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Why Considering outsourcing should be a New Year resolution for all accountants

The month of January is the busiest time of year for accountants striving to help clients file self-assessment tax returns and pay any tax due. At the same time, many Practice owners are setting objectives for growth and profitability for the next 12 months. With employment costs and overheads expected to rise throughout 2026, developing a strategy to outsource work should be high on the list of things to do when accountants return to work in January.
Accountants considering outsourcing can start the process by asking some basic questions, including:
  • Which services do we provide which can easily be outsourced?
  • Which services are we looking to grow over the next 12 months?
  • Where are my resourcing pain points?
  • What are the main objectives of an outsourcing strategy?
  • Which delivery model works best for my Practice?
  • Are there offshore Providers who can help us execute an effective outsourcing strategy?
  • Will outsourcing compromise data security?
With a growing number of options available through cloud accounting and automation, 2026 may be the perfect year for accountants to outsource recurring tasks and focus on the work adding most value to their Practice and customers.

Outsourcing is an essential solution for many accountants

Many accountants look to the experiences of competitors who already outsource work successfully. Larger Practices modernised processes and invested in technology to enable the provision of services by an offshore provider. This means they are well placed to scale and grow their businesses while manging costs effectively. With contracted turnaround times often measured in hours, end-clients also see the benefit of more timely information and statutory deadlines are met with time to spare.
Smaller Practices also secure benefits from outsourcing work. They are able to offer a wider range of services delivered by qualified professionals who are always available to tackle peaks of work or clear a backlog of tasks. Accountants no longer need to recruit their way towards growth and can avoid expensive mistakes if the wrong appointment is made.
Unison Globus UK customers consider the main benefits of outsourcing work to be:
  • Reduced costs and overheads
  • Access to a stable team of professionals
  • Increased quality and consistency of work
  • Better turnaround times
  • improved client experience.

Services which can easily be outsourced

Accountants are under pressure to deliver more services at a lower cost to attract new customers and avoid losing customers to competitors. By outsourcing recurring tasks such as monthly bookkeeping, payroll, quarterly VAT returns and year-end accounts preparation, accountants will find more time to spend with customers understanding their needs and adapting services accordingly.

With the introduction of Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD IT) for certain taxpayers from April 2026, the submission of data each quarter to HMRC offers a good opportunity to start outsourcing recurring work which carries a significant risk of a deadline being missed. Outsourcing work also creates capacity for accountants to look carefully at their customers and identify those most a risk of non-compliance with HMRC requirements when MTD IT is introduced.

Outsourcing can handle many of the administrative tasks involved in taking on clients, such as registering information with HMRC and Companies House and submitting required documentation. Outsourcing such work creates the capacity for in-house accountants to understand the needs of new clients and risks associated with the engagement.
The ongoing management of clients can be resource intensive, and mistakes can be made where expectations about the services to be delivered for the agreed fee differ significantly. The outsourced accountant can manage the flow of communication with a client for the work they are responsible for, enabling the UK accountant to understand any change in the risk profile in clients individually or collectively.

How offshore Providers can help execute an effective outsourcing strategy

Outsourcing work allows accountants to look carefully at the resources needed to deliver their objectives. This may involve increases in client numbers, delivering more specialist services or securing better profitability. Outsourcing work secures immediate savings through lower employment costs, which are typically 50% less than a UK resource. Unison Globus UK customers have the flexibility to commission resources when they need them on an ad-hoc (pay as you go), half time equivalent or full-time equivalent basis.
Accountants who implement outsourcing successfully are comfortable with innovation and delivering change. Integrating the outsourced accountants into training, team meetings and other staff updates which helps build relationships and contributes to the overall culture of a Practice.
The offshore accountant can help review internal systems and processes to integrate their work into the onshore accountant’s operations. Workflows can be updated to track the progress of work outsourced and that delivery is in accordance with the terms agreed.
Investment in new technologies such as cloud accounting and automation of tasks means smaller Practices can introduce outsourced partners into their day-to-day operations with the minimum of disruption. This allows Practices to scale and grow without taking on the additional risk and costs of direct employment. Investing time with the individuals provided by the outsourced partner will introduce Practices to new ways of working, a different mindset for delivery and a more cohesive business.

Preserving data security

Protecting client data and Intellectual Property presents a significant risk to any accountant regardless of Practice size. When engaging an outsource supplier, the onshore accountant can mitigate these risks by reviewing internal systems and processes to ensure data can be transferred securely. This usually involves the outsource supplier accessing client servers using secure login arrangements. If this isn’t possible, most outsource suppliers use secure file hosting services or password protected documents, though risks of data breaches may increase where high volumes of client information are exchanged.

When outsourcing work, the UK accountant should always seek confirmation about any GDPR, or data security credentials stated by an offshore accountant. They will also need to understand the operational procedures established by the offshore accountant to ensure data security and complete a risk assessment accordingly.
Internal policies and procedures will need to be updated to cover the tasks undertaken by the offshore accountant and the nature of data processed. Some accountants decide the offshore accountant should see only limited amounts or anonymised client data; others decide the offshore accountant needs full access to client information to work effectively. Including the offshore accountant in any training or staff can helps ensure awareness of the continuing risks around data security and the action required in the event a data breach occurs.

Want to learn more?

Using an offshore supplier is increasingly becoming the normal way of doing business for UK accountants. Outsourcing work helps support delivery of core business objectives, improves profitability, and helps Practices scale and grow.
Unison Globus UK’s outsourced tax, accounting and payroll services are suitable for all client engagements – from sole traders and micro businesses to large companies.
We provide a free trial of up to 10 hours of accountant time, with turnaround or work in 72 hours. If you’re looking to outsource for the first time, increase margins, and help your clients, you can book a video call with one of our expert advisors or email us at [email protected]
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Why now is the right time for UK accountants to outsource

Running an accountancy practice in the UK has never been more demanding. Between recruitment challenges, pressure from regulators, and rising client expectations, many firms are stretched to the limit.
That’s why more accountants are turning to outsourced accountancy services. By outsourcing recurring tasks such as bookkeeping, year-end accounts preparation,VAT and company tax calculations and payroll processing, accountants can free up time, reduce costs, and shift their focus towards higher-value advisory services.
Here’s why outsourcing could be the right step for your firm.

Reduce the Cost of In-House Recruitment

While larger firms have access to professional HR resources and advice, smaller practices and sole practitioners often struggle to keep on top of their legal responsibilities when recruiting finance professionals. The recruitment process is often undertaken by accountants who may have no experience at all of implementing an effective recruitment strategy.
When an accountant joins a practice, they expect a clear pathway and support towards their career goals. This will often involve incurring the costs of professional accounting qualifications and subscriptions, continuing professional development and other ad-hoc training.
 


Using an outsourced solution removes the burden of:

  • Interviewing and vetting candidates
  • Conducting performance reviews
  • Professional study requirements
  • Managing payroll, leave, and employee disputes.
There are further benefits through accessing a ready-made pool of talent and expertise without the responsibility of managing a full-time professional. Outsourcing work secures immediate savings through lower employment costs, which are typically 50% less than a UK resource.

Stay Compliant with Rules and Regulations

From HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) to payroll and VAT obligations, UK compliance can be complex and constantly changing. Outsourced professionals understand UK Company Tax and Personal Tax rules and the requirements of Companies House. Helping clients stay on top of their responsibilities to file information in line with statutory deadlines ensures fines and penalties are avoided.

