To enhance companies’ performance in implementing tax return requirements

CERT and the Federal Tax Authority to launch a joint training program for tax professionals.

The Center of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT), the commercial arm of the Higher Colleges of Technology, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Federal Tax Authority (FTA), to develop specialized corporate income tax training materials that enhance tax awareness and provide training for professionals working in the field of corporate taxation.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Khalid Al Bustani, Director General of the FTA, and Dr. Mohamed Baka, CEO of CERT, in the presence of His Excellency, Dr. Faisal Al Ayyan, President & CEO of the Higher Colleges of Technology and officials representing both entities, at the Head Office of the Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai.

His Excellency, Khalid Al Bustani said that the MOU would strengthen existing joint cooperation frameworks to enhance tax awareness, in accordance with the FTA’s plans to develop a taxation system that both guarantees compliance and reflects the highest standards of governance and transparency. In addition, the MOU presented both entities with exciting opportunities to develop the competencies of professionals working in tax and related sectors, through the creation of specialized corporate income tax content and a professional certification program.

In emphasizing the Authority’s keenness to strengthen its strategic partnerships with government and private sectors as well as educational institutions, His Excellency highlighted the vital role they all played in the successful implementation of the taxation system. He went on to say that the MOU provided both entities with an opportunity to compare best practices and experiences, promote growth and support the UAE’s vision of a knowledge based economy. Moreover, it provided access to the tools needed for evaluating and developing talent effectively as well as a comprehensive series of learning and development initiatives to accelerate career advancement.

His Excellency added that this partnership reflected the commitment of the FTA and CERT to the government’s 50 year plan to harness the talent and creativity of the nation’s youth and work to build a brighter future for the next generation.
In his address, Dr. Mohamed Baka said that with the introduction of federal tax for companies and businesses from either the beginning of the fiscal year or June 1st 2023, this joint cooperation would support the provision of specialized training programs for tax officials, such as tax declaration requirements and the calculation of corporate and business tax. In addition to enhancing the knowledge and experience of tax professionals, the training would help companies and businesses achieve optimal efficiency in the implementation of tax regulations.

Dr. Baka added that CERT, with its considerable experience in the field of training and qualifying national cadres, was proud to be working alongside the Federal Tax Authority, empowering those working in the field to embrace their new roles, while helping companies to adjust to the new financial regulations. He pointed out that in order to meet the training and development goals of various institutions and employers, CERT always keeps abreast of new developments, builds effective partnerships and creates specialized training programs.

CERT, in conjunction with the FTA, is currently preparing the content of the training program, including knowledge, skills, and training requirements. When the content has been approved by both parties, it will then be decided how the content can be incorporated into an approved Certificate in Corporate Tax.