5 Outsourcing Trends That Will Shake Up Finance & Accounting in 2025

This year has been marked by a noticeable shift in the finance and accounting approach of top-performing organizations. Rising labor shortages, advanced data capabilities and new security concerns are pushing CFOs to rethink how they deliver vital financial services. Here are five major developments predicted to drive outsourced finance and accounting in 2025, and how forward-thinking leaders can take advantage of them.

1. Deep Data and Real-Time Financial Reporting

Finance and accounting teams today have unprecedented access to software tools that process large volumes of data at record speed. Cloud-based accounting platforms can pull in transaction details from multiple sources, turning raw information into real-time dashboards. This constant flow of data helps leaders react quickly when sales fluctuate or expenses spike. By observing spending patterns or revenue trends as they unfold, companies avoid waiting on monthly reports that might hide issues until it’s too late. They can make budget adjustments sooner or launch cost-saving measures before small inefficiencies multiply. Many of these analytics solutions also include predictive capabilities. Machine-learning (ML) algorithms can forecast cash flow based on seasonality, historical data and current events. That means accountants and CFOs can anticipate shortfalls or surpluses more accurately. They can then refine budget allocations or refine credit policies well in advance. This extra agility keeps organizations competitive. While others struggle to interpret past figures, companies with real-time analytics stay ahead of market swings. They spot cost overruns faster and seize growth opportunities while rivals are still balancing ledgers. Small and mid-sized businesses often lack in-house specialists to set up real-time reporting systems. Outsourced finance and accounting partners step in with the latest platforms and expertise to configure them. By leveraging these managed services, growing companies access advanced data tools once limited to large enterprises. They rely on experts who understand system integrations, KPI selection and best practices for compliance. That means no costly trial and error since these providers have implemented similar solutions across various industries.

2. Rising F&A Labor Costs and Employee Shortages

The shortage of qualified employees in finance and accounting (F&A) has continued to grow. Many seasoned accountants have retired, and younger candidates with both digital proficiency and a firm grasp of accounting standards are in short supply. This gap drives higher salary expectations as the remaining qualified applicants recognize their bargaining power. Some analysts estimate that the shortage of skilled accountants could reach 3.5 million by 2025, putting CFOs under pressure to fill critical positions quickly. These trends can hinder an organization’s ability to maintain accurate reporting and keep pace with changing regulations. Managers also face the challenge of hiring fast enough to land top-tier candidates. Currently,51% of finance and accounting managerscite the recruitment process as a major hurdle. Many companies need specialists in areas such as financial planning, analysis or bookkeeping. Since these roles require both technical knowledge and strong interpersonal skills, the candidate pool remains tight. As salary requirements rise, organizations must decide whether to stretch their budgets or risk leaving key roles unfilled. Outsourcing to specialized finance and accounting providers has become an appealing strategy, especially when labor costs climb. These providers benefit from economies of scale and can maintain larger teams with diverse expertise. This translates into round-the-clock coverage without the overhead of an in-house department. In 2024, 40% of CFOs planned to “outsource more work” to optimize costs, and that number will continue to rise in 2025. Many organizations choose this path when they realize that trying to hire and train individuals in a tight labor market drains both time and money.

3. Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures

This year’s numerous high-profile data breaches have highlighted the cyber dangers facing finance and accounting departments. According to a report from IBM, the average data breach now costs $4.9 million. However, serious breaches can be much more costly — Meta was fined 91 million euros under GDPR this year for exposing customer data. High-profile incidents have involved everything from ransomware attacks that lock critical systems to phishing emails that trick employees into divulging sensitive credentials. Criminal groups now target corporate executives through carefully crafted emails or text messages, making even seasoned teams vulnerable. AI voice and video synthesis is an increasingly common tool in a scammer’s arsenal. Insider threats also remain a concern, as employees or contractors with elevated privileges can misuse financial data if safeguards are weak. Partnering with an outsourced provider can be a great cybersecurity solution for many organizations. Rather than building an entire security architecture from scratch, companies can tap into an infrastructure already designed to resist evolving threats. Outsourced services also provide 24/7 proactive monitoring and incident response, so issues are caught and resolved quickly.

4. Demand for Specialized Niche Outsourcing Services

Companies in fields like healthcare, non-profits or retail often seek providers who understand the compliance rules and performance metrics unique to their sectors. For instance, a non-profit may need to track funds according to donor restrictions, while a healthcare operation must navigate regulations tied to patient billing. Clients appreciate collaboration with finance experts who already speak their industry’s language. Providers with deep sector knowledge can craft precise approaches that align with each client’s operational model. They know which KPIs matter, how to handle certain tax implications, and where inefficiencies tend to hide. Personalized guidance often leads to more accurate compliance and more useful analytics.

5. Shift Toward Hybrid Outsourcing Models

Companies are beginning to mix their internal finance staff with external specialists. This approach allows an organization to combine immediate familiarity with the business and outside technical expertise. Employees and outsourced teams share responsibilities and coordinate daily tasks, rather than isolating in separate silos. The result is a co-managed finance department, where in-house personnel handle strategic planning or special projects, while an outsourcing partner manages recurring tasks such as reconciliation and ledger maintenance. Internal teams can also benefit from external experts who bring broader perspectives, often gained by working with multiple clients across varied industries. Additionally, a growing number of service providers offer fractional CFO services, allowing organizations to benefit from high-level financial counsel without hiring a full-time executive at a premium salary. These advisory services help shape growth strategies, investment plans or M&A approaches. In many cases, the outsourced CFO takes part in strategic discussions at the board or executive level, backing up proposals with detailed analytics and forecasting. By tapping into an outsourced CFO’s network and subject matter expertise, companies can refine decisions around risk, capital allocation and organizational expansions. This hybrid model works best when trust and open communication define the relationship. Management must set clear protocols for how data is shared and confirm that each side understands who handles specific tasks or approvals. Setting targets for speed, accuracy, or cost savings provides a baseline to measure progress, so leadership can confirm whether the partnership delivers tangible benefits. Periodic reviews help maintain alignment and keep any friction points from escalating. Partners who regularly assess performance and tweak workflows stay agile, delivering more consistent results for the organization.

The Right Partner For You

If you want to capitalize on these emerging trends, Quatrro can help you transform your finance and accounting roadmap and operations. Our specialists bring the technology, expertise and industry insight you need to keep up with fast-paced changes and stay competitive.Reach out to Quatrro today to see how a trusted outsourcing partner can power your organization’s success in 2025 and beyond.