Access Expert Support on Demand

Accountants looking to manage costs find outsourcing work offers a ready-made solution. Firms can access a global pool of talented professionals, increase productivity and efficiency, and improve customer service.
Offshore suppliers can help fill roles across all types of accounting work. Firms have flexibility to commission resources when they need them on an ad-hoc (pay as you go), half time equivalent or full-time equivalent basis. There is no need to enter into a long-term contract, and the risks of overstaffing are avoided.
As the onshore accountants shift priorities towards advisory work, clients expect deeper insights, not just compliance. Outsourcing recurring tasks such as bookkeeping or payroll gives accountants more time to focus on client relationships, strategic advice, and business development.

Benefit from the Latest Technology

Systems and processes to complete work offshore are highly efficient with rapid turnaround times. The best outsource partner can prepare records and transfer data in real-time using cloud accounting software, increasing confidence in the accuracy of financial reporting. By outsourcing, accountants can access the latest technology for bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll without paying for licences, updates, or IT support.

Scale Up or Down Easily

Scaling a practice up or down takes time when services are delivered by full-time staff. Investment in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, cloud accounting and automation of tasks means accountants can scale and grow without taking on the additional risk and costs of direct employment. Where a practice is looking to downsize, contracts with an outsourced supplier can be terminated in a matter of weeks and in a structured way. There is no need to implement redundancy processes or statutory consultation with employees.
Accountants can also choose to access offshore capacity as and when they need it by using a pay as you go service. This maximises the flexibility to use an offshore option at peak periods or where a backlog of work needs to be cleared. This flexibility enables practices to grow without the long-term cost and risk of extra headcount.

Free Up Time to Focus on Growth

One of the biggest benefits from outsourcing work is time. By outsourcing routine tasks, accountants can focus on strategy, client relationships, and growing the business. Undertaking a critical review of internal resources and comparing to the capacity needed to deliver growth will quickly identify shortfalls which need to be managed.

Improve Client Experience

Accountants often seek to increase the number of clients through competitive pricing, though overlook opportunities to provide professional insight and data. By outsourcing tasks such as the preparation of VAT returns or year-end accounts, accountants can create additional capacity for more direct contact which adds value to the client relationship. Outsourcing work enhances these contacts by delivering services with improved turnaround times and higher quality.

Data security

When looking to engage an outsource supplier to process customer information, the onshore team should review internal systems and processes to ensure data can be transmitted and received securely. This usually involves the outsource supplier accessing systems using secure login arrangements. If this isn’t possible secure software file hosting services or password protected documents can be used, though these may not be sustainable where high volumes of customer data are exchanged. SMEs should always seek confirmation about any GDPR, or data security credentials offered by an offshore supplier.

Outsourcing vs In-House: Which Is Best for Accountants?

Choosing between outsourcing and building an in-house financial team is a key strategic decision for accountants. With rising costs, and the need for real-time information, the right choice can make the difference between a business that struggles to keep up and one that runs efficiently and profitably.
For many practices, the optimal model involves using in-house resources to focus on business growth while outsourcing recurring and deadline driven accounting work. Outsourcing reduces costs, increases flexibility, and allows accountants to focus on growth and remaining resilient to competition.

Unison Globus UK: Your Offshore Accounting Partner

While outsourcing usually secures immediate cost-saving benefits, many accountants discover broader value – from scalability and access to talent, to improved service delivery.
At Unison Globus UK, we specialise in helping businesses streamline operations and scale through professional, affordable offshore accounting solutions. Our experts deliver high-quality:
 

How do I find out more?

We provide a free trial of up to 10 hours of accountant time, with turnaround in 72 hours. If you’re looking to outsource services for the first time, increase margins, and help your clients, you can book a video call with one of our expert advisors or email us at [email protected]
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Why Now is the Right Time For SMEs to Outsource Accounting Services

Running a business in the UK means managing costs, delivering excellent services and the constant pressure to grow. For many small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) keeping all accountancy services in-house can be expensive and time-consuming. By outsourcing recurring tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll, and financial and management accounting, SMEs can free up time, reduce costs, and gain better peace of mind.

Reduce the Cost of In-House Recruitment

While larger businesses have access to professional HR resources and advice, smaller enterprises often struggle to keep on top of their legal responsibilities when recruiting finance professionals. The recruitment process is often undertaken by business owners who may have no experience at all of implementing an effective recruitment strategy.
When an accountant joins a business, they expect a clear pathway and support towards their career goals. This will often involve incurring the costs of professional accounting qualifications and subscriptions, continuing professional development and other ad-hoc training.
Using an outsourced solution removes the burden of:
  • Interviewing and vetting candidates
  • Conducting performance reviews
  • Professional study requirements
  • Managing payroll, leave, and employee disputes.
There are further benefits through accessing a ready-made pool of talent and expertise without the responsibility of managing a full-time professional. Outsourcing work secures immediate savings through lower employment costs, which are typically 50% less than a UK resource.

Stay Compliant with HMRC Rules and Regulations

From HMRC’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) to payroll and VAT obligations, UK compliance can feel overwhelming. Outsourced professionals understand UK Tax and Companies House requirements to keep statutory filing up to date, helping SMEs avoid fines and penalties.

Access Expert Support on Demand

SMEs looking to manage costs effectively find outsourcing work offers a ready-made solution. Businesses can access a global pool of talented professionals, increase productivity and efficiency, and improve customer service.
Offshore suppliers can help fill roles across all types of accounting work. Businesses have flexibility to commission resources when they need them on an ad-hoc (pay as you go), half time equivalent or full-time equivalent basis. There is no need to enter into a long-term contract, and the risks of overstaffing are avoided.

Benefit from the Latest Technology

Systems and processes to complete work offshore are highly efficient with rapid turnaround times. The best outsource partner can prepare records and transfer data in real-time using cloud accounting software, increasing confidence in the accuracy of financial reporting. By outsourcing, SMEs can access the latest technology for bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll without paying for licences, updates, or IT support.

Scale Up or Down Easily

Scaling a business up or down takes time when full-time staff deliver services. Investment in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, cloud accounting and automation of tasks means SMEs can scale and grow without taking on the additional risk and costs of direct employment. Where a business is looking to downsize, contracts with an outsourced supplier can be terminated in a matter of weeks and in a structured way. There is no need to implement redundancy processes or statutory consultation with employees.
SMEs can also choose to access offshore capacity as and when they need it by using a pay as you go service. This maximises the flexibility to use an offshore option at peak periods or where a backlog of work needs to be cleared. This flexibility enables SMEs to grow without the long-term cost and risk of extra headcount.

Free Up Time to Focus on Growth

One of the biggest benefits from outsourcing work is time. By outsourcing routine financial tasks, SMEs can focus on strategy, customer relationships, and growing the business. Undertaking a critical review of internal resources and comparing to the capacity needed to deliver accounting services to support future growth will quickly identify shortfalls which need to be managed.
By outsourcing financial tasks, SMEs can access more accurate and timely information to help make decisions about the future direction of the business.

Data security

When looking to engage an outsource supplier to process customer information, the onshore team should review internal systems and processes to ensure data can be transmitted and received securely. This usually involves the outsource supplier accessing systems using secure login arrangements. If this isn’t possible secure software file hosting services or password protected documents can be used, though these may not be sustainable where high volumes of customer data are exchanged. SMEs should always seek confirmation about any GDPR, or data security credentials offered by an offshore supplier.

Outsourcing vs In-House: Which Is Best for SMEs?

Choosing between outsourcing and building an in-house financial team is a key strategic decision for SMEs. With rising costs, and the need for real-time information, the right choice can make the difference between a business that struggles to keep up and one that runs efficiently and profitably.
For many SMEs, the optimal model involves using in-house resources to focus on business growth while outsourcing recurring and deadline driven accounting work. Outsourcing reduces costs, increases flexibility, and allows SMEs to focus on growth and remaining resilient to competition.

