Last week, Emapta hosted a live discussion that challenged the status quo of outsourcing in finance and accounting. With company executives and finance leaders in attendance from across the globe, “The Outsourcing Era is Over – Here’s What Comes Next” featured John Raffaele, our Global Head of Finance and Accounting, and Inge Zwick, our Executive Director for Europe.
John and Inge shared firsthand insights on how forward-thinking businesses are shifting away from traditional outsourcing models — and what that means for finance and accounting teams today. The online session sparked thoughtful questions, showing just how much this shift is top of mind for businesses focused on growth, cost-efficiency, and global talent strategy.
Shifting Away from Traditional Models
What does “the outsourcing era is over” mean?
It means the end of outsourcing models built purely around low-cost labor and disconnected service delivery. The traditional, transactional approach is no longer enough for companies facing growing complexity and higher expectations.
The webinar uncovered several key themes that point to where finance outsourcing is headed, what today’s teams need to stay competitive, and how Emapta is empowering businesses to adapt and lead in this new environment. Here are the top takeaways and their breakdown:
- Capability Isn’t Limited by Zip Code
- Tech-Enabled Talent Drives Strategic Value
- True Partnership Requires Transparency
- Embedded Culture Sets Dedicated Teams Apart
Capability Isn’t Limited by Zip Code
One question raised during the session was, “How can I ensure offshore teams meet the same standards we expect locally?” Concerns like these, especially around compliance and region-specific accounting practices, are valid. But what’s changed is the level of quality and specialization now available in global talent markets.
Inge, a seasoned business executive with 20+ years of leadership in global outsourcing solutions, highlighted Emapta’s reach. She noted that our dedicated talent hubs in the Philippines, Colombia, North Macedonia, and more, give companies access to finance and accounting professionals with the expertise and time zone alignment needed to scale with confidence.

“With global talent pools, companies get access to skilled professionals across countries for a wide range of roles. It’s no longer about where the work happens. It’s about where you can find the talent you need to improve your operations.”
John, who has nearly 30 years of accounting experience and was once an Emapta client while working as a partner at HLB Mann Judd, shared that he regularly reviewed offshore candidates with experience in international accounting frameworks—including the US, UK, Australia, and more. Many had already worked with global companies, bringing the technical knowledge and cross-border perspective needed to deliver from day one.
Tech-Enabled Talent Drives Strategic Value
With the rise of AI and automation tools across industries, another question from Emapta’s finance and accounting webinar was, “Should we invest in technology, or just hire more people offshore?” According to Inge and John, the real answer isn’t either/or. It’s both.

“AI excels at automation, data handling, and efficiency. But it doesn’t replace human judgment or relationship-building. The most effective finance and accounting operations today are hybrid: teams that are tech-enabled, not tech-replaced.”
To stay competitive, leaders must work with outsourcing partners that actively upskill talent to be AI-capable—blending automation with critical thinking to deliver smarter, more strategic results. This also includes maintaining robust data security standards, with ISO-certified environments and full GDPR compliance built into every engagement.
This shift is redefining what makes an effective global team. Finance and accounting professionals who can leverage technology, adapt to evolving tools, and contribute strategic insight are the ones driving the most value in modern outsourcing models.
True Partnership Requires Transparency
One of the strongest themes that came through in the discussion was the demand for greater transparency in outsourcing models. John shared how important it was to understand where costs were going, how people were being paid, and what kind of environment they were working in.
This level of visibility is often missing in traditional models, where professionals are managed behind the scenes and limited metrics are shared. But when you’re building a long-term, high-performing finance and accounting team, trust becomes essential. And trust starts with transparency: into compensation, working conditions, communication, and culture.

“It’s a common theme I hear from our clients: they want to make sure their outsourced teams feel like part of their organization. And to achieve that, you really need to find a partner who can make it happen.”
Inge echoed this mindset as the finance and accounting webinar continued, noting that more and more Emapta clients want their nearshore and offshore teams to be treated just like their local ones. This kind of transparency builds confidence, and ultimately, better outcomes. It’s what separates a transactional vendor from a true strategic partner.
Embedded Culture Sets Dedicated Teams Apart
Many businesses feel the disconnect that comes with traditional outsourcing. As John shared during the discussion, “A lot of vendors or outsourcing providers were treating the finance team as checkbox functions.” Poor communication and fragmented workflows often led to little or no control over the quality of hiring. Combined with inflexible contracts and slow responsiveness, these issues became a serious concern—especially in finance and accounting roles where accuracy is non-negotiable.

“Access to dedicated global talent at your fingertips is a smarter alternative to outdated models. I think looking at it through a different lens creates new opportunities.”
Now, more industry leaders are moving away from traditional outsourcing to a dedicated staffing model. It’s where you get access to embedded teams powered by global delivery. Instead of being siloed and distant, they act as a seamless extension of your onshore operations. These teams are aligned to your core business, from shared tools and performance metrics to cultural norms and workflows.
But seamless integration doesn’t happen by accident. It requires the right strategic partner, one that understands both your unique needs and the cultural context of where your team is based. As Inge explained, “You do need strategic partnership. You need a partner who knows the lay of the land—who can tell you what’s culturally appropriate, how to navigate difficult situations with a team member, or even how to celebrate a great performance. It’s those kinds of things a strategic partner brings in.”
Want to hear the insights straight from the experts?
The webinar recap is now available on demand so you can go beyond the highlights, get the complete picture, and see how Emapta helps teams scale smarter.
Building Your Future-Ready Finance Team
The finance and accounting leaders who are winning today aren’t just cutting costs. They’re building capability. As shared in the session, HLB Mann Judd achieved measurable results with Emapta’s support: 15% year-over-year growth, an NPS score of 80+, and greater operational resilience.
When you work with Emapta, you gain a strategic partner—not just a staffing provider. With access to the top 1% of finance and accounting talent, full transparency, and advisory support, you’re doing more than outsourcing. You’re building a team that grows with your business and helps lead it into the future.