Sector Expertise

Construction

The UAE construction sector runs on long-duration, multi-milestone contracts where cash, revenue and tax rarely move in the same direction. That timing mismatch is exactly where the accounting function tends to break.

9% Corporate Tax
5% VAT Rate
5–10yr Record Retention

What we handle for you

  • WIP & percentage-of-completion accounting
  • Retention money — VAT & CT timing
  • Variation orders, claims & back-charges
  • Site payroll & accurate job costing
  • Fixed-asset registers & depreciation
  • IFRS 15 compliance & audit readiness
  • Transfer pricing & ESR filings
About the Sector

What makes Construction different

Few industries place as much strain on a finance function as construction. Projects span years, cash moves independently of revenue, and the regulatory obligations stack up at every billing milestone.

Long-Duration, Multi-Milestone Contracts

Construction contracts routinely run 18 months to five years, with revenue recognised progressively under IFRS 15.

Revenue, Cash & Tax Move at Different Speeds

Revenue recognition, VAT timing and cash collections rarely align neatly in construction projects.

UAE-Specific Regulatory Load

Contractors must comply with VAT, Corporate Tax, ESR, transfer pricing and long-term record retention.

Fragmented Supply Chain & Sub-Contractor Risk

Multiple vendors, subcontractors and contract changes create constant reconciliation pressure.

Common Challenges

Where the books actually hurt

Five accounting bottlenecks that consistently cost UAE construction businesses money and visibility.

01

WIP & Percentage-of-Completion Accounting

Most contractors still rely on rough cost estimates, creating unreliable WIP schedules and inaccurate financial reporting.

02

Retention Money — Timing & Classification

Retention balances often create VAT, CT and receivable classification inconsistencies across projects.

03

Variation Orders & Back-Charges

VO approvals and subcontractor disputes distort both profitability and contract asset reporting.

04

Site Payroll & Job Costing

Labour costs are rarely tagged correctly to projects, making accurate contract margins impossible.

05

Fixed Assets & Depreciation

Equipment and plant registers often fail to reflect operational reality across active sites.

Our Services

How Map My Books fixes it

A complete accounting, tax and advisory function built around the way construction businesses actually work.

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Monthly WIP schedules, contract accounting and project-based reporting aligned with IFRS 15.

VAT & Corporate Tax

Proper VAT timing, tax invoice compliance and CT treatment for construction contracts.

Audit & Assurance

Audit-ready financial statements and documentation that withstand scrutiny.

Advisory & CFO Services

Cash-flow forecasting, profitability tracking and operational finance support.

Speak to a sector specialist

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