As small and mid-sized CPA firms face rising workloads and staffing shortages, offshoring parts of the audit process has become a practical solution. Done right, it helps firms boost efficiency, cut costs, and free up U.S. staff for higher-value work. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering offshoring in your audit practice.

Most firms start by outsourcing standardized, lower-risk tasks that don’t require direct client contact or complex judgment. These include:

• Preparing audit workpapers (e.g. trial balances, fixed asset schedules)
• Sending and tracking audit confirmations (AR, AP, bank)
• Performing reconciliations and tie-outs
• Managing PBC (Provided by Client) request lists and documentation
• Running routine testing (e.g. invoice matching, mathematical accuracy checks)

These tasks are typically handed off with clear instructions and then reviewed by onshore staff.

Offshoring audit tasks usually involves working with a dedicated offshore team, often hired through a provider. These professionals work securely through cloud-based audit platforms, using VPN access and encryption to protect client data.

Firms designate an onshore point of contact to coordinate with the offshore team. Most set up daily or weekly check-ins and use tools like Teams, Slack, and shared dashboards to stay aligned. Tasks are assigned with templates and standard procedures to ensure consistency.

✅ What Works Well

• Increased capacity during busy season
• 24-hour workflows (onshore hands off, offshore picks up)
• Savings of 40–60% on labor costs vs. U.S. staff
• Onshore auditors can focus on review and client-facing work

⚠️ What Commonly Goes Wrong

• Communication gaps due to unclear roles or time zone delays
• Poor quality when training or templates are lacking
• Tech bottlenecks if offshore staff lack proper system access
• Security risks without the right infrastructure and protocols
• Overreliance on offshore teams without strong onshore oversight

5 Tips to Make Audit Offshoring Work

1. Start with clear documentation: Provide SOPs, templates, and checklists.
2. Assign a U.S.-based anchor: One person should own the relationship and workflow.
3. Use secure tech: Cloud audit tools and strong IT security are non-negotiable.
4. Communicate consistently: Build in overlapping hours and regular check-ins.
5. Monitor and review: Establish quality controls and performance feedback loops

We help CPA firms build high-performing offshore teams that feel like an extension of your staff. From recruitment to daily workflow management, we ensure smooth collaboration, secure systems, and audit-ready output — all while helping you reduce costs and boost capacity.

Ready to explore offshoring for your audit practice? Schedule a free consultation today.

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