CPA Outsourcing Services for Startups, SMEs & Accounting Firms

Introduction to CPA Services

In today’s fast-paced business environment, CPA firms in both the United Kingdom and the United States are navigating an increasingly complex financial world. With mounting client demands, evolving regulations, and seasonal workload peaks, accounting firms are actively seeking ways to scale, remain agile, and stay competitive. One proven strategy that has rapidly gained popularity is the hiring of offshore accountants to support CPA practices.

Whether you’re a growing firm in Manchester or an established tax consultancy in New York, finding the right accountants for CPA firms can significantly impact your bottom line. Offshore solutions are no longer just about cutting costs—they’re about finding the right CPA for hire who can deliver excellence, continuity, and value.

This guide is your definitive resource to understanding the offshore accounting ecosystem tailored for CPA firms in the UK and USA. We’ll dive deep into:

• Why outsourcing is the future for CPA firms
• How to hire a CPA that aligns with your standards
• The difference between certified management accountant vs CPA
• What you should expect when hiring from offshore locations
• The exact cost to hire a CPA, and how to budget for it
• Real-life use cases, ROI scenarios, and red flags to avoid

Let’s unlock the strategic value behind offshore accounting.

Understanding CPA Firms: Core Functions & Challenges

CPA firms serve as the financial stewards of businesses. From tax filing to assurance, budgeting to advisory, their role goes far beyond basic bookkeeping.

1. Core Services Offered by CPA Firms

• Tax Planning & Preparation
• Audit & Assurance
• Financial Reporting
• Payroll & Compliance
• Consulting & Advisory
• M&A, Forensics, and Valuation

2. Common Operational Pain Points

• High Staffing Costs
• Fluctuating Workloads (Busy Season vs Off Season)
• Talent Retention & Turnover
• Compliance Pressure (FRC, SEC, IRS, HMRC)
• Limited Time for Advisory Work

These pain points are why firms are increasingly searching for CPA for hire solutions that can plug into their teams with minimal onboarding friction.

Why CPA Firms in the UK & USA Are Hiring Offshore Accountants

The offshore accounting model isn’t a short-term, it’s a long-term strategic move.

1. The Rise of Offshore Accounting

Thanks to cloud technology, secure communication tools, and robust data privacy frameworks like GDPR and SOC 2, firms are now confidently hiring overseas talent. The appeal of the hired offshore CPA is no longer limited to affordability; it’s also about scalability, access to skills, and operational continuity.

2. Benefits of Offshore CPAs

• Cost Reduction: Save up to 60% in labor costs without compromising quality.
• Scalability: Expand or reduce your offshore team based on tax season, client volume, or project demand.
• Talent Availability: Tap into a global talent pool where skills are up-to-date and continuously evolving.
• Focus on Core Services: Free up in-house teams to focus on high-value advisory work.

Hiring an offshore CPA isn’t about replacing your local team—it’s about extending it intelligently. That’s why many leading firms now hire offshore CPA firms as their silent growth engines.

How to Hire a CPA for Your Firm (Onshore or Offshore)

Hiring the right CPA—whether local or offshore—requires a clear strategy. This section walks you through the entire hiring process.

Step-by-Step Hiring Framework

Step 1: Define Your Needs

Are you hiring for tax season? Looking for a year-round resource for accounts payable and payroll? Need an audit expert with IFRS/GAAP experience?

Step 2: Choose the Hiring Model

• Direct Hire (Freelancers or Contractors)
• Staff Augmentation via BPO or Offshore Partner
• Managed Service via Outsourced Firm

Step 3: Evaluate Candidate Skills

Ensure offshore CPAs are qualified with:

• ACCA, CA, CPA (USA), or equivalent certifications
• Proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, CCH, etc.)
• Experience with UK (HMRC) or USA (IRS) tax frameworks

Step 4: Conduct Technical & Cultural Interviews

Your offshore CPA will interact with your internal team. Test for:

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Ethical judgment
• Data confidentiality awareness

Step 5: Finalize Agreements

Set clear SLAs (Service Level Agreements), data handling policies, billing models, KPIs, and hours of operation.

