In the heart of the UAE’s rapidly evolving business ecosystem, one entrepreneur has set out to transform how businesses perceive accounting—not just as a regulatory necessity but as a strategic growth enabler. Meet Wisam Khoury, the founder of Taccount, a dynamic financial consultancy redefining traditional accounting through a tech-driven, advisory-first approach. With decades of experience in financial services, Wisam launched Taccount to help startups and SMEs unlock value from their financial operations, going beyond the numbers to create meaningful, measurable business impact.

Founded in the UAE, Taccount is not your typical accounting firm. It is a full-spectrum financial advisory startup offering services that span bookkeeping, VAT compliance, U.S. tax advisory, trade finance and due diligence support. The firm is built on a strong foundation of reliability, local expertise and global perspective—making it a trusted partner for entrepreneurs navigating growth and complexity.

TFS: Wisam, thank you so much for joining us today. It’s a pleasure to sit down with the founder of one of the UAE’s most progressive accounting startups.

Wisam Khoury: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to share Taccount’s story and the journey we’ve had so far.

TFS: What inspired you to establish Taccount and what gap in the accounting landscape were you aiming to fill in the UAE market?

Wisam: The inspiration behind Taccount emerged from a real-world gap I observed while working across financial sectors in the UAE. Many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), were underserved when it came to meaningful financial guidance. Most accounting firms provided routine compliance work—VAT filings, bookkeeping and basic reporting—but rarely engaged as strategic partners.

I envisioned a firm that didn’t just report historical data, but one that could interpret that data, advise on next steps and become a growth enabler for entrepreneurs. Taccount was born out of this desire to go beyond traditional accounting. We wanted to create a platform where financial literacy, strategic insight and timely execution came together to serve a higher purpose. Our role is to help businesses not just stay compliant, but thrive in a competitive, ever-evolving economy.

TFS: How has your vision for Taccount evolved since its inception and what core values continue to drive your leadership today?

Wisam: When I first launched Taccount, my focus was narrow and specific: provide top-tier accounting services that were tailor-made for SMEs. Over time, however, we began attracting clients with more diverse needs, from expat entrepreneurs needing U.S. tax assistance to multinational firms looking for cross-border compliance strategies.

This broadened our vision significantly. Today, Taccount functions as a full-fledged financial advisory firm with multi-sector expertise and international reach. We support due diligence processes, offer trade finance advisory and help clients establish robust tax planning frameworks across borders.

Despite this expansion, our core values have remained consistent. Professionalism is paramount—we do not compromise on integrity or quality. Trust is the bedrock of our client relationships. Most importantly, we are committed to delivering measurable value. Our goal isn’t to sell services; it’s to solve problems and enable smart, sustainable business growth.

TFS: Can you share a key turning point or challenge in your entrepreneurial journey that significantly shaped the firm?

Wisam: One of the most defining challenges we faced was the implementation of Value Added Tax (VAT) in the UAE in 2018. It marked a seismic shift in how businesses managed their finances and compliance. Many were caught off guard, unsure how to adapt or what the regulations truly meant for their operations.

Taccount had to quickly pivot to become a trusted advisor during this transition. We conducted workshops, guided clients through system updates and restructured reporting mechanisms to meet the new VAT laws. That period taught us how to be agile, proactive and deeply client-centric. It also shaped our approach to regulatory preparedness. Today, staying ahead of change is not just an advantage—it’s a core pillar of our service delivery model.

TFS: Taccount emphasizes reliability and timeliness. How do you ensure your team consistently delivers on these standards for clients?

Wisam: At Taccount, we treat reliability and timeliness not as buzzwords, but as operational mandates. From the moment someone joins our team, they are immersed in a performance-driven culture that values precision, responsibility and client satisfaction.

We implement meticulous internal processes—including checklists, deadline tracking and layered review mechanisms—to ensure work is always completed on schedule and with high accuracy. Moreover, we invest heavily in technology. Cloud accounting tools like QuickBooks Online and Xero allow us to offer real-time data access and seamless collaboration with clients. Regular internal audits and ongoing training help us uphold the highest standards. Ultimately, consistency in delivery builds client trust, which is our most valuable asset.

TFS: With bookkeeping and tax services being highly competitive, what differentiates Taccount from other accounting firms in the region?

Wisam: What truly sets Taccount apart is the breadth and integration of our services under one roof. Most accounting firms stop at compliance. We go several steps further by offering tailored tax consulting, international reporting services, investor due diligence and trade finance advisory—all while keeping the process seamless and cost-effective for our clients.

