Managing your company’s financials can easily become an overwhelming task that distracts you from focusing on growing the business. Between bookkeeping, payroll, and tax compliance, the pressure to stay on top of your finances is never-ending.
But what if you could hand over these responsibilities to experts — reducing costs and boosting efficiency? The promise of outsourcing accounting services can seem too good to be true, and scepticism about handing over the reins is understandable.
In this blog, we’ll answer five of the most common outsourcing questions asked by business owners and leaders considering the transition. Read on to determine if outsourced accounting is the right fit for your growing business.
1. Is Outsourcing More Cost-Effective Than Hiring Internally?
Cost is usually front of mind when considering whether to outsource or keep accounting in-house. In most cases, outsourcing is significantly more cost-effective than hiring a full internal finance team.
The average salary for a CFO in the United States ranges between USD$150,000 and USD$300,000 annually — and that’s just for one role. When you factor in recruitment, training, office space, benefits, and employee turnover, maintaining an in-house team can be costly.
Outsourcing gives you access to a full team of financial professionals at a fraction of the cost. You only pay for the services you need, and you don’t have to worry about additional expenses like health insurance, sick leave, or holiday pay. Plus, outsourcing allows you to scale services up or down based on your business’s current needs, making it a flexible and budget-friendly solution.
2. How Secure is My Financial Data with an Outsourced Provider?
Data security is a major concern for any business. When you outsource your accounting, how can you be sure your sensitive financial information is protected? The good news is that outsourcing often enhances your security and reduces the risk of fraud.
In many small and medium-sized businesses, a single person or department handles multiple financial functions, which can lead to internal fraud risks. Outsourcing introduces a segregation of duties. As a third-party provider, the outsourcing firm separates responsibilities like record-keeping, authorization, and asset custody, which adds a layer of accountability and reduces opportunities for fraud.
Reputable outsourcing firms also employ industry-standard security measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compliance with international data protection regulations such as SOC 2 or GDPR. This means your financial data is not only handled by experts but is also safeguarded with the latest security protocols.
3. Will an Outsourced Team Hold Equivalent Qualifications and Expertise?
A common concern is whether an outsourced accounting team, especially one based overseas, will have the same qualifications and expertise as an in-house team. The reality is that outsourced firms employ highly qualified professionals who meet or exceed industry standards.
Most outsourced accounting firms hire accountants with globally recognized certifications, such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). These professionals are well-versed in taxation, financial reporting, and compliance regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
Outsourcing firms, like Accountant Anywhere, also invest heavily in training to ensure their teams stay up-to-date with ever-changing tax laws, financial regulations, and industry best practices. This continuous education means your outsourced team is as knowledgeable — if not more so — than a traditional in-house team.
4. Can Outsourced Accounting Services Integrate with Our Existing Systems?
One of the most important considerations when outsourcing is whether the outsourced team can work within your existing financial systems. Some business leaders worry that transitioning to an outsourced service might disrupt their current processes. However, outsourcing firms are often highly adaptable when it comes to system integration.
Outsourced accounting teams are experienced with a wide range of accounting software, including popular platforms like Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, and Peachtree. They might even recommend improvements to streamline your processes further.
Additionally, outsourcing firms are skilled at creating customized solutions tailored to your specific business needs. This ensures minimal disruption and a smooth transition, allowing your business to maintain its momentum without any downtime or loss of data.
5. Will an Outsourced Team Grasp the Particularities of My Industry?
Many business owners worry that an outsourced accounting team won’t understand the specific needs of their industry. However, outsourcing providers often specialize in working with various sectors, ensuring they deliver the necessary expertise.
Outsourced accountants can become well-versed in the unique financial challenges different industries face. For instance, the Accountant Anywhere team has considerable experience working with clients across many sectors including property management, medical clinics, tourism, and accounting firms.
Despite their expertise on the matter, accounting firms themselves can benefit from outsourcing their internal financial functions to avoid conflicts of interest, ensure objectivity, and streamline operations.
Whether your business manages real estate portfolios or medical billing, an outsourced provider can tailor their services to meet the unique demands of your industry.
Is Outsourced Accounting Right For My Business?
As businesses grow, managing finances in-house can become increasingly challenging. Outsourcing accounting services to an outsourcing partner offers a cost-effective, secure, and reliable alternative that allows you to focus on expanding your business.
From cost-effectiveness and increased security to expertise and adaptability, outsourced accountants offer many benefits on top of reducing distractions.
By considering these common outsourcing questions, you can decide whether to engage a partner to look after your business’s accounting. Choose wisely, and you’ll free up resources to focus on what you do best: growing your company.
Partner with Accountant Anywhere today! Contact us for a free strategy session.