| Hiring a local staff accountant | Offshore Accounting Hub | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Base salary plus benefits, payroll tax, software and space | Per client file, per chargeable hour from USD 12, or a dedicated team member from USD 600 a month |
| Time to start | 2 to 4 months to recruit, then training | About 4 weeks, starting with a test batch |
| Review | Your reviewers check everything | A senior reviews before you see it |
| Absence and turnover | You cover gaps | We cover leave and replace people |
| Time zone | Your hours | About five hours’ overlap with US Eastern; Singapore hours for Singapore |
| Client contact | Direct | Through your firm, unless you want direct contact |
When to hire locally
- The role is mostly client-facing or advisory.
- The work needs physical presence, such as inventory counts.
When offshore works best
- Recurring preparation work: bookkeeping, reconciliations, close and audit schedules.
- Seasonal peaks you cannot staff for all year.
- A backlog of client files that holds back your seniors.
Frequently asked questions
Is offshore always cheaper?
For recurring preparation work, usually. Use the savings calculator with your own salary figures. For client-facing or highly judgemental roles, a local hire may still be the better choice.
General information only, not legal, tax, audit or professional-conduct advice. Rules, standards and software features change, so confirm the position that applies to your firm before you act. See our disclaimer.
