Why we don't outsource client work abroad - and why it matters

Outsourcing is becoming incredibly common in accounting. Many firms now send bookkeeping and tax prep work overseas to save money or deal with staff shortages.

At Mystyle, we’ve made a clear choice - we never do this. Every client’s work stays in-house, handled by our UK-based team.

Why do firms outsource abroad?

Rising costs, busy seasons, and staff shortages push firms to look for cheaper labour. Offshore accounting teams often charge a fraction of what a UK accountant earns.

That difference in pay is one reason we see the practice as unethical. It relies on huge wage gaps between countries, and it means UK clients are unknowingly benefitting from much lower-paid professionals overseas, often without being told.

What it means for clients

Outsourcing can create real issues...

• Work handled by people you’ve never met, under different standards and time zones

• Less consistency and accountability

• Data shared outside the UK

• Clients kept in the dark about where their information goes

Before you assume your accountant handles everything in-house, it’s worth checking.

We recommend looking at your engagement letter - it should say whether any work is outsourced or shared with third parties.

If it’s unclear, ask your accountant directly where your data is processed and who completes the work. A good firm will be transparent and happy to explain.

Why it’s an ethical issue

It’s not just about money - it’s about fairness and honesty.If a UK firm charges clients full UK rates but pays overseas accountants a fraction of that, while not disclosing it, that’s a serious question of integrity.

Clients deserve to know who’s doing their work and under what conditions.

Our stance

We believe accounting should be transparent and fair - for clients and for the people doing the work. We promise...

• All work stays in the UK

• Our team is paid fairly for their skill and experience

• You always know who’s working on your accounts

  
  

We’d rather grow slowly and ethically than compromise on values for a higher margin.

When you choose us as your accountants, you’re supporting fair pay, transparency, and local expertise - values we’re proud to stand by. ❤️

Need accounting support? Contact us today.