Offshore staffing has become a hot topic in the accounting industry, yet many firms are held back by persistent myths. Some envision chaotic workflows, communication barriers, or low-quality work. The truth, however, is far more encouraging.
Myth 1: Offshore Teams Have Little to No Experience
One common misconception is that offshore teams lack the experience and expertise to handle complex accounting tasks. The reality is that top-tier Business Process Offshoring (BPO) providers recruit highly skilled professionals. In places like the Philippines, you can find accountants that are CPA qualified, trained in international accounting standards, and often come with years of either local or international experience.
Myth 2: Communication Will Be a Nightmare
Another myth revolves around communication barriers. Concerns about time zones and language differences are valid. However, they’re easily managed with proper planning. Offshore staff in countries like the Philippines have a high, if not fluent, level of English. Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack and others allow for real time communication. With a 24/7 workforce, time zone challenges in the Philippines are minimised with staff working on shift aligned to the firm's opening hours.
Myth 3: Offshoring Equals Outsourcing
Many confuse offshoring with outsourcing. While outsourcing involves contracting specific tasks to third-party vendors, offshoring allows firms to directly manage their dedicated offshore team members. This ensures better quality control and integration into your firm’s processes. For Frontlines clients, their staff report directly to them; — all instructions, feedback and daily workflow goes through the firm right away to the staff member. This gives firms much greater control on the quality of work that gets done, and the team culture they are building.
The Reality
Offshore staffing is about building a highly integrated extension of your team. With proper onboarding, training, and communication, these professionals become an invaluable part of your practice. Many firms have not only maintained quality and client service but improved it through the dedication and skill of their offshore staff.
By breaking through these myths, accounting firms can embrace a solution that enhances capacity, reduces costs, and strengthens their competitive edge. It’s time to see offshore staffing for what it truly is: a strategic advantage.
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