Why Mid-Market Firms Need Finance & Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) to Grow & Succeed

For mid-market firms, finance isn’t just about keeping the books balanced—it’s about driving growth, ensuring compliance, and staying competitive in an increasingly complex landscape. Yet, financial leaders are facing a perfect storm: rising labor costs, an acute shortage of skilled accountants, evolving regulatory frameworks, and the rapid push toward AI and automation.

Through June 2023, 600 U.S.-listed companies reported material weaknesses in their accounting operations, a staggering 40.6% increase from 2019.¹ These figures highlight a critical truth: businesses that fail to modernize their finance functions risk inefficiency, compliance pitfalls, and financial mismanagement—all of which can erode profitability.

For mid-market firms, Finance & Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) has moved from being a tactical decision to a strategic imperative. It’s not just about cutting costs—it’s about gaining access to top-tier financial expertise, optimizing operational efficiency, and leveraging real-time analytics for better decision-making. The firms are shifting from reactive financial management to proactive, data-driven strategies.

The war for financial talent is intensifying, leaving mid-market firms struggling to fill critical Finance & Accounting (F&A) roles. Over 50% of open F&A positions remain unfilled, with salaries inflating by 10% nationally—and soaring up to 48% in major markets.² The decline in accounting graduates and high burnout rates among finance professionals have only worsened the skills gap. As a result, mid-market firms are forced to operate with understaffed finance teams, increasing the risk of errors, inefficiencies, and compliance failures.

Those who attempt to manage F&A in-house often face skyrocketing costs, as recruiting, training, compliance, payroll, and software expenses put a significant strain on resources. Keeping an internal finance team is no longer just a cost factor—it’s a scalability roadblock that restricts business growth.

At the same time, digital transformation remains a major challenge, as 70% of AI and automation initiatives in finance fail due to poor implementation, lack of skilled professionals, and disconnected data systems.³ While CFOs recognize the potential of automation, most mid-market firms lack the expertise to integrate AI-driven financial processes effectively.

Moreover, financial compliance demands are increasing, with complex SEC, IRS, and global regulations requiring greater financial oversight. Many mid-market firms lack the fraud prevention systems and real-time monitoring technology needed to protect against financial misstatements and security risks.

Without the right expertise and technological infrastructure, businesses face penalties, inefficiencies, and long-term financial instability—making outsourcing an essential, strategic solution.

Finance & Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) emerges as a strategic enabler, not just a cost-saving tactic. By outsourcing financial functions, mid-market firms gain the flexibility, expertise, and technological advantage needed to drive growth without the burden of internal constraints.

1. Cost Reduction & Efficiency Gains

Keeping an in-house finance team is a significant financial commitment—salaries, benefits, compliance costs, software investments, and ongoing training add up quickly. Outsourcing eliminates these overheads, reducing labor costs by 20%-50% while freeing up capital for growth-focused initiatives.⁴ Moreover, businesses are no longer weighed down by hiring, onboarding, and retention challenges, ensuring that finance operations remain agile, streamlined, and focused on core business objectives.

2. Access to Financial Experts & Best Practices

Navigating GAAP, IFRS, SOX compliance, tax regulations, and financial reporting standards requires deep expertise—something many mid-market firms lack in-house. By outsourcing, companies gain immediate access to top-tier finance professionals who specialize in risk management, compliance, and financial reporting. This drives regulatory accuracy, audit readiness, and seamless financial operations without the expense of maintaining a dedicated internal team.

3. Scalability & Business Agility

FAO allows mid-market firms to scale finance functions up or down seamlessly without the disruptive cycle of hiring, layoffs, or resource constraints. Additionally, outsourcing accelerates the adoption of AI-driven finance technologies, allowing firms to modernize faster than if they relied solely on in-house capabilities.

4. Enhanced Financial Reporting & Data Analytics

Financial decision-making hinges on real-time insights, accurate forecasting, and business intelligence tools. Outsourcing provides access to AI-powered financial dashboards, KPI tracking, and predictive analytics, enabling businesses to gain full visibility into cash flow, risk exposure, and profitability trends. With data-driven financial reporting, CFOs and business leaders can proactively make strategic decisions rather than reactively managing financial setbacks.

