Every growing CPA firm reaches the same point. There are more clients, but the same number of hours. You can hire, or you can add a dedicated team. Here is how to think about it.
When hiring in-house is the right call
You need someone in your office who meets clients face to face. Or the work depends on tools that only work on site.
When a dedicated team fits better
The backlog is in bookkeeping, reconciliations and month-end close. You need help now, not in four months. Partners are doing work a staff accountant should do. Busy season keeps getting harder.
Five questions to ask before you choose
- 1 How long until someone starts?
- 2 What is the full cost, including benefits, software and a desk?
- 3 What happens if the person leaves?
- 4 Who checks the work?
- 5 Can you try it before you commit?
Many firms do both
They keep client-facing people in the office and give production work to a dedicated team. That keeps the partners free to grow the firm.