Engagement Models
Pricing

 The choice depends on capacity challenges, client expectations, and the firm’s appetite for managing resources versus outcomes. Smaller firms often benefit from the FTE model, as it provides cost-effective dedicated resources that integrate seamlessly into their team without the burden of hiring and training in-house. Mid-sized firms handling multiple service lines may prefer Practice Outsourcing, as it enables them to offload entire functions, ensuring consistent delivery while partners focus on business growth. Larger firms with diverse portfolios or complex compliance needs may combine models, using Onshore staffing for client-facing tasks while leveraging offshore FTEs or outsourcing to scale efficiently. We recommend that you speak to our experts to find out the best fit for your firm’s needs.

Yes. Engagement models are designed to be flexible and scalable. A firm may begin with an FTE model during busy season to handle recurring bookkeeping or tax preparation tasks and later transition to Practice Outsourcing as they look to streamline entire processes. Similarly, if client expectations require closer domestic alignment, adding Onshore support is possible without disruption. This flexibility allows firms to adapt to seasonal workload spikes, expansion into new service lines, or changes in compliance and regulatory requirements.

Every model is supported by QX’s People–Process–Platform framework. Professionals are rigorously trained in U.S. GAAP, IRS regulations, and state-specific compliance requirements. Processes are ISO 9001:2015 certified and follow documented checklists with dual-review checkpoints to minimize errors. Platforms are SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and ISO 27701 certified, with GDPR and data privacy frameworks in place. Whether it’s an FTE resource working within your workflow or a fully managed outsourcing project, firms receive consistent delivery, audit-ready files, and transparent reporting dashboards that track KPIs and SLAs.

Pricing varies by model. The FTE model works on a fixed monthly cost per resource, giving firms predictable expenses and dedicated output. Practice Outsourcing is usually priced on scope and complexity of deliverables, such as per-tax-return pricing, per-bookkeeping cycle, or per-audit assignment. The Onshore model may involve slightly higher costs due to U.S. staffing, but it offers proximity and client-facing benefits. Across all models, firms save significantly compared to hiring in-house teams — many firms report cost reductions of 40–60 percent along with increased scalability during peak workloads.

Regardless of the engagement model, CPA firms receive core benefits: a dedicated account manager, access to secure collaboration tools, a transparent reporting cadence, and adherence to strict data protection protocols. Every engagement includes quality and excellence via continuous training for staff, and guaranteed compliance with SOC 2 and ISO standards. Firms also benefit from scalability options, meaning they can add or reduce resources based on seasonality, as well as process improvement insights that QX shares proactively to help partners operate more efficiently.