How to Get Your Team Excited About Outsourced Bookkeeping

Change happens fast in business. Your accounting firm is growing. More clients means more work. Outsourced Bookkeeping makes sense. But here’s the real challenge – getting your team on board.

Many staff worry outsourcing means job cuts. That’s not true. Done right, outsourcing makes jobs more interesting. It frees your team to do valuable work. Here’s how to help them see the benefits.

Why Your Team Might Be Worried

Let’s be honest. Your staff probably have concerns:

• Are we losing control of our work?
• Can outsiders match our quality?
• What will clients think?
• Why change what works?

These worries are normal. Address them directly. Be honest and reassuring.

Tell them about the “vision” & “mission” of your firm

Your workers need to firmly align with your organization’s objectives. For this, the directors should tell everybody about the “vision” & “mission” and urge workers to follow them. They should likewise communicate about the hurdles that non-core business activities like offshore accounting & bookkeeping brings to the firm. It will prompt keep them in line. It assists you with operating your business all the more adequately and proficiently.

Initiate training, teach them about new opportunities, and outsource bookkeeping

Give them training regarding new functions and educate them about the career growth they’ll see once free-up from their tedious bookkeeping work. It is a great idea to include staff in new activities and systems.

Employers should conduct meetings and teach workers about new business opportunities and how they can help in growth. It will improve their efficiency and assist employees with getting a handle on the new processes expected through outsourcing. It enhances their future performance and helps them focus on their skills better.

To motivate your team to embrace outsourced bookkeeping, focus on clear communication, highlighting benefits, and fostering a supportive environment

Open communication – Outsource bookkeeping

You must have non-stop communication with your staff through different channels. You can email them, call them, or send an instant message reckoning the need to outsource. It removes errors and urges them to talk about their opinions. This activity assists with creating trust among staff and managers. It will likewise make your staff comprehend the requirement for change in current processes.

Highlight the positives

Underline the advantages that outsourcing will bring. For example, reducing tedious work, a chance to zero in on core tasks, and having a professional who is there to assist them. They can free themselves from constant updates regarding tax claims and schemes. Moreover, with outsourcing, you can save 70% of overhead costs (as per Deloitte research), in that way, you can offer perks and incentives to employees also.

Clearly communicate the firm’s vision:

Your team needs to understand where the firm is heading. Explain the overall goals and how outsourcing fits into the bigger picture. Highlight how it allows the firm to focus on strategic growth and deliver better client service.

Emphasise improved efficiency:

Outsourcing can free up valuable time. Show your team how it reduces the burden of routine tasks, allowing them to concentrate on higher-value work. This can lead to increased efficiency and better results for clients.

Provide opportunities for skill development:

Outsourcing bookkeeping can open doors to new skills. Invest in training your team in areas like client relationship management, business advisory, or specialist tax services. This makes their roles more rewarding and valuable.

Ensure ongoing support and training:

Provide ongoing support and training to help your team adapt to the new workflows and processes. Make sure they have the resources they need to succeed in their evolving roles. This demonstrates your commitment to their development and well-being.

Research from the ACCA Association of Chartered Certified Accountants highlights the growing trend of accounting firms outsourcing routine tasks to improve efficiency and focus on higher-value services. This shift requires accountants to develop new skills in areas like business advisory, data analytics, and client relationship management.

Focus on the Good Stuff

Help your team see real benefits. Make it about them, not just the business.

• Less boring work. Outsourcing removes repetitive tasks. Nobody enjoys endless data entry.
• More interesting projects. Free time means better work. Challenging problems. Creative solutions.
• Better work-life balance. No more staying late for routine tasks. More time for family.
• Learn new things. Outsourcing partners bring fresh ideas. New ways of working.
• Access expertise. External specialists complement your team’s skills.
• Financial benefits. Deloitte research shows 70% cost savings. Some goes back to staff through better pay and bonuses.

Address Job Security Head-On

This is the big worry. Deal with it directly.

• No redundancies. If true, say it clearly. Outsourcing isn’t about reducing staff.
• New roles. Explain how people move to more valuable positions.
• Investment in people. Show commitment through training and development.
• Growth plans. Share concrete expansion plans. New opportunities for existing staff.
• Client relationships matter. Your team remains crucial for personal service and relationship building.

Show Off the Technology

Outsourcing partners often use better software. This helps your team too.

• Better tools. Modern accounting software makes work easier and faster.
• Less repetition. Automation eliminates boring, repetitive tasks.
• Instant information. Real-time reporting gives immediate access to client data.
• Integrated systems. New software works with existing tools.
• Future skills. Learning new technology keeps your team current and employable.

Support During Change

Change is stressful. Provide extra help during transition.

• Pair people up. Create mentoring partnerships. Experienced staff help others adapt.
• Check in regularly. Schedule frequent one-to-ones. Discuss how people are coping.
• Stay flexible. Adjust timelines if someone struggles. Don’t rush the process.
• Celebrate wins. Recognise early successes. Share positive results from outsourcing.
• Encourage teamwork. Help staff support each other through changes.

Get Them Involved

Don’t impose outsourcing. Make your team part of the solution.

