Episode 53

full
Published on:

28th Mar 2023

Navigating The Challenges Of Outsourcing

In this episode, Damien and Penny discuss their recent travels and their experiences with outsourcing and hiring employees. They share their stories of exploring different cultures, meeting new people, and experiencing new things. They emphasize the importance of proper organization and onboarding processes when it comes to hiring employees or outsourcing work.

They discuss how clear communication, space for brainstorming ideas, and proper documentation of processes can avoid situations where clients send work that is not aligned with what was promised. They cover topics such as the importance of onboarding and training when hiring new employees and outsourcing work.


Tune in as Damien and Penny to learn more about outsourcing and hiring employees!


[00:01 - 01:07] Opening Segment

  • The conversation is about outsourcing and hiring employees, emphasizing the importance of proper organization and preparation before bringing on new team members
  • Their recent hiring experiences and the importance of onboarding programs for new employees


[01:08 - 14:57] Navigating The Challenges Of Outsourcing

  • Outsourcing operations have high expectations and little room for error
  • Some firms are not prepared for outsourcing despite claiming to be
  • Communication breakdowns can occur when different people are involved in the process
  • Process and procedures are crucial for successful outsourcing
  • Communication and understanding are key to resolving issues in outsourcing


[14:58 - 23:47] The Importance Of Onboarding And Workflow Management

  • A story where an employee was unprepared to do a task, leading to an apology and a promise to fix
  • Recording of training sessions for audit trail and better preparation
  • Importance of individual user accounts for security and control
  • Learning opportunities from mistakes and open communication between parties
  • Hiring employees or outsourcing work requires setting them up for success


[23:48 - 34:00] Closing Segment

  • Damien and Penny to listeners that workflow and task management tools are becoming increasingly important for smaller firms to successful


Tweetable Quotes

“Don't beat yourself up when things fall through the cracks… And use it as a learning opportunity.” - Penny Breslin


“Being prepared before this person walks through the door. And what those first minutes, hours, and days are going to be and hint, hint, it's not billable.” – Damien Greathead


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Thank you for listening, please like and share this episode with a friend!


Websites: https://moneypennyllc.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damiengreathead/

Twitter: @Damien_GH

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/penny-breslin-0228b81/

Twitter: @pennyb57

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About the Podcast

It's not Just the Numbers
Focused on CAS, this accounting podcast helps firm owners build their accounting and bookkeeping business with intention
It’s Not Just the Numbers is a podcast for accounting firm owners, leaders, and professionals building modern firms beyond compliance.

Hosted by Damien Greathead and Penny Breslin, the show explores what it really takes to create a sustainable, advisory-driven accounting practice in a profession undergoing rapid change. From technology, systems, workflow, and pricing strategy to leadership, client experience, staffing, and the future role of the accountant — this podcast goes beyond the spreadsheets and into the real conversations shaping the profession.

Each episode features practical insights, honest discussions, and lessons from firm owners, industry experts, technology leaders, and operators working at the forefront of modern accounting.

Whether you’re building a Client Advisory Services (CAS) practice, refining your operations, navigating AI and automation, or simply trying to build a better firm, It’s Not Just the Numbers delivers thoughtful conversations grounded in real-world experience.

Because the future of accounting isn’t just about compliance.

It’s about strategy.
It’s about relationships.
It’s about systems.
It’s about leadership.
And ultimately, it’s not just the numbers.

A Beyond Numbers podcast.

About your hosts

Penny Breslin

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Penny Breslin is the founder of MoneyPenny, a consulting firm specializing in helping accounting firms and other businesses embrace the power of technology to simplify their operations and increase their profit margins.

Drawing on her years of experience and her knowledge of what it takes to run a successful business, Penny oversees the development of back office processes for her client firms. From the initial evaluation of the firm’s workflow, to technology selection, and assisting in the on-boarding of the firm’s clients, Penny works with her clients to maximize the benefits of a paperless and cloud-based firm.

Damien Greathead

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Damien has been working in the accounting industry for more than 15 years. In addition to getting his hands dirty preparing tax returns and doing bookkeeping, but the bulk of his experience comes from consulting to both accounting firms and the technology companies that serve the industry.

He set up 2020 Group USA which was a membership group for small and medium sized accounting firms and then went on to set up Receipt Bank (now Dext) in North America.

He regularly speaks to industry bodies on technology, marketing and change management.