search
SRA audits demand a different level of attention. The work is detailed, the regulations are strict, and there’s very little room for error. When your internal team is already balancing statutory audits and client deadlines, it doesn’t take much for SRA audit work to slow things down or put unnecessary pressure on your resources.
So here’s the question: when does it actually make sense to outsource SRA audit assistance?
In this article, we’ll cover the key considerations around outsourcing SRA audits, including:
Let’s dive in.
If you’re still weighing it up, start with this: outsourcing isn’t an “all or nothing” decision. Many audit firms don’t outsource everything — they use it to manage the pressure when:
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s a good time to explore outsourcing — not as a replacement for your team, but as a support structure that flexes when you need it.
Here’s what most firms who’ve done it well say: it gives them breathing space.
You’re not scrambling to reshuffle resources or overloading your top staff. Instead, a trained offshore team picks up the bulk of the legwork — working papers, sample selection, compliance testing — so your managers can just review and finalise.
Here’s the real-world impact:
And crucially, you can focus your in-house team on bigger audits or more strategic clients.
This is important. The quality of a Solicitors Regulation Authority audit reflects directly on your firm. So, you can’t just hand it over to a generic outsourcing provider and hope for the best. Here’s what you must actively look for:
And don’t be shy about asking for references. Speak to firms already using them — it’ll tell you more than any pitch deck can.
Yes, and this is actually where it shines. Most firms don’t need help all year round. But between May and July, it can get messy. Staff are away on holiday, statutory audits are picking up again, and suddenly five solicitor clients all need their reports done yesterday.
Outsourcing SRA audits lets you handle that peak without panic. You don’t need to hire short-term staff or delay other jobs. You just loop in your outsourcing team, and they help carry the load. Simple as that.
Some firms even do this every year — use outsourced support just for SRA season. It works.
| Risk | What to Do About It |
|---|---|
| Data privacy concerns | Work only with GDPR & ISO-certified providers. Use secure portals. No emails with attachments. |
| Poor quality work | Run a small pilot, review everything thoroughly before scaling. |
| Communication gaps | Set clear expectations around updates, turnarounds, and file review calls. |
| Lack of SRA-specific knowledge | Make sure the team actually understands the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules. Ask to see previous samples or documentation. |
The key here is don’t rush into it. Vet properly. Start small. And only scale when you’re confident.
If you’re running an audit firm, your time and your team’s energy are limited resources. SRA audits can be profitable but only if handled efficiently. If they’re tying up your team or cutting into your delivery timelines, outsourcing is worth exploring.
And no, it’s not about cutting corners. It’s about delivering good-quality work on time, without burning out your people or saying no to new business.
At QX Accounting Services, we support audit firms across the UK with experienced SRA audit professionals, secure data workflows, and flexible engagement models tailored to your firm’s needs.
If you want to talk specifics or see how it would work in your firm’s setup, our experts would love to walk you through how others are doing it — what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what you should avoid. Submit the form below to get a callback from our expert or drop us an email at [email protected].
Sanket is an audit expert with over a decade of experience in statutory audits across the UK and Ireland. He has extensive expertise in managing the complete audit lifecycle, from planning to finalisation, and is adept at leading diverse teams and handling multiple clients across industries. Recognised for his strong technical acumen, effective stakeholder communication, and ability to deliver high-quality audits within tight deadlines, Sanket is trusted for his precision and professionalism.
Unauthorized copying or plagiarism of our content is a violation of intellectual property rights. We take such matters seriously and will pursue legal action to protect our original work. Anyone found engaging in such activities will be held accountable under applicable laws.
Explore outsourcing solutions, request a free trial or discuss your practice’s needs with our expert consultants.
Book a Virtual Meeting 
Book an In-person Meeting