In an unpredictable global economy, businesses need to stay agile and adaptable. The haunting specter of a recession is something that keeps many business owners awake at night. Yet, some businesses seem to navigate economic downturns with resilience, while others falter. A significant factor that differentiates the two is the foresight to innovate, economize, and streamline operations. One such innovation is the use of outsourced accounting, a tool that can act as a financial buoy during a recession. Here’s how it can help recession-proof your business.
1. Cost Savings
Outsourcing a function such as accounting often translates to significant cost savings. When a business maintains an in-house accounting department, they’re shouldering the full weight of salaries, health benefits, retirement plans, and bonuses. Beyond the direct remuneration, there are also indirect costs such as recruitment, training, and turnover expenses. On the contrary, an outsourced firm operates on a fixed fee or a flexible pricing model, which usually results in a more favorable cost structure.
Outsourcing firms leverage their broad experience from serving multiple clients. As such, they have refined processes that enhance efficiency, leading to faster task completion. This, in turn, contributes to cost savings that are often passed on to the client.
2. Scalability
One of the greatest challenges businesses face, especially during a recession, is scalability. The unpredictability of the market might necessitate scaling down operations. Outsourced accounting allows for swift scalability, either ramping up or scaling down, based on current financial realities.
Many outsourced accounting firms also offer tailored packages. As a business grows or contracts, these services can be customized without the logistical challenges and costs associated with hiring or letting go of in-house staff.
3. Access to Expertise
According to the 2022 Deloitte Outsourcing survey, 50% of businesses cite talent acquisition as their primary reason for outsourcing. Outsourced accounting firms employ a diverse range of professionals. This means a small business that outsources its accounting could benefit from the combined expertise of tax specialists, auditors, financial advisors, and more. Such collective knowledge would be prohibitively expensive to maintain in-house.
Outsourced firms invest heavily in training their staff. When new financial regulations are rolled out, they ensure their team is prepared for these changes. This commitment to continual learning ensures that a business’s finances are always in line with current regulations, even in turbulent times.
4. Technology Adoption
Accounting has greatly benefited from technological advancements. New software and tools offer automation, analytics, and robust reporting capabilities. Outsourcing firms invest in these premium tools to serve their clientele better. Partnering with such a firm grants businesses access to these tools without capital expenditure.
Additionally, data security is paramount in accounting. Outsourced firms usually have stringent security protocols and invest in advanced cybersecurity measures, ensuring that a business’s sensitive financial data remains protected.
5. Enhanced Decision Making
An outsourced accounting firm provides detailed, accurate, and timely financial reports. Such precision is critical during a recession when every decision can have amplified consequences. With clear financial insights, business leaders can make decisions rooted in data, from potential cost-cutting measures to new investment opportunities.
Beyond basic reports, seasoned accounting firms often provide analytical insights, highlighting trends and flagging potential financial concerns. This proactive approach means businesses aren’t just reacting to the recession but strategically navigating through it.
6. Reduced Overheads
Maintaining a physical space for an in-house accounting team involves costs related to rent, utilities, furniture, and more. With outsourced accounting, there’s no need for dedicated office space or the infrastructure associated with it, resulting in substantial overhead reductions.
Accounting software, particularly the more advanced suites, often requires hefty licensing fees. Outsourcing negates the need for businesses to purchase these licenses directly, as the service provider typically covers these costs.
7. Focus on Core Competencies
Especially during challenging economic times, businesses need to zero in on what they do best, whether it’s product development, customer service, or marketing. Outsourced accounting allows a business to redirect its resources, both human and financial, towards core activities, maximizing potential returns.
By eliminating the administrative challenges associated with managing an in-house accounting department — from recruitment to performance reviews — company leadership can better concentrate on strategic decisions and business growth.
8. Risk Mitigation
Outsourced accounting firms specialize in maintaining accuracy and ensuring adherence to regulations. Given their breadth of experience across various industries and clients, they often have robust systems in place to detect and prevent errors, which can be critical in avoiding costly financial missteps during a recession.
In the unlikely event of errors or discrepancies, the outsourced firm usually carries the primary responsibility. Many firms also have insurance policies to cover potential financial or reputational damages, offering an extra layer of security to their clients.
9. Continuity and Reliability
In-house accounting departments can face disruptions due to staff turnover, extended leaves, or internal conflicts. Outsourced firms, however, are bound by their service contracts to ensure continuous service, providing businesses with a consistent and reliable accounting function regardless of external circumstances. With such reliability, it is a small wonder why global spending on outsourcing could hit $731 billion by 2023.
Large outsourced accounting firms additionally have a pool of professionals, ensuring that even if one accountant is unavailable, there are others ready to step in, guaranteeing uninterrupted service.
10. Future-proofing with Advisory Services
While many businesses initially look to outsourced accounting for basic bookkeeping, many firms offer a suite of advisory services. This can include financial forecasting, budgeting advice, and strategic financial planning, enabling businesses to not only navigate the present but also plan effectively for the future.
Over time, outsourced accounting firms often become strategic partners, gaining deep insights into a business’s operations and financial patterns. Their external vantage point, combined with their financial acumen, can provide invaluable advice on diversifying revenue streams, cost optimization, and investment opportunities, which can be vital during and after a recession.
Charting a Financial Future: The Outsourced Advantage
Recessions are challenging, but they also present opportunities for businesses to reevaluate, adapt, and innovate. Outsourced accounting is a tool that aligns perfectly with this ethos. Not only does it provide immediate economic relief through cost savings, but it also equips businesses with the expertise, technology, and insights to navigate the murky waters of an economic downturn.
It’s essential to choose a reputable, experienced outsourced accounting partner that understands your industry and business needs. As we face the uncertainties of the global economy, integrating outsourced accounting might just be the beacon your business needs to light its path toward stability and growth.
In the ever-evolving eCommerce and tech landscape, Fully Accountable stands out as more than just an accounting service — they’re your digital accounting partner. Going beyond basic bookkeeping, they offer daily financial insights, akin to having an in-house accounting team, all tailored for modern businesses. With their U.S.-based CPAs and eCommerce experts, you’ll receive actionable feedback that empowers you to make informed decisions. Ready to elevate your financial strategy with a profit-centered approach? Choose Fully Accountable today and unlock unprecedented growth for your business.
Fully Accountable is an outsourced accounting and fractional CFO firm that specializes in ecommerce accounting for online businesses. As a Inc 5000 fastest growing companies award winner, our diverse team of accountants, bookkeepers and CFOs can help you improve your cashflow and effectively manage and grow your bottom line.