Step 6: Onboard

Ensure a smooth integration with documentation, access to your software stack, and shadowing sessions.

This process is crucial for a successful offshore CPA hired scenario—cutting corners here leads to risks down the road.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a CPA (Domestic vs Offshore)?

Let’s talk about money—because budgeting matters.

1. Onshore CPA Hiring Costs

In the UK:

• Average CPA salary: £50,000 to £75,000/year
• Hiring + onboarding: £5,000–£10,000
• Overheads (NI, insurance, office): ~20% extra

In the USA:

• Average CPA salary: $65,000 to $90,000/year
• Recruitment cost: $4,000–$8,000
• Benefits + payroll taxes: ~25% extra

Total cost to hire a CPA onshore ranges from £60,000–£90,000+ or $80,000–$120,000+ annually.

2. Offshore CPA Hiring Costs

Through a reputable offshore CPA firm, expect:

• Entry-level accountant: $1,200–$2,000/month
• Mid-level CPA: $2,500–$4,000/month
• Senior CPA or Controller-level: $4,000–$6,500/month

This makes the cost to hire a CPA offshore around 40% to 60% cheaper than local hiring. You also eliminate training, HR, benefits, and infrastructure overhead.

Certified Management Accountant vs CPA: Which Is Right for Your Firm?

When building an offshore or hybrid accounting team, understanding the difference between a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is essential.

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

• Focus: Tax, audit, assurance, financial reporting
• Relevance: Best for client-facing services in public accounting firms
• Regulations: Bound by national regulatory boards (AICPA in the U.S., ICAEW in the UK)

2. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

• Focus: Financial strategy, cost accounting, internal controls, management reporting
• Relevance: Best for internal finance teams and strategic decision-making
• Certifying Bodies: IMA (U.S.), CIMA (UK)

 For CPA firms offering services to external clients, hiring a CPA (onshore or offshore) is the better fit. However, if your clients need fractional CFO services or performance analytics, adding a CMA to your team could be a smart move.

Real-World Case Studies: CPA Firms That Hired Offshore Accountants Successfully

Let’s ground the strategy in reality with actual examples of firms in the UK and USA that have embraced offshore hiring.

1. A Mid-Sized CPA Firm in New Jersey

• Challenge: Seasonal overload during Q1 and Q4
• Solution: Partnered with an offshore CPA firm to manage tax prep and bookkeeping
• Result: 50% cost reduction and 30% faster turnaround

2. Boutique Accounting Practice in London

• Challenge: Limited budget for full-time hires
• Solution: Hired two offshore CPAs to handle monthly accounts and VAT filings
• Result: Saved £40,000 annually while scaling client capacity by 3x

3. Startup-Focused CPA in Austin

• Challenge: Needed ongoing CFO-level advisory but couldn’t afford local rates
• Solution: Onboarded a part-time CMA from an offshore provider
• Result: Delivered strategic insights for 1/3 the cost of a local CFO

Each of these cases shows how an offshore CPA hired can provide both tactical and strategic wins when executed well.

Risk Management & Compliance When Hiring Offshore

Hiring offshore doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means being deliberate about risk, quality, and compliance.

1. Data Protection and Privacy

• Choose providers that follow GDPR, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 standards
• Use encrypted communication and secure file-sharing platforms (e.g., ShareFile, OneDrive for Business)
• Sign NDAs and ensure cyber liability insurance is in place

2. Regulatory Compliance

• Offshore CPAs must be trained in US GAAP, UK FRS/IFRS, HMRC, and IRS standards
• Maintain clear documentation and audit trails
• Review monthly reports and SLA compliance logs

3. Quality Control

• Implement layered review workflows (junior -> senior -> partner)
• Conduct quarterly skill audits and security audits
• Use KPIs such as error rate, turnaround time, and client satisfaction

By choosing to hire offshore CPA firms with a strong compliance and training track record, firms can build sustainable, secure partnerships.

Tools & Technology Stack for Managing Offshore CPAs

Having the right tools enables a seamless collaboration across time zones and continents.