• Partner selection. Include senior staff in choosing outsourcing providers.
• Design workflows. Ask for input on how internal and external teams work together.
• Set standards. Work together to establish quality benchmarks.
• Create communication rules. Let them help design how you’ll work with outsourcing partners.
• Monitor success. Involve them in tracking and measuring results.

Keep Supporting Them

Outsourcing isn’t one-and-done. It needs ongoing support.

• Regular training. Provide updates as new processes develop.
• Career reviews. Discuss progression regularly. Identify new development opportunities.
• Industry connections. Support attendance at professional events.
• Qualifications. Help with additional certifications and training.
• Internal promotion. Promote from within when possible. Show commitment to existing staff.

Real Success Stories

Here’s what actually happened to other firms:

Medium Practice (15 staff):

After outsourcing routine bookkeeping:

• Billable rates increased 35%
• Weekend work reduced 60%
• Three junior staff promoted to senior advisory roles
• Took on 40% more clients without hiring

Small Family Firm (6 staff):

Outsourcing allowed them to:

• Offer business planning services
• Increase profit margins 25%
• Improve work-life balance for all
• Attract higher-quality advisory clients

Measure What Matters

Show your team the benefits with real numbers:

• Time saved. Track hours freed up for valuable work.
• Quality improved. Monitor error rates and client satisfaction.
• Revenue growth. Show improved firm performance.
• Staff happiness. Regular surveys about job satisfaction.
• Career progression. Document promotions and pay rises resulting from changes.

Don’t Make These Mistakes

Learn from others’ errors:

• Surprising people. Don’t announce outsourcing suddenly.
• Ignoring worries. Take staff concerns seriously.
• Skipping training. Don’t expect people to adapt without support.
• Rushing things. Allow proper time for transition.
• Excluding the team. Include staff in planning and implementation.

The Future of Accounting

Help your team understand industry changes:

• Industry shift. Accounting is moving from compliance to advisory work.
• Client expectations. Modern clients want strategic advice, not just bookkeeping.
• Technology impact. AI and automation are changing everything.
• Competitive edge. Firms that adapt quickly will win.
• Career prospects. Advisory skills mean better jobs and higher pay.

Keep the Momentum

Once your team is on board, maintain their enthusiasm:

• Regular reviews. Schedule meetings to discuss how outsourcing is working.
• Continuous improvement. Make adjustments based on experience.
• Celebrate success. Acknowledge achievements and milestones.
• Plan together. Continue involving your team in future decisions.
• Invest in people. Keep developing your team’s skills and careers.

Making It Work

Getting your team excited about outsourced bookkeeping is about showing opportunities. When you communicate well and support properly, outsourcing transforms your firm. Everyone’s job becomes more interesting and valuable.

Your team is your biggest asset. Bring them on the outsourcing journey. Don’t just implement a business strategy. Build a stronger, more motivated team.

Successful outsourcing doesn’t replace your team. It empowers them to do better work. When you get this right, everyone wins. Your firm grows. Clients get better service. Your team enjoys more fulfilling careers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will outsourcing bookkeeping lead to redundancies?

Not necessarily. Most successful firms use outsourcing to grow, not cut staff. Your team moves to higher-value work like client advisory services. The key is planning this transition properly and communicating clearly with your staff about new opportunities.

2. How long does it take for staff to adapt to outsourced bookkeeping?

Most teams adapt within 3-6 months with proper support. The timeline depends on how well you communicate changes, provide training, and address concerns. Regular check-ins and flexibility help speed up the process.

3. What new skills should my team learn when we outsource bookkeeping?

Focus on advisory skills like business planning, tax advisory, client relationship management, and strategic consulting. These skills are more valuable and harder to outsource. They also lead to better career prospects and higher pay.

4. How do I address staff concerns about job security?

Be honest and direct. Explain that outsourcing is about growth, not cost-cutting. Share specific plans for how staff will move to new roles. Invest in training to show your commitment. Provide regular updates throughout the transition.

5. Will clients be happy knowing we outsource some work?

Most clients care about results, not where work gets done. Focus on how outsourcing improves service quality and allows your team to provide better advice. Be transparent with clients about your approach and the benefits it brings them.

6. How do I measure if the team transition is successful?

Track staff satisfaction through regular surveys. Monitor productivity and billable hours. Measure revenue growth and client retention. Look at career progression within your team. Successful transitions show improvements in all these areas.

7. What if some team members resist the change?

Resistance is normal. Listen to their concerns without dismissing them. Provide extra support and training for reluctant staff. Sometimes one-to-one coaching helps. Be patient but clear that change is necessary for the firm’s success.

8. Should I involve my team in choosing an outsourcing partner?

Yes, involving senior team members in partner selection helps them feel ownership of the decision. They can assess technical capabilities and cultural fit. This involvement also helps them understand the outsourcing partner’s strengths and how to work together effectively.

To sum up!

You can assist your staff with the understanding that outsourcing is nothing to fear about. Furthermore, it can help them better concentrate on duties they were employed to do, decrease their feelings of anxiety and make them to feel like they are being more useful. Which incidentally, makes the work environment joyful.

Outbooks offers quality bookkeeping services to accounting firms in Australia. We have a team of experienced and eligible accountants who deliver accurate results before deadlines. Get in touch with us!