Do you feel like managing your SME’s accounting records is taking up valuable time and resources? More and more companies are discovering an efficient and cost-effective solution: hiring a virtual accounting employee. This decision not only reduces costs but also gives you access to high-quality talent.
But how do you do it right? At BPO LATAM, we’ve helped countless companies make this transition. Here’s a complete guide to help you evaluate and execute this strategic decision.
Step 1: Define Your Needs and the Ideal Profile
Before you start searching, you need to have a clear plan. It’s not just about finding “an accountant,” but about finding the right person for your specific business needs.
What functions do they need to cover? Be as detailed as possible. Is it for full accounting, just payroll management, or tax report preparation?
What technical profile are you looking for? Consider educational qualifications and prior experience. Should they be a certified public accountant or someone with proven experience in SMEs? Do they need to be proficient in specific accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, or SAP?
Key skills for remote work: In addition to technical skills, look for proactivity, excellent communication skills, and, above all, great attention to detail. Dependability is essential, as they will be handling sensitive financial information.
Step 2: Budget and Talent Search
Setting a budget is crucial to streamlining your search. A virtual employee can offer competitive rates, allowing you to access qualified talent at a fraction of the cost of a full-time local employee.
Competitive salary: Research the average salary for a remote accountant in the market. Consider whether you will pay hourly or a fixed monthly salary, based on your required workload.
Step 3: Selection Process: Beyond the Resume
A resume can showcase experience, but a good assessment ensures you have the right talent.
Skills Assessment: Create a short case study. A bank reconciliation exercise or preparing a basic income statement will give you a clear picture of their technical capabilities.
Video Interview: The interview is key. Evaluate their communication skills and how they respond to situational questions. Ask them about how they’ve handled accounting errors or how they organize themselves to meet deadlines.
Step 4: Effective Communication and Supervision
One of the biggest concerns when hiring remote staff is a lack of oversight. However, with the right tools, supervision is simple and efficient.
Communication Tools: Use platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams for quick, daily communication. For weekly meetings and goal reviews, Zoom or Google Meet are ideal.
Project Management: Platforms like Asana or Trello allow you to assign tasks, set due dates, and track progress transparently.
Clear Reports and Goals: Set clear and measurable objectives. For example, “submit the accounts receivable report by the 15th of each month” or “reconcile all bank accounts before the quarterly close.”
Step 5: Onboarding: Integration and Trust
Onboarding is a critical step for the success of a long-term relationship.
Welcome Manual: Provide a document with your company’s key information: its mission, values, and a guide to internal processes.
Secure Access: Use a password manager and grant access only to the necessary platforms. Consider signing a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect your company’s financial information.
At BPO LATAM, we believe that business process outsourcing is the key to sustainable growth for SMEs. Hiring a virtual accounting employee isn’t just a fad; it’s a smart investment.
Are you ready to free up resources and focus on growing your business? Contact us today to discuss how we can help you find the virtual talent you need!