1. Communication Tools

• Slack / Microsoft Teams: Instant messaging and calls
• Zoom / Google Meet: Face-to-face check-ins and onboarding
• Loom: Asynchronous video walkthroughs

2. Workflow & Project Management

• Jetpack Workflow / Karbon / Asana: Task tracking and workflow automation
• ClickUp: For resource planning and capacity forecasting

3. Accounting Software

Offshore CPAs should be proficient in:

• QuickBooks Online / Desktop
• Xero
• CCH / IRIS (UK)
• UltraTax / ProConnect (USA)
• Sage / FreeAgent

4. Time Tracking & Billing

• Toggl / Harvest / Clockify: Monitor productivity across teams
• Bill.com / Gusto / Paychex: Manage payroll and vendor payments

A good hire offshore CPA firm will already have infrastructure in place or will be ready to work within your tech ecosystem.

Best Practices for Long-Term Offshore CPA Success

Let’s go beyond onboarding. Here’s how to make it stick:

1. Start Small and Scale

• Begin with 1–2 team members
• Set up pilot projects (e.g., AP, VAT returns, bank reconciliations)
• Scale based on performance and process maturity

2. Design a Training Plan

• Offer firm-specific training modules (video, SOPs, templates)
• Schedule shadowing sessions with local staff
• Encourage upskilling via CPE programs

3. Establish a Culture of Ownership

• Hold weekly virtual team meetings
• Celebrate wins and milestones
• Share client feedback and performance reports

Comparing Hiring Models: Local vs Offshore vs Hybrid

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help CPA firms in the UK and USA make the right hiring choice.

If you’re wondering how to hire a CPA and which model to go with, the hybrid model offers the best of both worlds—especially for firms growing across borders.

Hiring Checklist: Offshore CPA Success Guide

Here’s a simple checklist for firms looking to hire offshore CPA firms or individuals:

• Define the job role and required qualifications
• Choose the right hiring model (direct, managed, or hybrid)
• Vet the offshore provider’s security and compliance measures
• Schedule interviews with technical and cultural fit evaluations
• Finalize contracts with clear KPIs and SLA expectations
• Setup onboarding documentation and software access
• Monitor and review performance quarterly

FAQ’s

Q1: What is the best way to find a CPA for hire?

Start by identifying whether you need local expertise or offshore support. Platforms like LinkedIn, CPA boards, and outsourcing firms offer access to pre-vetted professionals. For flexibility and cost efficiency, many CPA firms hire offshore CPA firms.

Q2: How to hire a CPA for a CPA firm in the USA or UK?

Define the role, determine the budget, and decide whether to hire in-house or offshore. Interview for both technical skills and regulatory knowledge (IRS, HMRC, GAAP, IFRS). Work with a reputable partner if going offshore.

Q3: What’s the difference between a certified management accountant vs CPA?

CPAs are ideal for public accounting and client-facing work, focusing on taxes, audit, and compliance. CMAs are more strategy- and management-oriented. For CPA firms, hiring a CPA is usually the best route.

Q4: What’s the cost to hire a CPA locally vs offshore?

• Local CPA (UK): £60,000–£90,000/year
• Local CPA (USA): $80,000–$120,000/year
• Offshore CPA: $18,000–$50,000/year
  So, if you’re calculating how much does it cost to hire a CPA, offshore is often 50%+ more cost-effective.

Q5: Is it safe to hire an offshore CPA firm?

Yes, if you choose providers with strong data security (GDPR, SOC 2) and financial compliance experience. Reputable firms handle everything from payroll to audit support under secure systems.

Q6: Can offshore CPAs handle UK/US tax laws?

Absolutely. Many hired offshore CPAs are trained in UK FRS, US GAAP, and global tax frameworks. They often come certified with ACCA, CPA (USA), or CA (India) qualifications.

Conclusion: Time to Reinvent How You Scale Your CPA Firm

If you’re still asking yourself how much to hire a CPA, the better question might be—what’s the value of not hiring smartly? Offshore hiring isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about leveraging global talent to unlock growth, flexibility, and long-term success for your firm.

Whether you’re based in Birmingham or Boston, Glasgow or Chicago—hiring the right offshore CPA firm can elevate your operations and transform your bottom line.