timely tax preparation and compliance, reducing the risk of penalties and ensuring that businesses meet their regulatory obligations. Bookkeeping ensures the business’s financial records are in order, enabling smart financial decisions.
Accounting and bookkeeping practices in Saudi Arabia are managed by a system of standards and regulations whose purpose is to ensure accuracy, transparency, and accountability in the reporting of financial information. The standards are set by the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA). The influence behind such local standards comes from International Financial Reporting Standards. This provides a framework for preparing financial statements, thus keeping the chain of reliability and consistency in reporting.
Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority (ZATCA) requirements play a crucial role in collecting Zakat and various taxes to ensure that all businesses fulfill their financial responsibilities; failing to comply can result in heavy penalties. For this reason, companies need to maintain accurate records and submit their returns on time.
Saudi Arabia has implemented International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to improve the quality and consistency of its financial reporting. This shift helps local businesses to become more aligned with global practices hence easily attracting foreign investments and competition in the international market.
With the introduction of VAT in Saudi Arabia in 2018, businesses must charge VAT on their sales and pay it to the government. This requirement affects accounting services by strong systems to ensure adherence to regulations. Accurate accounting is crucial for tracking VAT on sales and purchases, filing returns, and meeting ZATCA regulations.
Accounting firms are vital to business activities in Saudi Arabia and provide simple services to businesses of all sizes and magnitudes. They offer a wide range of different expertise and support to help companies handle complex financial regulations, optimize operations, and attain financial goals. Additionally, accounting firms can facilitate a business organization in improving their financial reporting, lowering tax liabilities, and managing their risk exposure. Finally, a business will benefit from partnering with a reputable accounting firm by gaining insights and guidance that will serve as necessary elements in making well-informed business decisions for the growth and development of their companies.
Saudi Arabia is home to some prominent accounting firms, both local and international. Some of the major players in the market include
Reyson Badger: Reyson Badger is a highly respected accounting firm in Saudi Arabia, known for its comprehensive range of services and personalized approach. The firm specializes in tax advisory, audit and assurance, Zakat accounting, and international tax consultancy
Contact Details:
Phone Number: +966 56 181 5943
E-Mail ID: Ksa@reyson.ae
Ernst & Young (EY): A global leader in professional services, EY offers a comprehensive range of accounting, tax, and advisory services to clients in Saudi Arabia.
Contact Details:
Phone Number: +966 11 215 9898
Location: Al Faisaliah Office Tower - 14th Floor, King Fahad Road, PO Box 2732, Saudi Arabia
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC): Another global accounting firm with a strong presence in Saudi Arabia, PwC provides audit, tax, and consulting services to a diverse range of clients.
Contact Details:
Phone Number: +966 (11) 211 0400
Location: Kingdom Tower - 21st, 24th & 56th floors, King Fahd Highway, Riyadh 11414, Saudi Arabia
Deloitte: A multinational professional services firm, Deloitte offers a wide range of services, including audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory.
Contact Details:
Phone Number: +966 (0) 11 282 8400
Location: Al Waha Building, Prince Turki Bin Abdullah-Saud Street, Sulaimaniya Area213
KPMG: A global network of professional firms, KPMG provides audit, tax, and advisory services to clients in Saudi Arabia.
Contact Details:
Phone Number: +966 11 874 8500
Location: KPMG Tower, Roshan Front Airport Road, P.O.Box 92876
Local accounting firms: In addition to international firms, there are also several reputable local accounting firms operating in Saudi Arabia, offering specialized services to clients within the domestic market.
Reyson Badger is a trusted choice for your accounting and bookkeeping services in Saudi Arabia. With a deep understanding of local regulations and the specific challenges faced by businesses in the region, we provide comprehensive financial solutions. Our top auditing services ensure accurate and reliable financial reporting, helping you maintain compliance and make informed business decisions. With a proven track record of success, we identify and reduce risks, safeguarding your financial health. Our tailored services are designed to meet your unique needs, ensuring that our recommendations align with your business objectives and operational goals. Regular accounting and bookkeeping audits are essential for maintaining financial stability and detecting potential issues early on. We help you achieve long-term success in the Saudi Arabian market by monitoring your financial performance and ensuring compliance.