Offshore staffing allows CPA and accounting firms to expand capacity, reduce costs, and access high-quality talent. But success depends on choosing the right engagement model. At Adriaticap, we support four flexible offshore staffing models — each suited to different firm sizes, workflows, and goals.

Here’s a quick guide to each model, including their benefits, considerations, and typical use cases.

A dedicated team model means your firm gets its own offshore staff who work exclusively for you. You direct the work while the provider handles hiring, HR, and compliance. In other words, the team becomes an extension of your in-house staff, focused full-time on your projects.

Benefits:

• Deep integration and continuity — the team works like in-house staff
• Scalable as your needs grow
• Lower cost than hiring locally

Considerations:

• Requires active management and onboarding
• More suitable for ongoing, recurring work than short-term projects
• Some setup time is needed to align processes and train the team

Best for: Firms with recurring needs such as monthly close, financial reporting, tax processing, or audit support.

Project-based staffing allows firms to outsource specific deliverables on a per-project basis. You define the scope and budget, and the offshore provider completes the work. This is ideal for seasonal work or time-limited engagements.

Benefits:

• Defined timeline and cost
• Quick to launch with no long-term commitment
• Suitable for testing offshore capabilities

Considerations:

• Limited continuity after the project ends
• Not as flexible if the scope or timeline changes mid-project
• Requires clear specifications and deliverables

Best for: Tax filings, backlog clean-up, one-time reconciliations, system migrations, or year-end audit prep.

The rent staff model allows you to “borrow” fully qualified professionals who are legally employed by the provider but work under your direction. It offers staffing flexibility without long-term commitment or the need to manage foreign employment law.

Benefits:

• Fast access to talent without HR overhead
• Flexible, scalable staffing
• Cost-efficient way to fill gaps or handle surges

Considerations:

• Your firm manages daily workflow and training
• May lack long-term loyalty or continuity
• Integration and onboarding are still required

Best for: Firms needing extra bandwidth during busy season or to trial offshore talent before a longer-term commitment.

In the Build-to-Own model (also known as Build-Operate-Transfer), the provider builds and manages a dedicated offshore team on your behalf. Once mature, the entire team, processes, and infrastructure are transferred to your ownership.

Benefits:

• Long-term control of a fully functioning offshore team
• Low-risk entry into offshoring with future independence
• Accelerated access to talent and operational systems

Considerations:

• Longer lead time to reach full ownership
• Best for firms with a long-term offshoring vision
• More upfront coordination with the provider

Best for: Larger firms or growing mid-sized firms that want to own their offshore operations and team eventually.

Adriatic Accounting Partners offers all four offshore staffing models and will help your firm choose the approach that best fits your workflow, growth goals, and management preferences. Whether you need short-term help or a long-term offshore team, we’ll match you with top-tier accounting talent and build the structure that works for you.