Why outsource accounting? It is one of the common questions that businesses often come across. These services have emerged as a strategic solution for businesses facing challenges in managing financial aspects. Maintaining accurate accounting records is crucial whether you’re a small startup or an established enterprise.

Lee Kuan Yew rightly said, “If you deprive yourself of outsourcing and your competitors do not, you’re putting yourself out of business”.

Opting for outsourced accounting not only offers relief from the meticulous task of bookkeeping but also ensures the precision and expertise required for financial management. This enables companies to redirect their focus towards their core competencies and strategic business growth.

The decision to outsource accounting can stem from various factors. Sometimes, it’s due to a lack of internal expertise or resources. Businesses might not have a dedicated accounting department or the financial bandwidth to hire full-time accountants.

Alternatively, even larger corporations can find outsourcing certain accounting functions more cost-effective and efficient, allowing internal teams to concentrate on high-impact tasks.

8 Signs Why You Need Outsource Accounting

But why and when exactly do you need to outsource accounting? Of course, every company is different, but some triggers are the same for almost everyone. Here are eight signs that you’re ready to work with an outsourced accounting team.

  • Are your Books in a Mess?

From many invoices and receipts to duplicated transaction entries, if your financial records are chaotic, it’s a clear indicator that the moment has come to delegate your accounting tasks through outsourcing. If comprehending your financial records proves challenging, generating an on-the-fly profit and loss statement is problematic, or if you’re significantly behind in maintaining your accounting system, it’s high time to contemplate the option of outsourcing.

  • Do You Spend More Time Doing Accounting?

Accounts and their maintenance are directly associated with the finances of your company. This fact is enough to make you realize its importance. If you set your business affairs as a priority over managing accounts, it is going to adversely affect the financial condition and preservation of your company accounts. So, if you lack knowledge or don’t want to invest enough in hiring resources, hiring an outsourcing firm is an ideal option.

  • Is Data Backup and Data Security a Concern?

While managing your accounts, do you create a backup of all the data collected or processed? If not, then you need an expert’s guidance in doing so. By creating backup data, you do not just safeguard your financial records but also can see the progress in your revenue as well as on your account maintenance criteria. Also, it is crucial to use secure servers for data security in the long run.

  • Are you Committing Too Many Mistakes?

Are you done with preserving your accounts but still witnessing some omissions? This probably happens due to a lack of concern for preparing balance sheets, and thus, you get differences in your accounts. These mistakes not only occupy your priceless time but also ruin the account management. So, it is wiser to go for an outsourced accountant who can handle accounts for you in a better and speedy manner.

  • Are You Transitioning from Cash-Basis Accounting to GAAP?

Many businesses initially adopt cash-basis accounting, a straightforward approach focused on tracking cash inflows and outflows. Nevertheless, at some point, the company will find it necessary to shift to the accrual method mandated by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the prevailing standard utilized by U.S. companies. The transition to GAAP might be prompted by a banking prerequisite, securing funding, achieving specific revenue and inventory thresholds, or preparing for a sale, merger, or initial public offering (IPO).

  • Are you Unable to Audit your Accounts?

Regardless of whether you’re procuring fresh funding, strategizing an exit, or adhering to banking or investor mandates, the eventual necessity of conducting a financial audit is inevitable. Preparing for an audit can span up to a year, making it prudent to commence consideration well in advance.

  • Are You Still Using a Word Processor for Accounting?

Maintaining your accounts over word processor? It seems you are not aware of different platforms which are far better and easier for your account maintenance. Working on a word processor neither helps speed up your work nor auto-corrects your minor mistakes, which further converts into huge blunders. To have the best results, use openoffice.org, AbiWord, NeoOffice, or Jarte for accounting instead of a word processor.

  • Do you Lack Knowledge of the Latest Accounting Software?

Accounting is evolving today. There are hundreds of tools available in the market that claim to be the best. With the right outsourcing partner, you will get the right advice in choosing the right platform. Be it a cloud-based platform, AI, or blockchain, get your hands on the platform that suits your business requirements. QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage, and Oracle are some of the top accounting software businesses that should leverage.

What to Look for in Outsourced Accounting Firm

  • Expertise in your specific industry 

Whenever you are opting for outsourcing services make sure they align with your industry. They should have expertise in handling accounting practices that are ideal for your sector, ensuring a seamless tax season.

  • Timely and proactive communication

Your outsourcing partner should be a collaborator! The outsourcing firm should have various means of communication to ensure smooth cross-functional communication to streamline finances.

  • Strong and positive reputation

The outsourcing firm should have a strong and positive reputation in the market. You can check Google reviews, referrals or testimonials on their website to get an idea of their credibility in the market.

  • Data protection compliance and best practices

The outsourcing firm should comply with data protection standards as per the state regulations. It is one of the best practices to mitigate fraud or data breach risk and you and your partner play safe.

Bottom Line 

 When you feel occupied or engaged with your business proceedings, it’s advisable to go for outsourcing to manage the company’s finances. Even after having a hectic schedule, if you think of handling your accounts on your own, then you are just going to come up with highly disappointing results for your business. 

 In conclusion, the decision to outsourced accounting services should align with a business’s specific needs and growth objectives. That’s why outsource accounting is a strategic move that not only streamlines financial operations but also empowers businesses to remain focused on innovation, client satisfaction, and overall business development.