Unison Globus UK: Your Offshore Accounting Partner

While outsourcing usually secures immediate cost-saving benefits, many SMEs discover broader value – from scalability and access to talent, to improved service delivery.
At Unison Globus UK, we specialise in helping businesses streamline operations and scale through professional, affordable offshore accounting solutions. Our experts deliver high-quality:
 

How do I find out more?

We provide a free trial of up to 10 hours of accountant time, with turnaround in 72 hours. If you’re looking to outsource services for the first time, increase profits and grow your business, you can book a video call with one of our expert advisors or email us at [email protected]
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How Outsourcing Helps UK Accountants Avoid Recruitment and Employment Risks

Recruiting and retaining staff has become one of the biggest challenges for UK accountants. With increasing salary expectations among potential recruits, a shortage of talent and expertise, and the constant pressure to deliver more for clients, many accountants are struggling to keep up. Beyond the cost of recruitment, there are training requirements, career expectations to manage, and the possibility of employees leaving just when they’re most needed.
That’s why more accountants are turning to offshore solutions. By outsourcing to trusted providers like Unison Globus UK, accountants can avoid recruitment headaches, reduce employment risks, and access trained professionals to deliver high quality work.
In this blog, we’ll explore why offshore teams are becoming a smarter choice for UK accountants and how they can help your firm grow without the risks of traditional recruitment.

The Challenges UK Accountants Face with Recruitment

For many UK accountants, the current recruitment market is proving costly and time-consuming. Risks are emerging across a number of fronts, including:
 
  • Skills shortages: Qualified accountants are in high demand, and many accountants find it difficult to attract the right candidates
  • Rising recruitment costs: Advertising roles, preparing a candidate shortlist, undertaking interviews, and using agencies all incur costs quickly
  • Training and development: When appointed, new staff require onboarding and continuing professional development
  • Employment risks: From compliance with UK employment law to managing contracts, employee benefits, and HR issues, firms carry the full responsibility
  • Staff turnover: If a team member leaves, the entire cycle starts again, incurring more costs and reducing productivity.
For smaller practices, these risks can slow growth and limit the ability to take on new clients.

Why Offshore Solutions Are a Smarter Choice

Outsourcing gives UK firms access to a broad range of qualified professionals. Most end-to-end accounting tasks – such as digital bookkeeping, VAT returns, year-end accounts, company tax, and personal tax – can be outsourced easily to trusted provider
By working with a specialist outsourcing partner, accountants can:
  • Access talent immediately: Offshore accountants are already professionally qualified, have wide experience and are ready to start immediately
  • Avoid recruitment costs and HR management: The outsource provider handles contracts, salaries, and employee benefits
  • Leverage UK accounting expertise: Offshore professionals are trained in UK accounting, tax, and compliance requirements
  • Scale flexibly: Add capacity as demand grows without the risk of recruitment delays.
Thanks to cloud accounting and digital systems, outsourced teams can seamlessly integrate into daily workflows with minimal disruption.

“We’ve seen a real shift in mindset when it comes to delivery. Our offshore teams work hand-in-hand with UK accountants, improving service and boosting productivity” says the team at Unison Globus UK.

Key Benefits of Offshore Teams for UK Accountants

Avoid Recruitment Delays

Instead of spending weeks or months advertising jobs, screening candidates, and conducting interviews, firms can engage an offshore accountant instantly. This reduces downtime and ensures client work is delivered on time. Unison Globus UK accountants can start working for a UK practice in a matter of days.

Reduce Training Burdens

While some onboarding is necessary, outsourcing significantly reduces ongoing training and continuing professional development costs. Our HR team ensures every Unison Globus UK professional:

 
  • Has up-to-date qualifications
  • Understands UK Tax Rules and Accounting Standards
  • Receives regular professional development.

Minimise Employment Risks

When you recruit directly, the firm carries all employment risks, including sick pay, redundancy payments, and any HR disputes. With offshore teams, those risks are the responsibility of the provider, giving firms peace of mind.

Cut Operational Costs

Beyond salaries, direct employment means additional on-costs including holiday leave, pension contributions, and employers national insurance. Outsourcing offers many flexible engagement models using pricing that can scale up or down as needed. Unison Globus UK offers different team models tailored to your firm’s needs – whether you need ad-hoc support or full-time offshore staff.

How Unison Globus UK helps our customers

Accountants across the UK are already seeing better results from outsourcing with Unison Globus UK.

Customer A

Our Practice provides back-office services to SMEs across the UK. Our focus is providing high quality bookkeeping and payroll services to support our clients with cashflow management, budgeting, and forecasting. Many of our clients have complex bookkeeping needs with high volumes of transactions to process each month. Outsourcing work was the natural choice to ensure our in-house team has the capacity to support our clients with the timely insight and analysis they need. We use the full-time equivalent bookkeeping service, and their people work well as part of our extended team.

Customer B

Our business model requires us to work flexibly across a diverse range of clients and, to achieve this, we decided at an early stage to commission services using a full-time accountant option. We are delighted with the quality and timeliness of work produced by the offshore team, and the continuity of service we have secured over the last six years. Unison Globus UK has supported our Practice through a rapid period of growth and remains central to our future delivery plans. The team at Unison Globus UK seek to add value in everything they do, and we are delighted to recommend them as your outsourcing partner.

These examples show that offshore work with Unison Globus UK isn’t just about reducing costs, it’s a strategic way to boost capacity and growth.

How to Choose the Right Offshore Partner

Not all outsourcing providers are the same. To make offshore staffing work for your firm, look for:
 
  • UK accounting expertise: Ensure the offshore team is trained in UK accounting, tax, and accounting standards. Understanding of HMRC and Companies House requirements is essential
  • Data security: There are many ways to share data securely with an offshore accountant – whether through a secure file transfer protocol server, by granting remote access to your server, or sharing files via cloud systems. Regardless of arrangements, the onshore accountant needs to be confident in the offshore IT and physical safeguards, such as anti-virus software, secure VPN connections, and 24/7 surveillance in place). Unison Globus UK is GDPR complaint and ISO27001 accredited
  • Scalability: Choose a partner that can grow with your firm, adding capacity as needed. Accountants can choose to access offshore capacity as and when they need it by using a pay as you go service. This maximises the flexibility to use an offshore option at peak periods or when an unexpected backlog of work occurs
  • Proven track record: Look for testimonials or case studies from other UK accountants.

How do I find out more?

We provide a free trial of up to 10 hours of accountant time, with turnaround in 72 hours. If you’re looking to outsource services for the first time, increase margins, and help your clients, you can book a video call with one of our expert advisors or email us at [email protected]
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Use Outsourcing to Transform your Accountancy Practice

Change management, or ‘transformation’, is high on the list of priorities for most UK accountants. Investment in modern technologies such as cloud accounting software and the automation of recurring tasks is increasing. Developments in Artificial Intelligence are helping accountants look critically at the way they work with clients while ensuring they remain available to provide personal, expert advice when needed. Modern technologies can now support different models of service delivery, and this includes outsourcing work to an offshore provider such as Unison Globus UK.
This guide aims to help accountants review the way accounting services are delivered and highlight the benefits of outsourcing work to deliver transformation plans.

