In the current backdrop of the UK accounting industry, a noticeable shift is occurring among small accountancy practices, as they increasingly turn to accounting outsourcing as a strategic solution to meet their changing requirements.
As per a survey conducted by Accountancy Age in 2019-20, nearly 64% of UK accountancy firms are contemplating outsourcing their core services, and this inclination is projected to escalate in the aftermath of the pandemic.
The pressure on accountants to meet increasing client demands is evident, with 87% agreeing that clients now expect more compared to five years ago. This growing demand necessitates a shift towards expanding service portfolios and adding value-based services.
Let’s explore the transformative impact that accounting outsourcing can have on these practices.
Cost savings
For many small accountancy practices, maintaining a full-time in-house team for every aspect of accounting can be prohibitively expensive. Salaries, benefits, and ongoing training costs can quickly deplete resources. Accounting outsourcing emerges as a cost-effective alternative, offering access to high-quality services at a fraction of the cost.
By converting fixed labour costs into variable costs, practices can scale their operations up or down without the financial burden of hiring or layoffs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in managing the ebb and flow of workloads, allowing practices to allocate resources more efficiently and improve their bottom line.
Access to expert knowledge: Bridging the talent gap
One of the most compelling advantages of accounting outsourcing is the direct access it
provides to a vast reservoir of expert knowledge. Small-sized practices often need help
attracting and retaining specialists in every area of accounting due to budget constraints and the competitive job market.
Outsourcing partners fill this gap by offering a team of professionals with diverse expertise and experience, ensuring that clients receive top-tier advice and service. This access to specialised knowledge is crucial for staying abreast of regulatory changes, complex tax laws, and industry best practices, thereby enabling smaller practices to offer services that rival their larger counterparts.
Scalability: Growing with grace
Scalability is vital for any business, but it’s particularly crucial for accountancy practices that experience seasonal peaks or are on a growth trajectory. Accounting outsourcing providers offer scalable solutions that can be adjusted based on the practice’s workload, allowing for seamless expansion or contraction of services as needed. This flexibility ensures that practices can handle growth spurts or seasonal demands without the need to hire additional staff or invest in new technologies.
As a result, small practices can pursue new opportunities and expand their client base without the growing pains typically associated with scaling operations.
Customised services: Meeting specific needs
Unlike one-size-fits-all solutions, accounting outsourcing firms excel in providing customised services that cater to the specific needs of small accountancy practices. Whether it’s handling routine bookkeeping, complex tax filings, or providing strategic advice, outsourcing partners work closely with their clients to develop a service package that aligns with their operational requirements and budget constraints.
This bespoke approach ensures that practices receive exactly the support they need, enhancing efficiency and client satisfaction.
Embracing technology: Staying ahead in a digital age
Accounting outsourcing firms often invest heavily in the latest technologies and software,
offering small practices access to cutting-edge tools without the hefty price tag. This includes cloud-based platforms, automation tools, and advanced security measures to protect sensitive data.
By leveraging these technological advancements, practices can improve their service
delivery, streamline operations, and offer their clients real-time insights. Moreover, the burden of maintaining IT infrastructure and ensuring data security shifts from the practice to the outsourcing provider, allowing practices to focus on their core activities.
The bottom line
Offshoring or outsourcing in the UK represents a game-changing strategy for small accountancy practices looking to navigate the challenges of the modern business landscape. By offering cost savings, access to expert knowledge, scalability, customised services, and advanced technology, outsourcing providers enable these practices to compete more effectively, improve their service offerings, and achieve sustainable growth.
In an increasingly complex and competitive market, the ability to adapt and innovate is crucial. Offshore outsourcing not only facilitates this adaptability but also empowers small practices to thrive.
Contact Integra Global Solutions to learn how the accounting outsourcing company can support your accountancy practice and help you achieve your firm’s objectives.
