Outsourcing for Accounting Firms: Why It's Booming in 2025
For many accounting firms, tax season used to be the only real peak period. But these days, the heat never seems to turn off. Even outside peak periods, you’re buried in admin work, chasing documents, juggling client communications, or clearing out a backlog of to-dos.
It’s no surprise that outsourcing in accounting isn’t just a tax season tactic anymore. It’s become a year-round strategy for firms that want to stay lean, competitive, and focused on value. In 2025, this shift isn’t just smart; it’s strategic.
Let’s look at why it’s happening, what’s changed, and how smart firms use outsourcing to take control of their accounting operations.
What’s Changed in Accounting Operations Since 2020
The way firms operate today looks very different from five years ago. The pandemic didn’t just disrupt the industry; it reshaped how firms manage people, deliver services, and handle day-to-day operations.
Since then, new pressures have emerged, and old ones have intensified. And many of those shifts are still shaping how firms work in 2025.
Here’s what accounting firms are still responding to:
Talent shortages
Hiring is hard, especially for mid-level roles like bookkeepers, payroll assistants, and support staff.
According to Robert Half, **91% of senior managers say it’s difficult to find skilled finance and accounting professionals.** That means longer hiring cycles and higher salaries for the talent you needed yesterday.
Tech overload
There are more tools than ever. But connecting them all (manually) takes time. In fact, a recent AICPA poll shows that 99% of firms see that skills in handling financial data tools are essential for new hires.
That says a lot. Firms know the tools are powerful, but also need people who can manage them properly.
Rising client expectations
Clients expect faster responses, flexible communication, and cleaner reporting. Sage reported that 87% of accounting firms agree that service expectations are higher than ever. And in many cases, small delays or errors cost firms their reputation.
Hybrid team norms
Remote and hybrid models are no longer temporary. And firms are leaning into it. Thomson Reuters reports that 97% of firms let employees choose where they work, while 94% offer flexibility in when they work.
Many firms are going even further. Around 35% now use offshore providers, while others rely on domestic outsourcing and gig-based workers to fill the gaps.
The takeaway? Firms are already adapting. With all of this in play, it’s no surprise that more firms are turning to external support.
That’s exactly why outsourcing in accounting is growing fast.
How Leading Firms Are Rethinking Their Teams
Today, the smarter question isn’t just “Who should we hire?” but “Is this work draining internal bandwidth that should be used elsewhere?”
More accounting firms are moving away from the idea that everything has to be done by a full-time local team. Instead, they’re designing leaner, more agile operations where core work stays internal and repeatable tasks are outsourced to an offshore talent.
Common roles being outsourced:
- Admin support: Inbox triage, appointment setting, onboarding forms
- Bookkeeping: Data entry, reconciliations, monthly close tasks
- AP/AR: Invoicing, payment tracking, vendor coordination
- Client support: Reminders, follow-ups, FAQs
- Payroll: Monthly runs, benefits processing, reporting
These aren’t side jobs. They’re essential parts of your accounting operations. But for many firms, they’re also the first things holding teams back. By outsourcing them, accounting firms reduce friction and give their staff more capacity to focus on higher-value services.
Now, let’s look at why outsourcing could be your best move this time of year.
Is it better to outsource accounting functions?
Here’s a quick self-check:
- You’re spending more time managing staff than serving clients.
- Team morale is dipping during peak months.
- You’re turning away potential clients because your team is maxed out.
If any of those sound familiar, then yes, outsourcing some of your accounting functions might be the better move.
The benefits of outsourced accounting go beyond saving time. Done right, outsourcing in accounting improves consistency, speeds up turnaround, and creates space for strategic growth.
Examples in action:
- An offshore admin can help you respond to inquiries 3x faster.
- A remote bookkeeper can improve your firm’s monthly close accuracy and speed.
- A client support VA can lift customer satisfaction scores without adding headcount.
For firms dealing with growth pains, outsourcing doesn’t mean losing control. If anything, it gives you more control over where your energy and expertise go.
How to Outsource Accounting Functions Without Losing Control
Outsourcing in accounting might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Identify Your Needs
Start by making a list of the tasks that take up the most time or cause the most stress. Are you drowning in bookkeeping, scrambling to meet tax deadlines, or dealing with payroll headaches?
Knowing exactly where you need help makes it easier to find a partner who can tackle those specific areas. For example, if tax prep is your biggest challenge, look for an outsourcing provider who specializes in tax services.
2. Research Providers
Take some time to research outsourcing firms that specialize in accounting and tax services. Check their reviews, testimonials, and case studies to get a sense of how they’ve helped other businesses like yours. Look for certifications, industry experience, and whether they’ve worked with companies of your size.
A quick online search and a few calls can help you narrow down your options.
3. Evaluate Security
When it comes to sensitive financial data, you can never be too careful. Ask potential providers about the specific security measures they have in place.
Make sure their data protection practices align with your company’s standards to ensure your financial information stays safe.
4. Start Small
Don’t jump into a full outsourcing agreement right away. Start by outsourcing one or two tasks, maybe just bookkeeping or payroll.
This allows you to see how they work, how they communicate, and whether they meet your standards without a big commitment. Once you’re comfortable, you can expand the partnership.
5. Set Clear Expectations
Clear communication is key to successful outsourcing. Before you sign anything, make sure you’ve outlined expectations around deliverables, timelines, and how often you’ll communicate.
Will you get weekly updates? What’s the turnaround time for reports? Setting these expectations early will help avoid misunderstandings down the road.
After years of dealing with pandemic-related disruptions, talent shortages, and rising operational demands, firm leaders are turning to outsourcing not as a shortcut but as a strategic move.
Whether it’s admin, bookkeeping, or client support, outsourcing allows accounting firms to reduce burnout, hit deadlines, and focus on delivering value. It’s not about replacing your team. It’s about reinforcing it.
At EasyOutsource, we’re ready to help your accounting firm build leaner, more focused teams with outsourced support. Feel free to reach out to us.
