Skill and Experience Levels of Accountants in the Outsourcing Industry

 Struggling to Scale Your CPA Firm Without Burning Out Your Core Team? 

You’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges CPA firms face today is finding and retaining qualified talent—especially during peak seasons. As client demands grow, so does the pressure to deliver high-quality service without overstretching your in-house staff. That’s where outsourcing steps in—not just as a stopgap, but as a strategic advantage. 

In fact, the global accounting outsourcing market is projected to reach around $1.3 trillion by 2033, driven by firms seeking flexibility, cost-efficiency, and access to diverse talent pools.

But here’s the real question: Does experience level in outsourced accounting teams really impact your bottom line? Absolutely. Whether it’s an entry-level bookkeeper ensuring clean ledgers or a senior accountant navigating complex tax codes, the right mix of skills and experience can directly affect your firm’s efficiency, client satisfaction, and profitability. 

In this article, we’ll break down: 

• The common staffing pain points that outsourcing can solve for CPA firms 

• The key experience levels within outsourced accounting teams—and what each brings to the table 

• How top outsourcing providers recruit and train high-performing accountants 

• Why choosing the right level of expertise is critical to maximizing ROI 

Let’s dive into why outsourcing isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about building a smarter, more scalable team. 

Experience levels of accountants in outsourcing firms 

Accountants in outsourcing firms typically come with a range of experience levels, depending on the complexity of tasks they handle and client needs. Here’s a breakdown of the common levels: 

1. Entry-level accountants (0-3 years of experience) 

• Typically, fresh graduates with degrees in accounting or finance, often pursuing certifications like ACCA or CPA 

 They usually handle: 

• Data entry and transaction posting 

• Basic bookkeeping and bank reconciliations 

• Accounts payable and receivable processing 

• Payroll support 

• Supporting month-end closing tasks 

• Assist with preparing simple tax returns 

They work under close supervision and use automated tools and software (like QuickBooks, Xero, or Zoho Books) to ensure accuracy. Outsourcing firms pair them with robust supervision and automated tools to maintain accuracy despite their limited experience. 

 Estimated Salary (USD/year): 

• India / Philippines / Latin America (LATAM): $6,000–$15,000 

• Eastern Europe: $10,000–$20,000 

2. Mid-level accountants (3-5 years of experience) 

• Accountants at this level hold substantial experience and often have credentials like CPA, CMA, or CA Intermediate. 

 They usually handle: 

• Prepare full financial statements 

• Conduct variance analysis and trend reporting 

• Manage tax return preparation (e.g., Form 1040, 1120, 1065) 

• Supervise junior staff and review their work 

• Assist with budgeting and forecasting 

• Liaise directly with clients for clarifications 

 They provide a strong technical and analytical base while being cost-effective for moderately complex work. Their expertise makes them ideal for bridging the gap between basic and advanced accounting needs. 

 Estimated Salary (USD/year): 

• India / Philippines / LATAM: $12,000–$25,000 

• Eastern Europe: $15,000–$30,000 

3. Senior accountants and managers (5+ years of experience) 

• Highly experienced professionals with certifications like CPA, MBA, or CA, often with public accounting or Big Four backgrounds, reflecting deep industry knowledge. 

 They usually handle: 

• Strategic tax planning and consulting 

• Final review of complex tax filings and financial statements 

• Audit support and documentation preparation 

• Cash flow analysis, financial modelling, and advising 

• Manage entire client portfolios and provide CFO-level insights 

• Oversee quality control and compliance processes 

 They are trusted for client-facing roles, high-level decision-making, and training or managing teams.  

Estimated Salary (USD/year): 

• India / Philippines / LATAM: $20,000–$45,000 

• Eastern Europe: $25,000–$55,000+ 

Best-Fit Experience Level for Key Accounting Functions

Factors influencing the experience level of accountants in outsourcing firms

1. Training and development programs

• Structured onboarding- Outsourcing firms offer comprehensive training programs for new hires that help them understand the outsourcing environment and gain the necessary skills more quickly. This may include learning the specific software, accounting standards, and practices used in the industry. 