Transforming the way services are provided

While accountants have invested heavily in modern technologies, many fail to review the way services are provided to secure the best possible outcomes for profitability and growth. The automation of tasks and embedding of cloud-based software provide wide scope for transforming the way services are delivered. The ‘digitisation’ of accounting records means there is no need for accountants to attend a traditional office space – information can be accessed from anywhere in the World using an internet connection.
In terms of the services an accountant may outsource, the work does not need to be confined to transactional areas such as bookkeeping or payroll. The outsourced accountant can support the onboarding of clients and provide continuous feedback on the services a client might need, such as tax or specialist advice. The outsourced accountant can help Practices look forward and assist with the real-time reporting needs of clients.
The outsourcing of compliance work helps accountants manage short term pressures such as peaks or backlogs of work. This can be at the individual accountant level, when capacity is most stretched at key points in the accounting cycle, or to help drive sustainable growth in new client numbers and services. Outsourcing work helps accountants provide professional support and expert advice their clients need without increasing the permanent establishment of the Practice.
Practices are increasingly including the outsourcing of work in their plans for client growth, recognising the market for qualified accountants, and other finance professionals, is challenging. Smaller Practices can struggle to find the resources they need and are most at risk of losing accountants to larger competitors. Using an outsource supplier helps level the playing field for smaller Practices, helps stabilise capacity and improves service delivery.

Meeting customer needs

Many accountants aim to scale their business quickly through growth in new client numbers. The onboarding of new clients can be resource intensive with the additional pressure to make the best possible first impression and contact. Outsourcing can handle many of the administrative tasks involved in taking on new clients, such as registering information with HMRC and Companies House and submitting required documentation. Outsourcing such work creates the capacity for in-house accountants to understand the needs of new clients. Expensive mistakes can be avoided where a client is unsuitable or where expectations about the services to be delivered for the agreed fee differ significantly.
When onboarding is complete, automating communications with customers as work is delivered improves turnaround times. The outsourced accountant can manage the flow of communication with a client for the work they are responsible for, enabling the UK accountant to focus on adding value to the client relationship.
Many potential clients now contact accountants via websites or using App technology. Some accountants employ customer service professionals to deal with non-accountancy related tasks. Every interaction with a client can be measured and evaluated and new ways of providing information to clients can be explored. Some accountants are successfully using ChatGPT to respond to questions from clients. Others are using automated messaging to progress work.
The best outsourced suppliers will adapt to the changing demands of UK accountants and their clients. To evidence improvement, real time data can be used about every task the outsourced supplier completes and compared to the equivalent in-house performance.
Advances in cloud-based accounting software, and the increase in entrants to the UK accounting market offering Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, mean many businesses are comfortable maintaining their own accounting records, requiring the support of an accountant only at key points in the accounting period. This can lead to significant peaks and backlogs of work where a high number of clients have the same year end or need personal tax services in the lead up to HMRC deadlines. While accountants seek to increase the number of such clients through competitive pricing, they often overlook opportunities to provide professional insight and data. By outsourcing tasks such as the preparation of VAT returns or year-end accounts, accountants can create additional capacity for more direct contact which adds value to the client relationship. The right outsource provider can enhance these contacts through the provision of services with improved turnaround times and higher quality.

Using outsourcing to add value

The reputation of accountants is based on a track record of delivering quality work on time which meets professional standards. By encouraging clients to accept different, more efficient ways of delivering services, accountants will secure the maximum benefit from any transformation work. Most clients are comfortable with an outsourced supplier preparing their accounts or tax returns where the arrangements are complemented by improved communications and better outcomes in terms of quality and delivery.
Using an outsourced supplier to manage recurring communications with clients ensures consistent quality and timeliness of contact to improve the overall customer experience. Measuring such outcomes is essential to understanding the impact of transformation on each customer.

Outsourcing work can enhance organisational culture

Outsourcing work succeeds where Practice management is clear on how the arrangements will support staff and nurture the desired culture. Accountants most likely to implement outsourcing successfully are comfortable with innovation and delivery of change. Being open about the aims and benefits of outsourcing work will address any concerns individual accountants have about their role being diminished or removed completely. Outsourced partners offer a wide range of flexible options, from short-term hourly resources to full-time equivalent accountants who work as part of an on-shore team and who report directly to Practice managers. Integrating the outsourced accountants into training, team meetings and other staff updates helps build relationships and contributes to the overall culture of a Practice.
While larger Practices have used outsourcing successfully for many years, smaller Practices (and especially Sole Practitioners) often perceive multiple barriers to engaging an outsourced partner. However, the investment in modern technologies such as cloud accounting and automation of tasks means smaller Practices can introduce outsourced partners into their day-to-day operations with the minimum of disruption. This allows Practices to increase capacity and range of services to clients without taking on the additional risk and costs of direct employment. Investing time with the individuals provided by the outsourced partner will introduce Practices to new ways of working, a different mindset for delivery and more diverse teams.

Actions accountants can take to help deliver transformation plans

Our customers have shared their experience of Unison Globus UK services and highlighted some key actions any accountant considering outsourcing should take to help deliver their transformation plans. Our customers highlighted the need to:
  • Identify the long-term benefits from outsourcing work and avoid focusing too much on short term objectives such as eliminating a backlog or addressing a peak in workload
  • Set clear quality and performance measures to complement internal targets
  • Engage with staff at the earliest possible stage, highlighting the positive impact of outsourcing work for their future development and career aspirations
  • Recognise it will take time and initial investment to integrate the outsourcing partner to a Practice and achieve a successful transition
  • Ensure all internal stakeholders are engaged in the commissioning process, including non-accountants who may be involved in the working relationship
  • Encourage open discussion of any perceived barriers or misconceptions about outsourcing work
  • Assign clear ownership to maintain the relationship with the outsource partner and to manage any issues arising
  • Take the opportunity to critically review systems and processes, maximising efficiencies

How Unison Globus UK can help you deliver the transformation your practice needs

Unison Globus UK has been providing offshore services to accountants since 2006. Our customers include sole proprietors, as well as small and medium sized Practices. Our outsourced tax, accounting and payroll services are suitable for all client engagements – from sole traders and micro businesses to SMEs and large companies. We offer services paid for by the hour, half-time equivalent, or a full-time equivalent employee basis.
Typically, the cost of outsourcing work to Unison Globus UK is 50% less than a UK resource, securing immediate reductions in your cost base. With the additional capacity outsourcing brings, accountants can focus on core business objectives, whether that involves increasing the client base or offering a wider range of services to clients. Accountants find that outsourcing recurring tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll or accounts preparation frees up time to help clients, understand their needs and offer high margin advisory services when needed most.

Unison Globus UK services include:

  • Digital Bookkeeping
  • Year-End Accounts
  • Company Tax
  • Payroll
  • Personal Tax
  • VAT
  • Secretarial Services

How do I find out more?

We provide a free trial of up to 10 hours of accountant time, with turnaround in 72 hours. If you’re looking to outsource services for the first time, increase margins, and help your clients, you can book a video call with one of our expert advisors or email us at [email protected]
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Improve Pricing & Preserve Margins with Smart Outsourcing

Many accountants find the most challenging part of their profession is pricing services to secure the best possible profit margin while keeping clients satisfied. The ongoing discussions with clients around fees and their expectations about service can be stressful and time consuming. Some accountants prefer to maintain engagements with clients where they make no margin at all rather than have the difficult conversation about increasing fees or disengagement.
At Unison Globus UK we have helped hundreds of accountants and businesses reduce costs with our modern outsourcing solutions. Our services can be commissioned on a fixed price or pay-as-you-go basis, helping accountants price their services competitively and with confidence.
In this blog we discuss the various pricing models our customers have used successfully to increase profit margins and scale their business through outsourcing.

What makes pricing accountancy services so challenging?