Our U.S. tax services, for instance, are a rare offering among UAE-based firms. This has proven especially valuable for startups with American founders or investors. Additionally, we are a UAE-rooted team, which gives us an unmatched understanding of local business nuances, legal frameworks and cultural expectations. Clients often tell us that our responsiveness, transparency and commitment to adding value makes us more than an accounting firm—we’re a strategic partner in their growth journey.

TFS: How does Taccount balance traditional accounting practices with the increasing demand for real-time financial reporting and digital transformation?

Wisam: Our approach combines the stability of traditional accounting with the agility of modern fintech. We adhere to time-tested accounting standards and frameworks, ensuring that our clients remain compliant and well-documented. At the same time, we integrate digital platforms that allow for real-time tracking, dashboards and automated reporting.

By using cloud-based accounting systems, we give clients immediate visibility into their financial health. These tools also enhance collaboration, reduce delays and minimize manual errors. However, we don’t stop at technology. Our financial consultants interpret this data to provide forward-looking insights, helping businesses plan, budget and strategize with confidence. It’s not about choosing between old and new—it’s about building a model that respects the past while preparing for the future.

TFS: What are some of the most common financial pitfalls you see SMEs facing in the UAE and how does Taccount help them overcome these?

Wisam: SMEs in the UAE often struggle with a range of financial challenges, many of which stem from insufficient planning, weak financial reporting or lack of understanding around regulatory obligations. Cash flow mismanagement, for instance, is one of the most critical issues. Many businesses do not project their inflows and outflows properly, which leads to liquidity problems.

Another common pitfall is the underestimation of cross-border tax implications. With many startups and small firms operating across jurisdictions, international tax compliance becomes essential. Similarly, a lack of due diligence when entering partnerships or seeking investors can create legal and financial vulnerabilities.

At Taccount, we proactively address these issues. We begin by educating our clients—helping them understand risks and regulations. We then tailor financial solutions, whether it’s structuring financials to improve bankability, providing U.S. tax advisory for expats or preparing robust investor reports. Our aim is to build a foundation of financial clarity and readiness that supports long-term growth.

TFS: How do you tailor your accounting and tax services for businesses in different sectors — such as retail, logistics or tech startups?

Wisam: Every sector has its own operational dynamics and financial priorities. At Taccount, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all service model. Instead, we begin by understanding the unique requirements, goals and challenges of each industry we serve.

For example, a tech startup with U.S. founders might need U.S. tax filing, cross-border revenue recognition and advice on equity structuring. A retail business could require detailed inventory management, point-of-sale system integrations and frequent sales tax reconciliations. Logistics firms may prioritize asset tracking, international compliance and joint venture due diligence.

We use this information to develop industry-specific financial strategies. Our team comprises specialists with cross-sector experience, allowing us to deliver insights that go beyond generic accounting. The goal is to align our financial services with the strategic priorities of each client’s business model, ensuring they have the financial clarity to scale with confidence.

TFS: Can you walk us through how Taccount supports a client from onboarding to monthly financial reporting?

Wisam: Our client engagement starts with a comprehensive onboarding process designed to capture the full picture of a business’s financial and operational setup. We begin by conducting a discovery session to understand the client’s business model, revenue streams, compliance status and pain points.

From there, we design a customized accounting framework. If needed, we help implement or migrate accounting software, optimize chart of accounts and ensure the setup complies with UAE regulations. We also define key performance indicators (KPIs) and reporting frequency.

Once onboarding is complete, we handle all day-to-day bookkeeping, reconcile bank accounts, manage tax filings and produce monthly financial reports. But we don’t stop at numbers. We review these reports with the client to highlight insights, address anomalies and recommend actionable steps. This approach ensures that financial reporting becomes a decision-making tool, not just a compliance formality.

TFS: What qualities do you look for when building your team at Taccount and how do you cultivate a high-performance culture?

Wisam: When recruiting talent at Taccount, we look beyond qualifications. We seek professionals who are not only technically proficient but also service-oriented, adaptable and intellectually curious. Accounting may be technical, but delivering real value requires emotional intelligence and a proactive mindset.

To build a high-performance culture, we emphasize continuous learning. We invest in regular training programs, regulatory updates and certifications to ensure our team remains ahead of the curve. Equally important is our emphasis on mentorship—junior staff are paired with experienced team members to ensure knowledge sharing and career growth.

We also foster a culture of ownership. Every team member is encouraged to take initiative, challenge the status quo and propose improvements. Open communication, mutual respect and shared accountability are the cornerstones of our work environment. This culture not only improves productivity but also enhances client satisfaction.

TFS: In an industry often perceived as rigid or purely technical, how do you keep your team inspired and innovative?

