Outsourcing Accounting and Bookkeeping Services: Here’s How to Interview An Offshore Partner

Once you have decided to delegate some of your accounting firm’s functions, the immediate and crucial step is to partner with the right outsourcing accounting and bookkeeping services provider. Although that requires careful consideration, if you make the right decision, it is going to bring about huge savings and give your CPA firm a competitive edge over others.

It isn’t rocket science to shortlist the right outsourcing provider. All you need to do is do your research, speak to experts within the industry, and judge outsourcing firms not based on what they say but rather on their deliverables and client testimonials.

Deciding on the right outsourcing accounting and bookkeeping services provider is just the beginning of a committed business relationship. While its success cannot be guaranteed, you can eliminate risks during the selection process. And it’s worth doing some groundwork before interviewing potential partners to test and zero in on the perfect partner.

Here’s How to Prepare for Interviewing Your Potential Outsourcing Accounting And Bookkeeping Services Provider

Background Check

Start with checking the outsourcing company’s portfolio to understand how outsourcing accounting and bookkeeping services can help your accounting firm grow. It is best to begin your background check by googling your potential service provider. Check out their client testimonials and reviews and try contacting them to learn more about the services they availed and if they have genuinely benefitted from this outsourcing company.

Endorsements & Testimonials

LinkedIn is a great platform to learn about a brand’s performance. You are also likely to find recommendations and skills that have been endorsed. Do not hesitate to ask for a reference if you find any common contacts.

Preparing Interview Questions

The next step is to prepare a set of questions, discussion topics, and anything you would like to get clarification on. Rehearsing the interview ahead of time would not only help you estimate an approximate length of your meeting but also help you schedule other meetings in an efficient way.

Here Are Some Questions You Should Ask Your Interviewing Partners:

• Will they be able to operate within your budget?
• How will they fill your talent gap, and do their candidates have the right skill sets and experience?
• Can you interview them before onboarding, and how soon can they join you?
• What automation technology, accounting & bookkeeping software do they use and are proficient in?
• How do they ensure quality and business continuity?
• What are their data protection measures?
• Do they offer a free trial or a small pilot project before you decide?
• How long have they been in the offshoring business?
• Have your candidates worked with similar clients? And will the same team/members be working with us?
• Who will be the key point of contact?
• Will the outsourced staff be dedicated or shared?
• What is your pricing model, and what kinds of engagement models do you offer?
• Explain the onboarding process- the contract, timeline, systems, security, training, targets, etc.
• What kind of KPI reporting will be provided?
• What measures of quality assurance do you practice?

Final Thoughts

Outsourcing isn’t a magical switch that will fulfill all your business goals and wishes; it certainly needs a sizeable effort from those looking to make the leap. Access to the best talent, tech, and affordability are some main reasons accounting firms like yours might consider offshoring. But it is very important to ensure that you partner with the best outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services provider to reap such advantages.

Remember, communication is key to ensuring that your outsourcing accounting and bookkeeping services provider understands your requirements. So, ensure you communicate effectively while interviewing prospective partners so they can deliver exactly what your briefing contains.

Ask questions that require more than a yes or a no for an answer so that additional information could lead to more points you had to consider missing before the interview. Also, it is best to make notes during the interview process. You can use the same to refresh your memory when making the ultimate decision about the outsourced accounting and bookkeeping services provider to partner with. Observing the interviewee’s nonverbal and verbal communication will also be helpful.

Over to You

If you are looking for a reliable outsourcing accounting and bookkeeping services provider that will propel your accounting firm’s operations forward, then QXAS is your firm. Backed by a team of experienced accountants and bookkeepers, we have been offering offshore accounting and bookkeeping services while ensuring data protection of the highest standards and that your CPA firm runs smoothly and cost-effectively.

WHY QXAS?

• Get access to top talent: Onboard expert outsourced accountants and bookkeepers
• Quality Assurance via managed FTE solutions to improve efficiency
• Substantial cost reduction- Up to 50% off on operational costs
• Highest standards of data security measures: We are a SOC 2 Type II compliant accounting & bookkeeping offshoring company leveraging an IT infrastructure with ISO 27001:2013 certification for information security management systems.
• Saves time to focus on innovation & growth avenues to increase scalability
• Flexible pricing and multiple engagement models to suit your firm’s requirements