Accountants provide a range of services which require different skills and resources to deliver. Developments in accounting software, such as the automation of bank reconciliations, bankfeeds and the impact of regulatory changes such as Making Tax Digital means many of the recurring, compliance based tasks typically completed by an accountant have changed significantly. External factors such as rising employment and software costs, difficulties in recruiting new talent and increased competition mean that pricing strategies can quickly become out of date.
Further challenges arise where accountants have a diverse client base. Accountants find some clients are comfortable maintaining their own accounting records and seek specialist advice only at key points in the accounting period or tax year. Other clients are simply not interested in the details of accounting and prefer the accountant to complete all bookkeeping, accounts preparation and tax filing when needed. Regardless of the services involved, accountants need to ensure they have appropriately qualified and skilled people available to deliver.
With such wide client needs, expectations, service requirements, and the impact of a fast changing external environment, it is little wonder accountants struggle to price services effectively.
In this blog we will look at how accountants are changing their approach to pricing and increasingly using outsourcing to improve profit margins, add value to their business and improve client experiences.

What pricing models are available?

Many accountants remain committed to a timesheet based approach to pricing. They provide an estimate of the cost of a service to the client and bill the amount based on hours recorded by individuals at the end of the assignment. The fee per hour is based on the skills and qualifications of accountants and other professionals using a fixed schedule of rates.
While this may be a comfortable approach for accountants, it does present some risks. Not least where a client challenges the number of hours to complete an assignment and the obvious time lag between incurring the cost of delivering the service and billing upon completion.
The modern accountant now looks at different pricing models and takes a proportion of the fee when an assignment commences. This has the advantage of preserving cash flow and ensuring clients are fully engaged in the progress of an assignment. For recurring tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll or accounts preparation, many accountants now prefer a subscription model based on a fixed payment each month to cover the fees for all services provided.
While using different pricing models may appear complex, automating the billing and collection of fees will ensure the amount a client pays accurately reflects the services provided. Some examples of pricing models used by Unison Globus UK customers are provided below.

Model 1 – Fixed pricing

Fixed pricing involves using a flat rate per hour based on the type of service provided. To calculate the fixed rate, accountants need to understand the cost of the resource and the margin needed to achieve the desired profit. These calculations are based on the type of professional involved in the assignment, from bookkeepers to qualified accountants and other experts such as payroll operatives. Indirect costs of employment tax, holidays and employee benefits will need to be included in the fixed price calculation.
No accountant bills 100% of their time, with ‘non-chargeable time’ needed for training and continuing professional development, business growth, and Practice management. Another factor is the qualification and experience of the accountant, with trainees and newly qualified accountants typically billing more hours than more senior accountants who may have wider responsibilities across a Practice. Typically, an accountant will look to bill anything between 800 hours and 1,200 hours each year (depending on the scope of their responsibilities).
To calculate the fixed fee, the accountant will need to understand the direct and indirect costs of employment and the profit margin required. A simple example to calculate the hourly rate for a newly qualified accountant earning £40,000 per annum with 1,200 chargeable hours is shown below.
Cost Component Amount
Direct employment costs £40,000
Indirect employment costs (25%) £10,000
Total employment costs £50,000
Planned profit Margin (40%) £20,000
Total costs £70,000
Chargeable hours 1,200 hours
Fee per hour (£70,000/1,200) £58.33
Using a fixed fee approach makes quoting for work straightforward and the fee is easily understood by clients. There is scope to improve profit margins through investment in technology and improved processes, reducing the amount of time taken to complete an assignment. Outsourcing work can provide significant reductions. With the cost of an offshore resource typically being 50% less than the UK equivalent, and all employment costs are avoided.av
Less positively, using a fixed fee approach means the risk of completing an assignment within the estimated number of hours lies with the accountant. If there are significant cost overruns there may need to be a renegotiation of the fixed fee. Tracking the progress of each assignment is needed to raise awareness of any delays, additional work, or cost overruns at the earliest possible stage.
Preparing clear terms of reference and engagement letters and effective communication with clients is essential to the success of the fixed price model.

Model 2 – Value pricing

Value based pricing means fees are calculated based on the value of the assignment to an individual client. Preparing a fee for the work can be time-consuming as the accountant will need to consider the specific characteristics and needs of each assignment before suggesting a fee. There will be some initial investment in understanding the client and the outcomes expected and there may be some negotiation to finalise the fee. The value pricing model is suitable for assignments where unique skills are required, such as advisory services or specialist tax advice.
Once agreed the fee will usually be fixed, which means the risk of any cost overruns or ‘assignment creep’ lies with the accountant. Positively, the value pricing model does mean fees can be prepared based on a premium because of the rich skill mix needed to deliver. The fee should be paid based on agreed milestones with a significant amount paid before the assignment commences.
Accountants believe the value based model fairly reflects the value of the services they provide to clients. It also offers scope for accountants to develop new skills, increase their network of clients and building their Practice presence in new markets. Clients prefer the model to be applied to complex projects because the fee is fixed unless the scope of the assignment is changed, helping with their own cash flow forecasts and financial monitoring.
There are of course risks with the value pricing model. Understanding the scope of an assignment and the outcomes expected by a client can be challenging and require investment from senior professionals to ensure these are clearly defined. Clients expect measurable results improving their financial and operational performance where a value based approach is taken. Delivering an assignment may involve intense periods of working long and unsocial hours and committing significant resources from a Practice.

Model 3 – subscription based model

With the advances in cloud based accounting, and the option for businesses to ‘self-serve’ their bookkeeping and accounting tasks, many accountants are now implementing a subscription based model to collect monthly fees from clients. The subscription model is suitable where clients are seeking a fixed service each month, such as one or two hours of bookkeeping or a monthly payroll run. It also ensures accountants have a fixed amount of monthly income based on a clearly defined level of service.
Clients will usually set up a monthly standing order to pay their accountant and for the use of their chosen accounting software. They may choose to complete their own bookkeeping and monthly bank reconciliation. The fixed fee therefore covers the cost of software and preparing annual accounts and tax returns. If additional services are required, these costs are added to the monthly subscription amount based on a fixed schedule of rates and paid over a 12 month period.
Small business owners prefer the subscription model and the certainty it provides about their accountancy fees and the services they can expect.
Accountants also have the scope to sell additional services, particularly when their clients grow and require specialist tax or advisory services. These services require careful scoping and pricing, similar to the fixed fee model.

Model 4 – hourly or ad-hoc rates

Some accountants prefer to bill clients each month based on the number of hours they have spent working on an assignment. The services are commissioned by clients on an ‘ad-hoc’ basis and paid for based on a schedule of fixed rates. Clients are billed at the end of each month based on the number of hours taken to complete the work and the cost of the resource involved.
Hourly billing is one of the simplest pricing models to use though accountants will need to accurately record the time taken to complete work for each client using a timesheet system.
Unlike fixed pricing and value based pricing, the total fee for work billed hourly is calculated after the work is complete, so there is some risk if a client disputes a bill or refuses to pay. Some clients may not perceive any value from the services provided as they simply pay as they go. The hourly or ad-hoc rate approach is most suited to recurring tasks, such as monthly bookkeeping or the preparation of quarterly VAT returns and annual accounts.

Model 5 – Contingent fees

Billing clients on a contingent fee basis means the fee is calculated based on an agreed outcome resulting from an accountant’s work. There are strict ethical rules for accountants working on a contingent fee basis, particularly where there are self-interest or advocacy threats to an audit assignment. Contingent fees may be suitable where specific conditions exist for a client, for instance where they are looking to spread the risk and cost of an assignment with an uncertain outcome, such as a claim for grant income from the government or seeking new investment which may not be successful.
The contingent fee is only paid when the agreed outcomes have been achieved, which means there can be a time lag between completing an assignment and the outcome being secured. Accountants may have to commit significant resources to completing an assignment with the timing of the fee payment remaining uncertain.
Positively, accountants can use contingent fees to secure significant returns from their work. The assignment will usually involve highly skilled accountants providing specialist services. The fee does not reflect the number of hours taken to complete the assignment but does reflect the value of the assignment to a client. Accountants can secure a high fee based on their knowledge and expertise in an area rather than the costs involved in completing the assignment.
The main risk of the contingent fee model is where an agreed outcome isn’t achieved, and the client does not have to pay anything. Though as highlighted above, the rewards can be high for an accountant.