5. Fraud Prevention & Compliance Management

The financial world is fraught with fraud risks, regulatory changes, and cybersecurity threats. Many mid-market firms lack the internal controls, AI-powered fraud detection tools, and compliance expertise needed to mitigate these risks effectively. Outsourcing provides dedicated fraud prevention systems, regulatory monitoring, and advanced security protocols, ensuring that financial operations remain compliant, secure, and resilient against evolving threats.

Premier Sync: A Seamless Co-Sourcing Model

At Premier, we don’t just provide outsourcing services; we integrate as an extension of your team. Our co-sourcing model, Premier Sync, ensures that we align with your company’s culture, processes, and compliance frameworks. This approach allows for seamless collaboration, enabling your organization to maintain control over critical functions while benefiting from our specialized expertise.​

AI-Driven Digital Finance Transformation

Premier leverages AI-powered automation to enhance financial reporting, bookkeeping, and analytics. Our real-time business intelligence dashboards provide actionable insights, facilitating informed decision-making.

Scalable Finance Solutions for Growing Businesses

Premier offers flexible engagement models, including full-service F&A outsourcing and co-managed solutions, allowing your finance functions to scale with your business needs. This adaptability ensures that your financial operations remain robust and responsive, regardless of the pace of your growth.​

Compliance, Risk, and Fraud Prevention Expertise

Premier provides advanced fraud detection and risk mitigation strategies, coupled with a dedicated team. Our expertise helps your organization stay compliant with evolving regulations, safeguarding your reputation and financial stability.​

A Global Finance Talent Pool

Premier employs a right-shoring model, matching the best finance professionals with cost-efficient locations. This approach provides 24/7 finance operations support and real-time data access, ensuring continuous and efficient financial management without the overhead associated with maintaining a large in-house team.

One of our clients in the music production and merchandise management industry faced significant hurdles in managing their finance operations efficiently. Their challenges were multifaceted, impacting financial reconciliation, cost optimization, and internal management structures.

Challenges Faced by the Client

• Financial Reconciliation & Analysis Gaps – The company struggled with account reconciliation, financial reporting accuracy, and data inconsistencies, making it difficult to maintain clear financial records.
• Cost Optimization in Accounting Operations – Rising operational expenses made it necessary to optimize costs while ensuring financial accuracy.
• Lack of Mid-Level Finance Management – While they had entry-level staff and senior leadership, the absence of a mid-level finance manager created inefficiencies in overseeing daily financial processes and decision-making.

Solutions Provided by Premier:

• Accounting Support & Financial Reconciliation – We provided comprehensive accounting services, including accounts payable and receivable management using Great Plains software, ensuring accurate and streamlined financial processes.
• Cost Optimization through Strategic Outsourcing – By outsourcing a mid-level financial management role (Controller), the client reduced operational costs while maintaining quality oversight of financial processes.
• Bridging the Management Gap – The Controller streamlined financial reporting, ensured compliance, and improved decision-making, filling the internal structural gap without the client needing to expand their in-house team.

The Outcome

• Stronger Financial Oversight – A more structured finance operation with clear, real-time financial reporting.
• Cost Savings – The outsourced role lowered operational expenses while improving efficiency.
• Improved Compliance & Risk Management – Enhanced financial accuracy and compliance adherence through structured reporting and reconciliation.

Rising costs, increasing regulatory complexities, and the ongoing finance talent shortage make outsourcing Finance & Accounting (FAO) a strategic necessity rather than just an option. Companies that embrace scalable, technology-driven financial solutions can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen decision-making with real-time insights.

At Premier, we offer a structured, co-sourcing approach to finance outsourcing, helping mid-market firms bridge talent gaps, leverage AI-powered financial automation, and ensure seamless compliance and risk management. Whether you’re looking to optimize financial processes, improve reporting accuracy, or scale your finance operations, our team is ready to support you.

Contact Premier today to explore how our tailored FAO solutions can streamline your financial processes and drive better business outcomes.

1. Accountant Shortage Report
2. Finance Talent Shortage & Surging Salaries
3. AI Projects Failure
4. Outsourcing Cutting Labor Costs