In the latest episode of The Concierge CPA, Jackie Meyer, CPA, President of TaxPlanIQ, interviews Nick Sinclair, Founder and CEO of TOA Global. The conversation dives deep into the world of outsourced accounting, offering insights into how accounting firms can scale effectively while balancing firm ownership and personal well-being. From tackling the global talent crisis to providing advice on leadership, this episode is packed with strategies for firms looking to go global and outsource their accounting tasks efficiently.
You can listen to the full episode here, or on your favorite podcast platform.
Nick Sinclair shares his entrepreneurial journey and how it led him to establish TOA Global, a firm dedicated to providing outsourced accounting services worldwide. After experiencing the challenges of firm ownership, including juggling client work and administrative tasks, Nick found a solution in outsourcing. During a board retreat in the Philippines, he realized the potential of a global back-office team. This led him to establish TOA Global, which now supports over 1,000 accounting firms by offering dedicated professionals in countries like the Philippines and South Africa.
For firms wondering how to go global and outsource accounting, Nick emphasizes the importance of viewing a global team not as temporary labor but as an integral part of the business. “You need to treat them like one of your own team members,” he says. By building strong, long-term relationships with global teams, firms can increase their capacity without sacrificing quality.
One of the key points in the conversation was how outsourcing allows firms to free up valuable time for higher-level advisory services. Both Jackie and Nick agree that the future of accounting lies in advisory work, but many firms struggle to find the time to move beyond compliance. By outsourcing basic accounting tasks—such as tax preparation, bookkeeping, and audit services—firms can shift their focus to more impactful advisory roles, increasing both client satisfaction and firm revenue.
Nick explains how TOA Global’s model is different from traditional outsourcing. Rather than merely sending jobs abroad, TOA Global helps firms hire full-time, dedicated employees who integrate with the local team. This model ensures continuity and helps build a stable, scalable workforce that can grow with the firm.
Outsourcing is not just about offloading work—it’s about leadership. Nick touches on the critical role firm owners play in creating a successful outsourced team. “If you’re not willing to invest in building a global team, don’t waste your time,” he advises. Firms must have systems and processes in place to manage communication and development for both local and global teams.
Leadership plays a huge part in bridging cultural gaps. For example, in the Philippines, employees are often eager to please and may hesitate to admit when they don’t understand something. Nick suggests implementing a “training loop,” where employees demonstrate what they’ve learned, ensuring that both parties are on the same page. This approach builds trust and fosters a strong working relationship across continents.
The current talent shortage in accounting is not a new problem, but it’s becoming more pronounced as fewer professionals enter the field. Nick points out that in the next few years, firms that don’t have a global strategy will struggle to keep up with demand. “If you don’t have a global team, you’re already behind,” he notes. Progressive firms are already building international teams to handle the increasing workload, and others must follow suit to stay competitive.
Outsourcing isn’t just about filling gaps—it’s about embracing the future of the profession. With AI and automation tools entering the industry, the roles within accounting firms will evolve. TOA Global is already seeing a shift towards more analytical roles, such as data analysis and predictive reporting, that provide clients with deeper insights and value beyond traditional compliance work.
For firms looking to take their tax planning services to the next level, outsourcing can be a game-changer. By freeing up time through outsourcing, firms can focus on high-value services like tax advisory, which is where the industry is heading. TaxPlanIQ helps firms seamlessly integrate tax planning into their service offerings. With just a few clicks, accountants can create custom-branded tax plans, identify potential tax savings, and provide clients with a detailed roadmap for implementation.
Ready to see how outsourcing and tax planning software can transform your firm? Sign up for a free demo of TaxPlanIQ today and discover how you can grow your business while reducing your workload.