Which pricing model is best for my Practice?

When setting fees, accountants will need to:
  • determine a pricing strategy based on the type of clients they serve and the assignments which need to be delivered
  • understand the costs of delivering services and the margin of profit they are seeking
  • invest in an effective Customer Relationship Management system, to track the progress of work and the number of hours billed by individual accountants
  • identify other costs such as accounting software.
Some pricing models will need to be tested against the market and close competitors. Accountants commonly use the subscription pricing model where they have high numbers of similar clients. These clients tend to be small businesses who are comfortable shopping round for the best deal or introductory offer and do not mind changing accountants regularly.
Understanding your client needs is essential when determining a pricing model. Getting to know clients’ financial performance and growth plans will ensure services can be tailored based on a suitable pricing model. High growth clients with an appetite for risk will require a different pricing model to an owner managed small business.

How outsourcing supports effective pricing

Regardless of the pricing model selected by accountants, most costs are incurred in finding people with the necessary skills and expertise needed to deliver the engagement. This is increasingly difficult given the competitive UK market for finance professionals.
The cost of outsourcing work to Unison Globus UK is much less than a UK resource, securing immediate reductions in the costs of employment. With the additional capacity outsourcing provides, accountants can focus on core business objectives, such as increasing the number of clients or offering a wider range of higher margin services to existing clients. Outsourcing recurring tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll or accounts preparation frees up time to help clients, understand their needs and offer high margin advisory services when needed most.
At Unison Globus UK, we have been providing offshore services to accountants since 2006. Our customers include sole proprietors, as well as small and medium sized UK Accountancy Practices. Our outsourced tax, accounting and payroll services are suitable for all client engagements – from sole traders and micro businesses to SMEs and large companies. We offer services paid for by the hour, a half-time equivalent, or a full-time equivalent employee basis.

Our services include:

  • Digital Bookkeeping
  • Year-End Accounts
  • Company Tax
  • Payroll
  • Personal Tax
  • VAT
  • Secretarial Services
  • MTD for Income Tax.

Want to Learn More?

Unison Globus UK provides a free trial of up to 10 hours of accountant time, with turnaround in 72 hours. If you’re looking to outsource services for the first time, increase margins, and help your clients thrive, you can book a video call with one of our expert advisors or email us at [email protected].
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What to do when a client is looking for a reduction in fees

Accountants work long hours and regularly go the extra mile to help a client in need. They also wonder how they can sustain high levels of service within a fee envelope acceptable to clients.
Accountants in the early stages of Practice ownership rightly prioritise building their business and are competitive in setting fees, usually offering incentives to attract new work. When a client relationship is firmly established, along with a positive record of delivery, accountants then look to negotiate an uplift in fees to secure desired margins.
But what happens when a client pushes back?
Thankfully, there are strategies accountants can use when a client is looking for a reduction or refuses to accept an increase in fees.

Clients need to feel they are getting good value

Negotiating a fee with a client is not a ‘zero-sum’ game. A successful negotiation will leave both sides feeling they have gained something from the process. Most clients are not interested in the detailed work accountants undertake on their behalf and place more value on the personal relationship they have with their accountant. A simple measure an accountant can take to create the capacity needed to support clients is to outsource routine tasks such as bookkeeping or accounts preparation. The client will not see any difference in the technical accuracy or timeliness of delivery of work but will see an improved, personal relationship with their accountant.
In this scenario, both the accountant and client obtain value from the negotiation. The client will see an improved level of service and the accountant can justify the fee level by providing more personal support and timely advice.

Ensure fees reflect the value of work to your team

When negotiating a fee, accountants need to emphasise the value individual tasks contribute to the overall client experience. While it may be tempting to offer certain services such as bookkeeping or payroll at a lower cost to a client, the individual delivering those services may feel undervalued and that their work is somehow less important than tasks delivered by other colleagues. By nature, individuals need to feel their work is important and valued appropriately. Accountants should therefore be cautious when offering reduced fees.
From the client side, if they are able to negotiate reductions in fees, they will feel they could have secured even more from the request and wonder what more they could achieve by way of reduced fees or free services. When negotiations occur in the future, they will use this leverage as a matter of course.
Accountants who consistently undervalue services risk staff burnout, dissatisfaction, and lower profit margins over time. Whatever the fee negotiated, it needs to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business in terms of people and finances.

Promote the value added by accountants work

When clients are looking to negotiate a reduction in fees, accountants can highlight the positive attributes they bring to help clients succeed, including:
  • Professional expertise and experience
  • Quality and timeliness of work
  • Positive customer experience
  • Competitively priced services.

Compromise means keeping your most valued clients

A client may have a limited budget due to short term circumstances such as reduced demand for services or market forces. Accountants are often reluctant to lose a client regardless of the length of time the relationship has been in place. A compromise can usually be reached to agree changes in payment terms to monthly or quarterly or even a reduced level of service, such as reduced support or longer turnaround times for work.
By listening to a client and taking appropriate action, accountants will help build goodwill and loyalty for many years.

Consider new ways of delivering services for a reduced fee

While accountants look to set fees to deliver reasonable margins, many fail to review the way services are delivered to achieve the same objective. The automation of tasks and embedding of cloud-based software provide scope for changing the way services are delivered. Outsourcing services to an offshore provider can improve service delivery using the latest technologies.
In terms of the services an accountant may outsource, the work does not need to be confined to transactional areas such as bookkeeping or payroll. The outsourced accountant can support the onboarding of clients and provide continuous feedback on the services a client might need, such as tax or specialist advice. Outsourcing can help accountants look forward and support the real-time reporting needs of clients, adding value to the work of the onshore team. Outsourcing work helps accountants provide professional support and expert advice without increasing the permanent establishment of a Practice.
Accountants could also look at incentivising clients to undertake some tasks themselves and remove them completely from the scope of work. Advances in cloud-based accounting software, mean many clients are comfortable maintaining their own accounting records, requiring the support of an accountant only at key points in the accounting period.
Relying on clients to prepare basic accounting records can lead to peaks and backlogs of work at key points in the year when VAT returns need to be filed, or year-end accounts prepared. However, outsourcing such tasks can create the additional capacity for more direct contact which adds value to the client relationship.

Conclusion

Using an offshore supplier is increasingly becoming the normal way of doing business for UK accountants. When looking to negotiate increases in fees or considering requests from clients to reduce fees, outsourcing work help implement strategies to delivery objectives for profitability and positive client relationships.
Unison Globus UK’s outsourced tax, accounting and payroll services are suitable for all client engagements – from sole traders and micro businesses to large companies. We provide a free trial of up to 10 hours of accountant time, with turnaround in 72 hours. If you’re looking to outsource services for the first time, increase margins, and help your clients, you can book a video call with one of our expert advisors or email us at [email protected]
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How Offshore Accountants are helping solve the Talent Crisis

The accounting profession is in the middle of a talent crisis. A growing number of experienced professionals are leaving the industry, while fewer people are entering the profession. According to industry reports, more than 70% of UK accountancy firms now struggle to recruit and retain qualified staff.
Technology such as Artificial Intelligence, automation, and cloud accounting is helping firms to streamline some processes. But clients still expect personal service, timely advice, and proactive financial insight. To bridge the gap between capacity and client expectations, many accountants are turning to outsourcing.