• Continuous education- Firms that invest in continuous professional development, such as certifications (e.g., CPA, ACCA) or industry-specific courses, ensure their accountants remain knowledgeable and up-to-date with industry trends. 

Accountants gain expertise through training and development, providing clients with reliable, compliant, and high-quality accounting services. 

2. Type of clients and industries served

• Diversity of clients- Accountants working with clients from a wide range of industries (e.g., healthcare, technology, manufacturing) gain exposure to different accounting challenges, regulations, and best practices. This leads to higher experience levels as they encounter a variety of accounting needs. 

• Complexity of client accounts- Accountants working with large or complex clients are likely to gain more experience due to the nature of the financial tasks they handle. For example, managing accounts for multinational corporations or large-scale projects often requires more advanced knowledge and problem-solving skills. 

Exposure to various industries equips accountants to understand unique business needs, compliance requirements, and best practices, which helps clients receive industry-specific insights and customized accounting solutions. 

3. Technological tools and software

• Automation and accounting software- Outsourcing firms often use specialized accounting software like QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle to manage clients’ financials. Accountants working with advanced tools become more experienced and proficient in automation, data analysis, and financial reporting. 

• Cloud technology- The use of cloud-based platforms for real-time collaboration and remote accounting tasks can impact how accountants gain experience. Those working with cutting-edge technology often become more adept in managing digital tools, boosting their experience. These platforms also securely integrate with client databases, ensuring up-to-date financial data is always accessible, which enhances accountants’ expertise and improves their ability to deliver timely, accurate insights. 

Proficiency in advanced accounting software allows accountants to process data efficiently, providing clients with faster turnaround, real-time reporting, automation, reduced errors, and seamless system integration. 

Note- To maintain data privacy and security, industry-standard encryption and access protocols are employed across platforms by reliable outsourcing partners like Infinity Globus. Learn more about our approach to data security here or check out our blog on best practices in accounting data protection. 

 4. Mentorship and collaboration

• Mentorship opportunities- Accountants who have mentors or senior professionals to guide them in their roles often gain deeper insights and faster career development. Regular feedback and knowledge sharing help accountants improve their skills and avoid common mistakes. 

• Team collaboration- Working in collaborative teams exposes accountants to different problem-solving approaches, broadening their perspective, while accelerate their learning curve. 

Teamwork and mentorship accelerate problem-solving and skill development of the outsourced accounting team, leading to consistent service delivery. This helps clients receive high-quality output from a knowledgeable team with reduced chances of errors or oversight.

 5. Workload and job responsibilities

• Volume of work- Accountants with a higher workload or those in firms with high-volume client demands often gain experience more quickly, as they handle more tasks and face a higher level of responsibility. 

• Variety of roles- Accountants who take on varied roles such as bookkeeping, financial analysis, tax preparation, and auditing gain a broader skill set. Outsourcing firms that rotate job roles or offer cross-training help employees become more versatile. 

Handling diverse tasks and rotating roles equips accountants with broad skill sets, enabling clients to benefit from flexible experts who go beyond standard bookkeeping. 

6. Cultural exposure

• International clients- Outsourcing firms often work with international clients, exposing accountants to different accounting regulations, tax laws, and business practices from various countries. This cultural exposure broadens accountants’ experience and adaptability. 

• Multilingual skills- In firms that serve global clients, accountants may also gain experience by working in different languages or dealing with cross-border financial matters, which can deepen their understanding of international finance. 

Knowledge of international standards and cultural nuances enables accountants to provide globally compliant, culturally sensitive, and effective financial services to international clients. 

How outsourcing firms build skilled teams for accounting support

1. Rigorous recruitment process

• In-depth screening- Candidates undergo a thorough interview process where their overall experience, and cultural fit gets assessed. 

• Technical assessments- Outsourcing firm’s take skills-based tests to evaluate the potential candidate’s proficiency in accounting software and relevant industry regulations, ensuring they hire the best. 

• Background checks- Extensive checks on credentials, previous employment, and certifications ensure the candidate’s qualifications are genuine. 

2. Partnerships with professional networks

• University collaborations- Firms partner with educational institutions to recruit top talent and offer internships or training programs. 

