Which accounting tasks can or should be outsourced?

Flexible outsourcing tailored to your needs

The beauty of accounting outsourcing is that you can outsource individual areas or your entire accounting department, depending on your needs and budget. Many Swiss companies start with specific areas and gradually expand their cooperation.

The most important areas for outsourcing

Financial accounting – the core

Ongoing financial accounting includes recording all business transactions: posting receipts, reconciling bank statements, managing accounts payable and accounts receivable. This time-consuming area is particularly well suited for outsourcing, as it occurs on a daily basis and requires specialist knowledge.

Why outsource: Professional accountants work faster and more accurately, are familiar with all accounting systems and ensure proper documentation.

VAT returns – mastering complexity

Value added tax returns are a monthly or quarterly challenge for many businesses. Errors can quickly arise, especially with the effective VAT method with input tax deduction.

Why outsource: VAT experts are familiar with all current regulations, rates, and special rules. They minimize the risk of additional payments and fines.

Accounts receivable and accounts payable management

Receivables management (accounts receivable) and supplier monitoring (accounts payable) require continuous support. Dunning, payment deadlines, and liquidity planning are time-consuming tasks.

Why outsource: Professional management improves your cash flow, reduces defaults, and optimizes supplier relationships.

Payroll accounting and social security

As soon as you employ staff, payroll accounting becomes complex. Social security contributions, withholding tax, accident and sick pay insurance – precision is required here.

Why outsource: Payroll specialists are familiar with all legal requirements, deadlines, and reporting regulations. They also handle communication with social security agencies and authorities.

Annual financial statements and tax returns

The annual financial statements and tax returns (corporate and often also personal taxes) are annual obligations with significant potential for optimization.

Why outsource: Tax advisors identify savings opportunities that laypeople often overlook. They ensure legally compliant financial statements and optimal tax planning.

Additional areas for outsourcing

Budget planning and controlling

Professional budgeting and regular controlling help with strategic decisions and corporate management.

Dunning and debt collection

A systematic dunning procedure improves payment behavior and reduces losses from unpaid invoices.

Insurance management

The administration of business insurance and the annual review of coverage are often part of the extended service.

Digitization and archiving

Digital document archiving in accordance with Swiss requirements and the introduction of digital processes make day-to-day work easier.

Step-by-step approach – a proven strategy

Phase 1: Specialized areas

Many companies start with individual problem areas such as VAT accounting or annual financial statements. This allows us to establish initial contact and build trust.

Phase 2: Expand core areas

Positive experiences are often followed by ongoing financial accounting or, in the case of personnel expansion, payroll accounting.

Phase 3: Full service

Established partnerships often result in complete solutions with additional business management consulting.

What you should keep in-house

Strategic control

Budget approvals, strategic financial decisions, and liquidity monitoring remain the responsibility of senior management.

Day-to-day

Preparing quotes, writing invoices, and providing operational customer support are part of your core business.

Company-specific know-how

You know your industry-specific characteristics and internal processes best and should manage them yourself.

Decision-making aids for your outsourcing

Evaluate the time required

Document how much time you spend on different areas of accounting for a week. This will help you prioritize.

Analyze error frequency

Areas with frequent corrections or uncertainties are particularly suitable for professional support.

Consider growth plans

Future developments such as staff expansion or international business should be incorporated into the outsourcing strategy.

Define cost thresholds

At what point does external expertise become more cost-effective than in-house processing? Set clear limits.

Conclusion on task selection

Modular outsourcing of accounting tasks gives you maximum flexibility. Start with the most time-consuming or error-prone areas and expand the collaboration as you gain experience. Most Swiss trustees support this step-by-step approach and tailor their services to your growing needs.