Making smart financial decisions starts with how you manage your accounting team.
Managing business finances is a non-negotiable part of running a successful company, but how you choose to handle your accounting can significantly affect your bottom line. Today, many Australian businesses are rethinking traditional in-house accounting in favour of outsourcing models that offer better value, scalability, and access to global talent.
At Flat Planet, we help Australian companies tap into highly skilled offshore accounting professionals without sacrificing quality or control. So, how does outsourcing accounting compare to hiring in-house? Let’s take a closer look at the costs, efficiency, and long-term impact of both options.
Cost Comparison: The True Expense of In-house Accounting
- Hiring an in-house accountant in Australia comes with more than just a salary. Let’s break down some of the typical expenses:
- Base salary: According to Seek, a full-time accountant in Australia earns an average of $75,000 – $90,000 annually*.
- On-costs: Add superannuation, payroll tax, leave entitlements, and insurance.
- Office space and equipment: Workstations, computers, software licences, and utilities.
- Training and onboarding: Time and resources spent on recruitment, training, and upskilling.
- Turnover costs: Recruiting and rehiring if your accountant moves on.
Altogether, the real cost of an in-house accountant can exceed $110,000 per year, particularly if you require senior-level expertise.
Outsourcing with Flat Planet, on the other hand, allows businesses to access qualified accountants and bookkeepers in the Philippines at a significantly lower cost, often saving up to 70% compared to hiring locally. You still get a dedicated team member working your hours, without the overheads or employment liabilities.
Efficiency and Productivity: Who gets more done?
In-house teams offer immediate access and familiarity with internal systems, which can be useful for complex or fast-moving environments. However, internal accountants often juggle multiple responsibilities outside their core strengths, such as admin tasks, reporting, or tech troubleshooting, which can reduce efficiency.
Outsourced accountants via Flat Planet are laser-focused on the work you assign. We match you with professionals who bring:
• Specialist experience in Australian accounting standards
• Proficiency in tools like Xero, MYOB, QuickBooks, and SAP
• Familiarity with BAS, GST, payroll processing, and ATO compliance
• The ability to work within your cloud accounting systems and processes
Because outsourced team members work under structured service agreements and measurable KPIs, their productivity is often higher than local equivalents who are pulled in many directions.
Scalability: Meeting business needs as you grow
In-house accounting departments are rigid. If your business grows, you’ll need to hire more staff, allocate more budget, and increase infrastructure. Downsizing? That comes with redundancies, legal risks, and morale issues.
Outsourcing is inherently scalable. Flat Planet allows you to ramp up or down as needed, adding extra support during EOFY, tax season, audits, or when launching new ventures, without the HR headaches. It’s an agile model that suits the unpredictable nature of modern business.
Control and Compliance: Is Outsourcing Risky?
A common concern around outsourcing is the perceived loss of control. But when you work with a trusted partner like Flat Planet, that risk is eliminated. Here’s why:
• Your systems, your processes: Our offshore accountants work within your tools and workflows.
• Secure infrastructure: We implement strict data privacy, access controls, and compliance protocols.
• Transparency: Daily reports, shared dashboards, and open communication ensure you’re always in control.
• Expertise in Australian standards: We recruit specifically for knowledge of ATO requirements, local tax laws, and industry compliance.
You gain the benefit of global efficiency while maintaining full oversight and accountability.
Support and continuity
One of the challenges of in-house accounting is continuity. Staff may go on leave, resign unexpectedly, or take time to get up to speed. With Flat Planet, you get dedicated client support, structured onboarding, and the ability to backfill roles quickly if needed. Our account managers work closely with you to ensure a seamless relationship and ongoing alignment with your goals.
Final verdict: Outsourcing wins on value and flexibility
While in-house accounting may offer some benefits for highly complex or sensitive businesses, for most Australian SMEs and growth-stage companies, outsourcing offers better value, efficiency, and flexibility.
By partnering with Flat Planet, you can:
• Cut costs without cutting corners
• Access specialised talent
• Scale your accounting function as needed
• Improve financial accuracy and reporting
• Focus your local resources on higher-value tasks
Take control of your finances—without the overhead.
Talk to Flat Planet today about how outsourced accounting can transform your business.
About Flat Planet
Established in 2010, Flat Planet® is a family-owned, Australian-operated leading provider of high-value outsourced staffing solutions. Connecting businesses worldwide with skilled talent in Southeast Asia, offering a competitive edge through cost-effective, high-quality staffing solutions. With offices in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, we employ over 400 staff serving global clients. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure and blend of local and Australian management practices ensure excellence in service delivery. At Flat Planet, we’re committed to creating pathways to a brighter future – not only by providing businesses access to a globally competitive workforce but also by supporting initiatives like our Gift of Life project, which funds critical heart surgeries for children in need.
For more information on how Flat Planet can empower your business while making a positive impact, visit flatplanet.com.au or email us at info@flatplanet.com.