• Industry connections- Outsourcing firms tap into professional networks and associations to find candidates with specialized expertise. 

• Recruitment events- Many remote staffing firms participate in career fairs and recruiting events to identify skilled candidates from the accounting field. 

3. Experience-based hiring criteria

• Emphasis on relevant experience- Firms prioritize candidates with proven experience in specific areas such as financial reporting, tax planning, or auditing. 

• Client-focused expertise- Outsourcing companies seek professionals who have worked with diverse clients or industries, ensuring adaptability to various client needs. 

• Certifications and advanced qualifications- Firms prefer candidates with recognized certifications like CPA, CMA, or ACCA, indicating a higher level of expertise. 

Conclusion

Accountants in outsourcing firms bring a range of experience levels, from entry-level professionals to seasoned experts, each contributing uniquely to the services offered. For CPA and accounting firms, understanding these experience levels is critical to selecting the right outsourcing partner and ensuring the right expertise is applied to meet specific accounting needs. By choosing the apt level of experience, firms can optimize their outsourcing strategy and ensure high-quality, efficient financial services for their clients. 

Ready to elevate your accounting strategy with the best in the business?
At Infinity Globus, we specialize in providing highly skilled accounting professionals across all experience levels—ensuring your accounting firm receives precise, efficient, and expert tax and accounting services. 

Contact us today to optimize your accounting operations and experience the power of top-tier outsourced talent at your service. Let’s build a seamless partnership for your firm’s success! 

FAQs

1. What are the experience levels of accountants in outsourcing companies? 

Accountants in outsourcing companies are typically categorized into three experience levels: entry-level (0-3 years), mid-level (3-5 years), and senior level (5+ years). Each level has distinct responsibilities, from basic bookkeeping to advanced financial strategy and client management. 

 2. How do outsourcing firms ensure quality work from entry-level accountants? 

Outsourcing firms ensure quality from entry-level accountants by pairing them with experienced mentors, providing comprehensive training programs, and using automated tools for accuracy and quality work. Continuous education helps freshers learn quickly and stay up-to-date with industry standards. 

 3. How do outsourcing companies recruit experienced accountants? 

Outsourcing companies recruit experienced accountants through a rigorous recruitment process that includes in-depth interviews, technical assessments, and background checks. They also collaborate with universities and professional networks to source top talent with the right certifications and industry experience. 

 4. How do technology and software impact the experience of accountants in outsourcing firms? 

Accounting software like QuickBooks, SAP, and Oracle, along with cloud-based platforms, play a crucial role in shaping the experience of accountants in outsourcing firms. These tools enhance automation, data analysis, and financial reporting, helping accountants enhance efficiency and improve technical skills. 

 5. How do outsourcing firms help accountants transition from entry-level to mid-level roles? 

 Outsourcing firms often pave the way for growth by offering structured career paths. Entry-level accountants are given hands-on experience with increasingly complex tasks, paired with mentorship from seasoned pros, and encouraged to pursue certifications like CPA or ACCA. This blend of practical exposure and professional development helps them confidently step into mid-level roles with sharper skills and broader responsibilities. 

 6. How do outsourcing firms ensure senior accountants stay ahead of industry changes? 

 Outsourcing firms keep their senior accountants sharp by investing in advanced training, encouraging participation in industry seminars, and providing access to cutting-edge tools. These pros often lead internal knowledge-sharing sessions, too, ensuring they’re not just keeping up with trends—like new tax laws or tech innovations—but setting the pace for excellence. 

 7. How does Infinity Globus maintain communication and collaboration? 

Infinity Globus prioritizes seamless communication by using secure, cloud-based platforms that allow real-time collaboration with your accounting team. We provide regular updates, set clear milestones, and offer transparent access to project progress, ensuring that your team is always in the loop. Our dedicated account managers also facilitate ongoing communication to address any questions or changes promptly. 

8. How does Infinity Globus tailor its services to meet the needs of CPA firms? 

Infinity Globus specializes in understanding the unique needs of CPA and accounting firms, offering scalable outsourcing solutions for tasks like bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial reporting. Our experienced team works as an extension of your accounting firm, ensuring seamless integration and high-quality results.