The Rise of Offshore Accounting

Outsourcing means engaging a third party to deliver services usually provided by an internal resource. For UK accountants, offshore outsourcing often covers:
  • Bookkeeping and management accounts
  • Payroll and VAT returns
  • Year-end accounts preparation
  • Company tax and personal tax work
  • Secretarial and compliance services.
The most common destinations for outsourcing are India and Asia, where accountants can access highly qualified, English-speaking professionals at a fraction of the UK cost.

Outsourcing services offers significant benefits. Productivity and delivery of services is improved and there are immediate savings through lower employment costs. There are further benefits in accessing a ready-made pool of talent and expertise without the risk of employing a full-time resource. Backlogs of work can be cleared, and recurring peaks of work managed. Outsourcing services allows the onshore team to focus on core business objectives, such as winning new customers, increasing service lines, and adding value to the business.

There are of course some risks when engaging an offshore supplier. Some accountants perceive difficulties in tracking work or feel data security is compromised. If the outsource supplier doesn’t deliver under contracted terms, the onshore team may find themselves working to rectify errors or omissions or dealing with an unhappy client.

The Benefits of Offshore Accounting

Access to Global Talent
Outsourcing work allows accountants to look carefully at the resources needed to deliver objectives, such as increasing client numbers, delivering more specialist services, or securing better profitability. Outsourcing recurring tasks such as bookkeeping or payroll gives accountants more time to focus on client relationships, strategic advice, and business development.

There are further benefits in accessing a ready-made pool of talent and expertise without the risk of employing a full-time resource. This means accountants can bypass any local talent shortage entirely.

Cost Efficiency

Outsourcing work secures immediate savings through lower employment costs, which are typically 50% less than a UK resource. Recurring costs of training, continuous professional development and employee benefits are also avoided when an offshore resource is engaged. Unison Globus UK customers have the flexibility to commission resources when they need them on an ad-hoc (pay as you go), half time equivalent or full-time equivalent basis.

Scalability

Scaling a practice up or down takes time when services are delivered by full-time resources. Lengthy recruitment processes and the risk of the wrong appointment are avoided by outsourcing. Where a practice is looking to downsize, contracts with an outsourced supplier can be terminated in a matter of weeks and in a structured way, removing the need to implement redundancy processes or statutory consultation with employees.

Accountants can also choose to access offshore capacity as and when they need it by using a pay as you go service. This maximises the flexibility to use an offshore option at peak periods or where a backlog of work needs to be cleared. This flexibility enables practices to grow without the long-term cost and risk of extra headcount.

Improved Client Experience

Accountants often seek to increase the number of clients through competitive pricing, though overlook opportunities to provide professional insight and data. By outsourcing tasks such as the preparation of VAT returns or year-end accounts, accountants can create additional capacity for more direct contact which adds value to the client relationship. Outsourcing work enhances these contacts by delivering services with improved turnaround times and higher quality.

What to Watch Out For When Offshoring Work

While offshore accounting offers many benefits, success depends on effective planning and execution. Here are some common challenges and how Unison Globus UK manages them.
Challenge Unison Globus UK Solution
Time Zone Differences Offshore teams work flexibly to overlap with UK hours. Many tasks are completed overnight, creating a 24-hour productivity cycle.
Data Security GDPR and ISO 27001 compliant systems, advanced encryption, and cloud-based workflows ensure data is protected and never downloaded.
Communication Seamless onboarding, dedicated points of contact, and video calls keep communication clear and consistent.
Quality Assurance Integrated QA processes and compliance reviews ensure accuracy and reduce errors, giving confidence to outsource more complex work.
Managing People With routine work handled offshore, onshore staff can focus on CPD, advisory, and practice growth.

Why Offshore Solutions Work for UK Accountants

Choosing between offshoring work and sourcing local talent is a key strategic decision for accountants. With a continuing talent crisis, offshoring work can make the difference between a business that struggles to keep up and one that runs efficiently and profitably. For many accountants, the optimal model involves using in-house resources to focus on business growth while outsourcing recurring and deadline driven work.

Unison Globus UK: Your Offshore Accounting Partner

At Unison Globus UK, we specialise in helping accountants streamline operations and scale through professional, affordable offshore solutions. Our flexible engagement models deliver high-quality:

  • Statutory accounts preparation
  • Management accounts
  • Making Tax Digital (MTD) solutions
  • Company Tax calculations
  • Bookkeeping
  • Payroll and HR services
  • VAT and compliance services.

Want to Learn More?

We provide a free trial of up to 10 hours of accountant time, with turnaround or work in 72 hours. If you’re looking to outsource for the first time, increase margins, and help your clients, you can book a video call with one of our expert advisors or email us at [email protected].

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Managing Client Payroll Risks through Outsourcing

Offering payroll services to clients may seem straightforward for accountants: calculate director and employee pay each month, deduct the correct amount of income and employment tax and submit information to HMRC when due. In reality, running a payroll for clients is complex and high-risk for many firms.
Errors in client payroll calculations, or the failure to submit information and payments to HMRC on time, can result in large fines and penalties for clients. UK accountants often find the case for outsourcing payroll work to be compelling to reduce risk and ensure compliance.

Why Client Payroll Services Matter for UK Accountants

When offering payroll services to clients, accountants must ensure every aspect of the service meets UK employment law and HMRC rules. This includes:

  • Real Time Information (RTI) submissions – Clients who employ people or pay themselves as a director using PAYE must report employee pay and deductions every time they run a payroll. The payrolling of benefits in kind is a further complication accountants need to be aware of.
  • Income Tax and National Insurance deductions – A payroll may be fixed or variable and could be run weekly or monthly. Regardless of the complexity of individual clients, accountants must ensure the accuracy and completeness of every payroll run.
  • Pension auto-enrolment – Employees (unless they choose to opt out) must be enrolled in a qualifying scheme, with contributions calculated accurately and submitted to an approved pension provider each month.
  • Statutory pay – Maternity, paternity, sick pay, and holiday pay must be calculated and reported accurately. With major changes to UK employment law affecting workers rights, it is essential to obtain the latest, compliant employment advice.
  • GDPR compliance – Payroll data is sensitive and must be processed securely.

Clients expect accountants to provide a fully compliant payroll service, supported by effective advice, and to take responsibility if errors occur.

How outsourcing helps accountants minimise payroll risks and stay compliant

Many accountants struggle to find the experts they need to deliver a fully compliant payroll service. At Unison Globus UK, our professional team provides:
  • Payroll experts who apply the latest HMRC and employment law rules
  • Seamless use of all major cloud-based payroll and accounting software.
  • Expertise in pensions auto-enrolment, RTI, NICs, statutory pay, and GDPR compliance
  • Secure systems and processes that protect client data.
With our support, accountants can deliver accurate and timely payroll services while protecting clients from costly fines.

Here are the top risks our outsourced payroll services help UK accountants manage.

