Baker Tilly’s investment in quality in the UAE: Raising professional standards

The dynamic landscape of accounting firms in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed significant transformation over the past decades. Besides the changes in the international auditing standards and IFRS, firms have been compelled to adapt to an increasing number of regulations and innovate to thrive in an increasingly competitive and regulated market.

With this in mind, Maniar explained that the transition of demerging from Crowe and joining Baker Tilly comes at a pivotal time for the accounting profession in the UAE, as regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and global market dynamics continue to reshape the profession. With increasing emphasis on compliance, transparency and digital transformation, firms must adapt swiftly to maintain relevance and excellence. Maniar noted that being part of Baker Tilly International allows the firm to leverage global best practices while tailoring solutions to the unique needs of businesses in the UAE.

Investment in quality and growth within this sector has been influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic policies, technological advancements, and major shifts in regulatory expectations.

“Key drivers of the UAE economy are its connectivity, safety and security, world-class infrastructure, and a lifestyle that attracts wealthy individuals from around the world. This influx of affluence is driving the need for professional services,” stated Maniar. “I have always been committed to quality and have a passion to demonstrate continuous improvement,’ he remarked”.

Besides the integrated regional opportunity that was presented and the shared vision of the MEA Director Gagik Gyulbudaghyan of Baker Tilly International, the key circumstance that drove Maniar’s decision to join Baker Tilly, was their commitment to raising the bar of quality and the trust the management team and the board had in his leadership.

Separating his practice from his previous firm and starting a new firm within the UAE was a bold move, but Maniar loves the challenge it presents, keeping him motivated to achieve bigger and better things. For many firms, the choice of affiliating with a global network like Baker Tilly is driven by the desire to leverage the network’s extensive resources, expertise and global reach. Maniar emphasised that, while these advantages are certainly given, for him, the opportunity to improve quality standards and the freedom to invest in quality were the primary motivators. “All the partners that joined me share the same passion as I do and I appreciate the trust they displayed in my bold vision and leadership,” Maniar emphasised.

Francesca Lagerberg, CEO of Baker Tilly International, noted that beyond a strong business case, the firm demonstrated a commitment to high-quality standards under the leadership of Maniar. “They understand the value and responsibility that comes with being a member of a top ten network and the importance this carries when it comes to quality, culture and overall fit. Ours is a people-centric business and in Baker Tilly in the UAE we have found a firm capable of connecting and collaborating within and across regions for the benefit of our clients and colleagues.

“Joining Baker Tilly aligned with the firm’s vision to expand its capabilities and market presence. The transition was facilitated by Baker Tilly’s robust support system, which made the process relatively smooth despite the inherent challenges of entering the market as a new firm. The network’s collaborative and proactive approach fosters knowledge sharing and best practice implementation, enabling member firms to deliver superior services to their clients. Additionally, Baker Tilly’s strong focus on client-centric solutions ensures that member firms can address the diverse needs of their clientele effectively”.

Maniar further reports that the evolving regulatory landscape in the UAE, including recent changes in tax regulations, anti-money laundering laws, and financial services regulations such as the Virtual Asset Regulations, has had a profound impact on accounting firms. These changes have necessitated firms to adapt swiftly, and diversify their service lines to include tax advisory, compliance consulting, and risk management services. This expansion not only caters to the growing needs of clients but also positions firms as comprehensive service providers. However, audit remains the core of accounting firms, and it is more likely that the audit profession is going to grow in the near future.

Enhanced reporting and disclosure responsibilities have become a cornerstone of regulatory compliance in the UAE. Firms are now required to maintain stringent documentation and transparency in their financial dealings. This has led to an increased demand for tools that facilitate accurate and timely reporting. Managing client expectations during the transition was something that made Maniar nervous, but the way clients responded and the support from the professional community, including managing partners of some of the competing firms, was commendable. The transition was smooth after the painful process of separation, and his previous firm continues to operate with the same zeal. Maniar wishes them well in their professional journey.

Maniar’s vision for the profession is to bring all firms to a level where competition is based on the quality of services and value addition, and not solely fees. He noted that regulators have frequently pointed out the competition on fees as a concern. To create awareness, Maniar plans to create a working group of fellow professionals to share a common platform and invite regulators to share their thoughts. This, he believes, will raise the quality of professional services in the UAE and will also help build capacity in the UAE market.

Reflecting on his career, Maniar expressed a desire to be known for his contribution to raising the bar of professional standards in the accounting industry. “When I retire, if and when I do, I wish to be remembered for my contribution to quality in raising the bar of professional standards. I made this decision to join Baker Tilly for a better tomorrow. I am optimistic that the vision I have will be achieved and that the market opportunity exists for quality-oriented firms to grow.”

With a strategic focus on quality and a commitment to continuous improvement, Baker Tilly in the UAE is poised to lead the way in professional services, setting new benchmarks for excellence in an ever-evolving industry. The state-of-the-art office of Baker Tilly in the UAE, located within an iconic and historic building, is poised to establish a high benchmark to attract younger talent.

First published on www.internationalaccountingbulletin.com on 20 October 2025