Mastering SMSF Outsourcing Communication: How to tell your clients.

In my previous discussion, I covered the crucial aspect of communicating outsourcing strategies to your Australian staff. While your workforce may understandably harbor concerns about job security, your clients typically possess a more nuanced understanding of your decision to outsource. Thanks to trailblazers like Telstra, who boldly embraced call center outsourcing in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the concept of outsourcing (and especially SMSF outsourcing for accountants) has become increasingly familiar. We can all recall those memorable evening calls with the deafening silence, the ominous click, and the scripted voice—ah, the nostalgia.

Your clients, being discerning individuals, often grasp the rationale behind outsourcing and its benefits. Nevertheless, regardless of your decision to seek offshore assistance, it's imperative to emphasize that you retain ultimate responsibility for supervising and controlling the work.

I'm not advocating that you announce your outsourcing intentions from the rooftops; there's no necessity for such a proclamation. However, as an accountant, you do bear an ethical obligation to disclose this information to your clients.

A prudent approach is to incorporate it into your annual engagement letter, accompanied by a standard clause in the agreement stating your potential engagement of third-party service providers, whether they operate locally or offshore. With that, the legal requirements are met. I've developed an exemplary outsourcing clause, which I've gladly shared with numerous firms. Feel free to DM me if you'd like a copy.

Let's also not overlook the pivotal role of cloud technology in contemporary accountancy. Platforms like Xero, Google Mail, DropBox, BGL360, and Slack have profoundly revolutionized the accounting profession. It's essential to consider these technologies when composing your engagement letter, given that you're entrusting your clients' information to third-party software providers. Yes, dear accountants, the adventure never ceases.

For an in-depth exploration of these matters, I recommend perusing APES GN30 Outsourced Services. It's a comprehensive resource, albeit a potential cure for insomnia, that covers the updated engagement framework and its implications for data storage and providers.

Now, if you find yourself overwhelmed by the engagement process, which has seemingly become an annual ritual, fear not! Ignition App (formerly known as Practice Ignition) offers a solution to alleviate the associated challenges. I have no affiliation with the product, but I can vouch for its effectiveness in streamlining the process.

Armed with this knowledge, venture forth and conquer the realm of communicating outsourcing strategies to your clients once you've commenced outsourcing with a reputable provider. You've got this.

I'm Kane from Active Outsourcing (www.activeoutsourcing.com.au), and always remember that I'm here to address any questions you may have on this topic or anything related to outsourcing and its potential benefits for you and your firm. Feel free to reach out anytime.