As more and more firms turn to outsourcing as both a cost-saving strategy and a growth strategy, there comes a growing need for outsourced accounting support providers to clearly set expectations — how will they help with front-office and back-office support, and how will they aid in the transformation of your finance function?
Most importantly, what happens after you sign a contract with an outsourced accounting partner?
In any outsourced engagement, the first 90 days are crucial. During this period, you’ll be able to see how quickly your outsourced team adapts and fits in with your in-house team. It also shows how smoothly they integrate your systems into their internal processes and how it translates to optimized operations for you — leading to tangible results.
Whether you’re looking to explore outsourced accounting to help with your firm’s growing needs or are looking to maximize an existing engagement you already have, having a clear roadmap of what to expect can help maximize the value of the engagement from day one.
At D&V Philippines, we know exactly how important the first 90 days of the engagement is, which is why we structure it using a client-centered approach right from the beginning — setting proper expectations while also providing scalable support that matches how the clients’ needs may change over time, beginning with our onboarding process.
Our onboarding process provides both technical excellence and a premium client experience, ensuring that every client feels supported, confident, and aligned from the very beginning.
Read: 7 Ways to Increase Client Satisfaction in Your Accounting Firm
In the field of finance and accounting, where your offshore support handles both your and your clients’ critical information, the first 90 days matter because this period is where:
Without a structured onboarding approach, outsourcing can lead to delays, inefficiencies, or compliance risks. But with a strategic partner like D&V Philippines, the transition becomes seamless, proactive, and results driven.
During the first 30 days, the priority by both the offshore provider and the client should be setting up a good foundation. This phase focuses on understanding your operations, aligning expectations, and ensuring a smooth transition.
1. Contract Signing and Kickoff
Once the agreement is finalized, the onboarding process officially begins. At D&V Philippines, this is not just a procedural step, it’s the start of a partnership.
Clients receive a personalized welcome message from leadership, including the Client Experience (CE) Unit, Senior Director, and Vice President. This sets the tone for transparency and collaboration while outlining what to expect throughout the engagement.
2. Setting up Dedicated Client Experience Support
A dedicated CE team member is assigned to guide you through the onboarding journey. This ensures:
This level of support is a key differentiator in high-quality outsourced accounting services, as it eliminates confusion and keeps the process organized.
3. Process Discovery and Documentation
During this stage, D&V Philippines works closely with you to:
This step is essential for ensuring that your outsourced team can seamlessly integrate into your operations.
4. Risk and Compliance Assessment
A critical part of onboarding is identifying potential risks early. With increasing regulatory requirements, especially in regions like Canada, aligning with risk compliance accounting standards is non-negotiable.
D&V Philippines evaluates:
This proactive approach minimizes risks before they become operational challenges.
By the end of Phase 1, or the first 30 days, you can expect:
This stage sets out the groundwork for realizing the full benefits of outsourced accounting.
The second phase focuses on assembling the right talent and successfully integrating them into your operations.
1. Talent Sourcing and Recruitment
One of the biggest advantages of outsourced accounting services is access to a global talent pool. At D&V Philippines:
This careful selection process ensures that you get professionals who match your technical and cultural requirements.
2. Client Involvement in Selection
Unlike traditional outsourcing models, clients are actively involved in the hiring process. You can:
This collaborative approach ensures your outsourced accounting teams align with your expectations and company culture.
3. Training and Knowledge Transfer
Once the team is selected, training begins. This includes:
At D&V Philippines, this stage marks the official start of the engagement, where the outsourced team begins integrating into your operations.
4. Initial Task Transition
Gradually, responsibilities are transferred to the outsourced team. This phased approach ensures:
By the end of Phase 2, or days 31–60, you’ll notice:
This is where the tangible benefits of outsourced accounting begin to take shape.
The final phase of the first 90 days focuses on refining the processes you’ve set up with your outsourced team — looking into what works, what to improve, and what to change.
1. Full Operational Integration
By this stage, your outsourced team is handling core accounting functions such as:
They are no longer in training; they are contributing members of your finance function.
2. Continuous Monitoring and Feedback
D&V Philippines implements structured monitoring processes to ensure quality and consistency. This includes:
Monitoring outsourced employees every 60 days ensures accountability and continuous improvement.
3. Risk Management and Compliance Enhancement
With systems now in place, D&V Philippines strengthens compliance frameworks. This is particularly important for firms operating in highly regulated countries like UK, US, and Canada.
A strong focus on risk compliance accounting ensures:
4. Initial Assessment and Process Improvement
Clients receive an Initial Assessment Survey after their onboarding to evaluate the onboarding experience and identify areas for improvement.
This feedback-driven approach ensures that the partnership continues to evolve and improve.
By the end of Phase 3, or the first 90 days, you can expect:
At this point, outsourcing transitions from setup to long-term value creation.
By the end of the onboarding period, firms typically experience several immediate advantages:
1. Increased Efficiency: Routine tasks are streamlined, allowing internal teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
2. Cost Optimization: Outsourcing reduces overhead costs associated with hiring, training, and infrastructure.
3. Access to Skilled Talent: Global professionals bring expertise that may not be available locally.
4. Enhanced Compliance: Strong processes ensure adherence to risk compliance with accounting standards.
5. Scalability: Your accounting function can easily scale with business growth.
6. Improved Accuracy: Dedicated teams reduce errors and enhance reporting quality.
These are just some of the many benefits of outsourced accounting that companies experience early in the engagement.
Once the first 90 days go by with all expectations met and with your outsourced team well-integrated to your own internal operations and contributing to your operational success, it’s time to ask the next question: what comes next?
While the first 90 days are indeed critical — especially for firms who onboard their outsourced team to help during high-risk periods like the tax season, the real value of outsourced accounting services can be mostly seen from long-term collaboration.
At D&V Philippines, the partnership continues through:
By partnering with firms like D&V Philippines, firms are able to gain access to high-quality accounting outsourcing services while maintaining compliance and operational efficiency. compliance and operational efficiency.
While many providers offer outsourced accounting services, D&V Philippines distinguishes itself through a client-centric approach.
The first 90 days of outsourced accounting services are more than just a transition period. At D&V Philippines, we view it as the time where we can help with your operations’ transformation. With the right partner, firms can quickly move from uncertainty to efficiency, from onboarding to optimization.
Whether you’re exploring accounting outsourcing or expanding globally, understanding what to expect in these first 90 days helps you make the most of your outsourced engagement — allowing outsourced accounting to be a growth strategy that truly serves as a catalyst for your own firm’s growth.
We have wide expertise in handling the numbers of companies across various industries. We also make it our mandate to stay up to date on the latest trends in the accounting industry to make sure we can provide quality support at all times. Contact us today and we’ll help you find the right solution for your needs.
You can also read and download our Outsource with Caution: An Outsourcing Due Diligence Handbook today and discover how you can make the most of your engagement with an offshore partner.