How to get outsourcing to work for you

Richard Brewin • December 23, 2021

Few businesses can afford to carry spare or under-utilised resources these days and accounting firms are no different. Running a lean business model is pretty much a requirement for management. Add to that the skills shortages, recruitment headaches and deadline pressures and it is no surprise that outsourcing is very much on the agenda within the profession.


Whilst outsourcing is nothing new, technology has enabled it to flourish by bringing it operationally into the heart of a firm regardless of where the resource sits in the World. As a flexible, scalable human resource, it is an obvious solution to many of today’s practice management challenges.


I profess to being a fan. Not only does it provide the resources to meet demand and fuel growth, it enables the skills of in-house teams to be better focused on client needs. But why is it that some firms make it work so effectively and yet others struggle, often whilst using the same outsource supplier?


Here are my tips for effective outsourcing:


  1. Be clear on where outsourcing sits within the vision and goals for your firm. Is it a short term solution or part of your longer term vision?
  2. Understand the differences between outsourcing and offshoring. Outsourcing is about moving a service outside of your firm. Offshoring is much more about dedicated resources being placed offshore. If you see your ‘outsourced’ operation as being an integral part of your firm and team then offshoring is much more appropriate.
  3. Outsourcing is not just about production, such as accounts, tax and payroll. Think about what services and resources your business as a whole uses and what could be effectively outsourced. You probably do it already with HR, IT, marketing etc but what about admin, client support, property management, specific projects etc?
  4. Communicate your plan clearly to your existing team. Giving them an understanding of your thinking and involving them in the process will help to alleviate any fears or resistance.
  5. Treat any outsourced resource as a part of your business in order for it to be effective. They should be part of your systems, culture and team. Building relationships makes a world of difference to your outcomes.
  6. Set your expectations from the outset and be clear in the communication of the roles and responsibilities. You cannot leave such things down to interpretation when you are dealing with different cultures and suppliers who will be working to other firms systems, standards and requirements as well as yours.
  7. Define the finished product. What is acceptable? What does ‘good’ look like?
  8. Communicate your system. Be clear what works for you and what needs to happen. Equally, ask your supplier to do the same. What do they need of you?
  9. Have a clear system of management, control and review. Who is responsible for overseeing the process and outcomes at your end and what is their system of management?
  10. Establish a timetable of regular review with the supplier to cover workflows, quality issues and other operational matters. Make sure that you have a dedicated senior point of contact


Whilst it is usually the outsourcer who picks up the flak for the operation not working too well, you don’t have to look too far to find contributory failings in the preparation, management and communication at the accounting firms’ end. Follow these 10 steps and you will see just how valuable a resource your outsourcers can be.


Good luck!

The Art of Saying No Without Losing Clients

By Richard Brewin • December 5, 2025
In the Accountant/client relationship, “yes” often feels like the default. Yes to urgent requests. Yes to timeline shifts. Yes to “just one more thing” added to the scope. We want to say yes to our clients. We want to support them, be helpful and build more work, but every unqualified additional yes becomes an invisible cost; on your time, your margins, and your wellbeing.  Bold accountants think differently. They know that “no” isn’t rejection. It’s honest and professional. It’s a strategic decision that protects quality, strengthens relationships, and reinforces your value.

From compliance filer to trusted coach: The role waiting for accountants willing to start the client conversation

By Richard Brewin • November 28, 2025
Let’s be honest, most business owners have a perception of an accountant that probably falls far short of our ambitions. They want someone who helps them make sense of the chaos, plan for growth, and sleep better at night knowing someone’s got their back, but their accountant doesn’t usually spring to mind as this person. What they dream of is a coach, not an accountant, but, weirdly, they often don’t trust coaches but do trust their accountant. Their accountant can be both, so the client gets the trust and the coaching

AI in Accounting Firms: Key Considerations for Leaders Today

By Richard Brewin • November 17, 2025
Artificial Intelligence isn’t the future of accounting — it’s here now. From automating repetitive tasks to delivering deeper insights, AI is transforming the way we work, serve clients, and lead teams. But for firm leaders, success isn’t just about implementing technology; it’s about doing it strategically, responsibly, and humanely .  Before diving into the ‘how’ and making piecemeal decisions, accounting firm leaders need to consider the ‘why’…and its not as simple as “because everyone else is”.