Choosing which activities to keep in-house and which to outsource is a strategic decision. It affects cost, risk, quality and focus. At GSI Associates, we advise organisations on outsourcing strategies for finance, administration, IT, cyber security, payroll, translation and more.Â
Use the following checklist when reviewing any function.Â
- Is this activity core to our competitive advantage?
If a function directly supports what makes your organisation unique, you may want to develop strong internal capability. Non-core functions are often better handled by specialist providers. - Do we have consistent expertise and capacity?
Occasional knowledge is not enough in areas that are regulated or fast-changing, such as accounting, tax, cyber security or HR compliance. If you rely on one or two individuals, the risk is high. - What is the impact if we get this wrong?
Errors in finance, payroll, contracts, data protection or reporting can lead to fines, cash-flow problems or legal disputes. Where the risk is high, partnering with an experienced specialist can provide stronger controls. - Are we constantly firefighting in this area?
If a team is always catching up, missing deadlines or fixing mistakes, it may be a sign that the work is not structured correctly internally. - Could a specialist team do this faster and more efficiently?
Outsourcing partners perform the same activities for many clients, using tested processes, tools and quality checks. This often results in better efficiency and more reliable outcomes.
The goal is not to outsource everything. It is to focus internal resources on what truly drives value, while ensuring that non-core but high-risk activities are professionally managed.Â
For organisations considering outsourced accounting, administration, payroll or back-office functions, GSI Associates offers flexible solutions tailored to your needs.Â