Risk How outsourcing with Unison Globus UK helps
Meeting HMRC deadlines to submit RTI
  • Full Payment Submissions (FPS) submitted on or before every pay date
  • Late filing penalties avoided
Errors in tax coding
  • We check all new starters’ tax codes with HMRC and Update codes when notified of changes
Accuracy of National Insurance Contributions (NIC)
  • Apply correct categories for employees
  • Employer NICs calculated accurately
  • Changes in NIC thresholds and rates communicated immediately
Errors in Auto-Enrolment
  • Enrol eligible staff into a qualifying pension scheme
  • Help employees opt-out based on personal choice
  • Calculate and pay contributions correctly and on time
Errors in Statutory Pay
  • Correctly calculate all statutory entitlements
  • Records produced for HMRC reviews
Compliance with Minimum Wage requirements
  • Review employees’ pay to ensure compliance
  • Overtime, deductions and benefits-in-kind calculated correctly
Late or Incorrect Payments to HMRC
  • PAYE and NI contributions calculated on time
  • Interest charges and penalties avoided
Accuracy of Payroll Records
  • Records maintained accurately and in real time
  • Records retained in line with HMRC requirements
GDPR and Data Security
  • GDPR compliant
  • Payroll data stored securely
  • Secure data transfer
  • Physical safeguards
Keeping up to date with legislation
  • Monitor HMRC and government updates
  • Review payroll processes annually to stay compliant

Other Benefits of Outsourcing Client Payroll Services

Payroll requires qualified professionals who keep their knowledge up to date with industry and legislative changes. Many accountants lack the in-house capacity to manage these requirements, particularly around tax year-end and statutory deadlines. Outsourcing payroll offers accountants the scope to:
  • Save Time – The onshore team spends less time on payroll administration and more time helping clients and upselling services
  • Cost-Efficiency – The cost of payroll software, staff training, and compliance is eliminated
  • Scalability – Scope to take on more payroll clients without increasing the number of directly employed staff
  • Client Confidence – Clients trust their accountant to run an effective payroll service
  • Peace of Mind – Confidence that client payroll is handled correctly, every time.

Looking for scalable, compliant payroll outsourcing? Book a free trial with Unison Globus UK.

Unison Globus UK: Your Offshore Payroll Partner

At Unison Globus UK, we specialise in helping accountants streamline payroll operations and scale through professional, affordable offshore solutions. Our professional teams deliver all payroll and pension services including:
  • Weekly or monthly payslips
  • Payroll reports
  • Director and variable payroll
  • PAYE scheme setup with HMRC
  • PAYE and NIC calculations
  • RTI submissions
  • Pension reporting and auto-enrolment
  • P60s, P45s, and P11Ds
  • CIS for contractors/sub-contractors
  • Statutory payment management
  • New company payroll setup and employee onboarding.

Want to Learn More?

We provide a free trial of up to 10 hours of accountant time, with turnaround in 72 hours. If you’re looking to outsource services for the first time, increase margins, and help your clients meet MTD IT responsibilities, you can book a video call with one of our expert advisors or email us at [email protected] 
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Scaling Payroll with Outsourcing: A Growth Strategy for UK Accountants

As client needs increase, and regulatory requirements become more complex, many UK accountants find managing payrolls on behalf of clients is increasingly time-consuming. Monthly routines, Real Time Information (RTI) submissions, pension auto-enrolment, and compliance checks can drain resources that might otherwise be used to support clients with advisory services.
Finding payroll professionals is difficult, with firms of all sizes finding it difficult to attract new talent to grow their business.
That’s why many accountants are now turning to outsourced payroll services with Unison Globus UK. Our solutions provide a scalable way to handle more clients, improve efficiency, and reduce risk.

Scaling Payroll with Outsourcing: Why it Matters

Growing compliance demands

Many accountants struggle to find the experts they need to deliver a fully compliant payroll service. At Unison Globus UK, our team of experts provide the peace of mind you need that a payroll service complies with all regulatory requirements, from applying the latest National Minimum Wage amount, calculating tax due, to pension auto-enrolment.

Our expert team are proficient in all major cloud-based accounting and payroll software, providing peace of mind that each payroll run meets HMRC’s RTI requirements. With our support, accountants can deliver accurate and timely payroll services while protecting clients from costly fines.

To ensure your payroll is always compliant – speak to our team today.

Resource limitations

Using an outsourced solution allows accountants to scale and confidently offer the payroll services clients need. Changes introduced each year by the UK Government affecting employers and employees require constant attention from payroll professionals, leaving less time for tax planning or advisory work to help clients.

Profitability challenges

When managed in-house, payroll services often deliver low margins compared to other accountancy services. Many smaller practices prefer to focus on accounting and bookkeeping and keep the level of payroll services to a minimum.

With an outsourced solution, there is no need to maintain an in-house payroll service at all. The cost of outsourcing services is typically 50% less when compared to the equivalent services provided in-house and provides access to full-time professionals.
With Unison Globus UK, payroll services can be commissioned as and when they are needed using a pay as you go contract, a per payslip payment term or engaging a full-time professional.
To find out how Unison Globus UK can help reduce payroll costs by up to 50% – book a call with an expert advisor today.

Service failure

Many UK accountants regard the payroll service as specialised and not part of the core accounting business. Reliance on a small team presents a high risk of service failure should individuals leave at short notice, and if suitably qualified replacements cannot be found. With an outsourced solution, accountants have access to a large team who can provide the continuity of service needed, enabling services to scale efficiently without any risk to services.

Benefits of Outsourcing Payroll for Accountants

Payroll requires qualified specialists who keep their knowledge up to date with industry and legislative changes. Many firms lack the in-house capacity to manage these requirements, particularly around tax year-end and statutory deadlines. Outsourcing payroll offers accountants:

  • Improved margins – more time for advisory and growth-focused services
  • Risk reduction – less risk of errors, penalties for clients, or compliance breaches
  • Scalability – ability to take on more payroll clients without increasing establishment
  • Client satisfaction – more reliable payroll service with better turnaround times
  • Cost savings – costs of employment, training, and software overheads are eliminated.
If you are looking for scalable, compliant payroll outsourcing, book a free trial with Unison Globus UK.

Outsourcing or In-House Payroll? A Quick Comparison

In-House Payroll Outsourced Payroll
Cost of Scaling High (staff, training, software) Lower (service fees only)
Compliance Risk Medium to High Low (specialist expertise)
Flexibility Limited High
Time Investment Significant Minimal
Growth Potential Constrained Scalable

Frequently Asked Questions about Payroll Outsourcing with Unison Globus UK

What are the benefits of payroll outsourcing for accountants?

Payroll outsourcing saves time, reduces compliance risk, and allows firms to scale without employing more staff.

How much does payroll outsourcing cost?

Unison Globus UK provides payroll services based on client need. This can be a simple payslip processing operation or a full-time professional delivering all payroll and pension services. Our costs are at least 50% less than a UK resource.

Is outsourcing payroll secure and GDPR compliant?

Yes. Unison Globus UK is GDPR compliant and ISO27001 accredited. We have physical security measures to ensure data is always safeguarded. We use encrypted systems, commercial data transfer software and can use secure client portals if needed.

Can outsourcing payroll help accountants scale services?

Yes. By outsourcing routine payroll tasks, accountants free up resources to take on more clients and focus on advisory work.

What’s the difference between outsourcing and in-house payroll?

In-house payroll requires directly employed professionals, training, and software, while outsourcing shifts the responsibility to a specialist provider, reducing costs and risks.

Unison Globus UK: Your Offshore Payroll Partner

While outsourcing payroll services secures immediate cost-saving benefits, many accountants discover broader value – from scalability and access to talent, to improved service delivery.

At Unison Globus UK we specialise in helping businesses streamline payroll operations and scale through professional, affordable offshore accounting solutions. Our professional teams deliver all payroll and pension services including:
  • Weekly or monthly payslips
  • Payroll reports
  • Director and variable payroll
  • PAYE scheme setup with HMRC
  • PAYE and NIC calculations
  • RTI submissions
  • Pension reporting and auto-enrolment
  • P60s, P45s, and P11Ds
  • CIS for contractors/sub-contractors
  • Statutory payment management
  • New company payroll setup and employee onboarding.

Whether you’re just exploring outsourcing or looking to expand your offshore strategy, Unison Globus UK is here to help.

Want to Learn More?

We provide a free trial of up to 10 hours of accountant time, with turnaround in 72 hours. If you’re looking to outsource services for the first time, increase margins, and help your clients meet MTD IT responsibilities, you can book a video call with one of our expert advisors or email us at [email protected]