My Two Biggest Mistakes at Outsourcing

Hi everyone,  

Outsourcing and offshoring can be game-changers for an accounting firm. But it's easy to underestimate just how much precision it takes to get things running smoothly.  

When I first set out to build a team in India, I thought I’d just pick the right people, and things would fall into place.  

Turns out, that wasn’t quite the case. 

There’s no shortage of stories about outsourcing efforts going wrong, and ours is no exception. Looking back, there are two key mistakes I committed that made the learning curve steeper than it needed to be. 

Mistake #1: Assuming Cultural Fit Happens on Its Own 

We started out thinking that skill was all that mattered; if the team had the technical ability, we’d be on track. But early on, we realised there was a bigger issue: cultural fit.  

Deloitte reports that 94% of executives and 88% of employees see a strong company culture as crucial to success. 

What works in the UK, from communication style to tackling client expectations, doesn’t always translate overseas. Even small misunderstandings around these areas added up, leading to hiccups in how clients perceived us. 

We had to take a step back and invest in bridging this cultural gap. Training sessions that focused on soft skills, client interactions, and UK-specific accounting nuances made all the difference.  

Instead of assuming the team would adapt, we equipped them with the knowledge to do so—and saw a noticeable improvement in cohesion and client satisfaction. 

Mistake #2: Skipping Communication Protocols Early On 

Communication seems simple enough, right? Yet, for us, it became a source of inefficiencies.  

We initially assumed updates and project briefs would translate across borders without issue. But without standardised communication practices, misalignment became frequent.  

Different time zones meant that small misunderstandings could snowball by the time we circled back, and the result was rework and avoidable delays. 

Our solution?  

Instituting clear communication protocols and regular check-ins. We set up tools and timelines that ensured everyone was on the same page—from project kickoff meetings to end-of-week reviews.  

And stats back this solution.  

Everest Group research shows that companies conducting regular quality audits in outsourcing see a 30% boost in service outcomes, highlighting the impact of structured feedback. 

These check-ins created the shared rhythm we needed to align expectations, avoid delays, and keep our workflows consistent, no matter the location. 

The Learning Curve 

Now, after years in the game, these early mistakes seem so obvious, but back then, it was just part of the process.  

If you’re considering outsourcing, I’d urge you to plan beyond logistics and cost. Build in room for cultural understanding, process adaptability, and a focus on strong communication. 

As rocky as the outsourcing and offshoring road has been, it’s been a really rewarding one.  

If you’re ready to avoid the pitfalls and master outsourcing, join us at the Samera Global Summit this December! 

We’ll be tackling everything from optimising offshore teams to leveraging outsourcing for real growth. This is your chance to learn, connect with industry leaders, and get a clear roadmap for success—so you can skip the mistakes I made and fast-track your own firm’s growth.  

Don't miss out—secure your spot today! 

See you there, 
Arun 

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