Wisam: That perception is indeed prevalent, but at Taccount, we actively work to challenge and change it. We understand that innovation is not limited to technology startups—it belongs in accounting firms too. Our approach to maintaining innovation starts with instilling a sense of purpose within the team. We make sure every team member understands how their work directly impacts our clients’ success.

When someone realizes that reconciling accounts can help a founder secure funding or that proper tax planning can help a business expand globally, it fuels motivation. We also cultivate innovation through regular brainstorming sessions, experimentation with new tools and encouraging our team to present ideas to improve efficiency or client experience.

Recognition plays a key role as well. We celebrate wins—both big and small—and recognize individuals who go above and beyond. This builds morale and fosters a workplace that values both diligence and creativity.

TFS: How have recent regulatory changes in the UAE, such as corporate tax and ESR compliance, impacted your clients and your business strategy?

Wisam: Regulatory evolution in the UAE—particularly with the introduction of corporate tax and ESR (Economic Substance Regulations)—has reshaped the business landscape significantly. These changes have brought financial compliance to the forefront, turning what was once a back-office concern into a strategic priority for business owners.

Clients who previously managed books informally now understand the importance of maintaining organized, timely and audit-ready financial records. The demand for structured reporting, tax planning and advisory has surged as businesses navigate these new compliance requirements.

From a strategic perspective, we saw this as an opportunity to deepen our advisory services. We expanded our offerings to include comprehensive corporate tax registration, compliance reviews, ESR reporting and pre-audit assessments. By proactively adapting to these regulations, we positioned Taccount not just as a service provider but as a strategic compliance partner.

These regulatory shifts also reinforced the importance of education—so we regularly publish guides, host webinars and offer consultations to help businesses stay ahead.

TFS: What trends in accounting or financial technology do you believe will reshape the way firms like Taccount operate in the next 3–5 years?

Wisam: The future of accounting is exciting and full of potential. Over the next 3–5 years, I see three major trends revolutionizing the way firms like Taccount operate: artificial intelligence, blockchain and predictive analytics.

AI-driven automation will continue to eliminate repetitive tasks like data entry and reconciliations. This will free up human resources to focus on more strategic, value-driven work such as forecasting, advisory and financial modeling. We are already experimenting with AI tools to categorize transactions, detect anomalies and auto-generate draft reports.

Blockchain will play a huge role in enhancing security, transparency and traceability of transactions—especially in sectors like logistics and trade. For our clients involved in global trade, this will bring a new level of trust and efficiency to financial operations.

Lastly, predictive analytics will give businesses the power to anticipate cash flow challenges, plan for expansion and make informed decisions based on forward-looking insights. At Taccount, we are building a tech stack that integrates these capabilities and aligns our firm with the digital accounting revolution.

TFS: What advice would you give to entrepreneurs or business owners who undervalue the role of sound financial reporting in business growth?

Wisam: One of the most critical pieces of advice I can offer entrepreneurs is this: treat your financial reports as the control center of your business, not as an afterthought. Poor or irregular financial reporting creates blind spots and increases risk.

A business that lacks timely insight into its financial health is essentially navigating without a compass. Sound financial reporting enables data-driven decision-making, improves investor confidence and supports sustainable growth. It tells you what’s working, what isn’t and where your opportunities lie.

At Taccount, we often educate new business owners that financial statements are not just for banks or tax authorities—they are tools to evaluate margins, optimize cost structures and manage cash flow effectively. My recommendation is to build reporting habits early, work with a proactive advisor and ensure that numbers are reviewed with context. That clarity becomes your competitive edge in the marketplace.

TFS: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to build through Taccount in the UAE’s accounting and business advisory space?

Wisam: My vision for Taccount goes far beyond profitability or growth metrics. I want to build a legacy rooted in trust, empowerment and sustainable business transformation. I envision Taccount becoming a household name among entrepreneurs and SMEs—not just for our quality of work, but for our genuine investment in our clients’ success.

I hope to create an institution that redefines the role of accountants from passive service providers to active business partners. A place where financial professionals are respected not only for their knowledge, but for their ability to influence outcomes, provide clarity and drive growth.

I also want to invest in the next generation of accountants—through mentorship, internships and professional development programs. If we can elevate the standard of financial advisory in the region and create a ripple effect of better businesses and better outcomes, that would be the legacy I am most proud of.

TFS: Thank you, Wisam, for sharing such in-depth insights into your journey as an entrepreneur and founder. Taccount is clearly more than just an accounting firm—it’s a catalyst for change and growth.

Wisam Khoury: Thank you for the opportunity. I’m honored to be part of a platform that highlights founders and their stories. We look forward to continuing our mission of making financial clarity and strategic guidance accessible to businesses across the UAE and beyond.