Client Success Story: Driving Growth Through Capacity Expansion & Cloud Transformation
Overview
Client: Mid-Sized Accounting Firm, Birmingham
Industry: Accounting and Tax Services
Client Size: 700+ Clients
Engagement: Ongoing Partnership Focused on Capacity Expansion and Workflow Optimisation
Client Background
Based in Birmingham, this mid-sized accounting practice supports a diverse client base of over 700 businesses with end-to-end accounting, finance, and tax services. The firm operates across multiple platforms including QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, and CCH, utilising both desktop and cloud-based environments.
As client demands grew, the firm faced challenges in scaling efficiently while maintaining timely delivery. Leadership was keen on improving turnaround time (TAT) for final accounts and freeing up internal staff for more strategic client-facing roles.
Challenges Faced
- Limited internal capacity to manage increasing client volumes
- Disparate desktop and cloud systems creating workflow inefficiencies
- Inability to consistently meet the desired 90-day post-year-end TAT
- Overextended staff handling both processing and client communication
The firm needed a partner who could streamline processing operations, support cloud migration, and enable internal staff to focus on advisory and relationship management.
Our Approach
Sapphire Info Solutions proposed a two-fold strategy: migrate all client work to the cloud and gradually transfer processing to Sapphire’s offshore team. Key steps included:
- Collaborating with the client to standardise systems, moving toward a fully cloud-based environment
- Initially gaining access to 2–3 vendor platforms to begin file processing and test workflows
- Handling larger client files internally at Sapphire’s office, ensuring security and speed
- Progressively increasing scope and staff involvement as confidence in delivery grew
This phased and flexible approach allowed the client to maintain control while scaling steadily.
Results Delivered
Tangible Outcomes
- Reduced TAT to ~100 days within 6 months
- Transferred routine processing tasks to Sapphire’s team
- 40% business growth achieved within the first year
- 6+ dedicated staff now working full-time for the client, with seasonal scalability
Intangible Benefits
- Internal staff transitioned to client/portfolio manager roles
- Improved service consistency and team morale
- Strengthened client relationships through proactive engagement
Client Feedback
“The shift to Sapphire gave our in-house team room to grow and focus on what matters—our clients. The growth we’ve seen since the partnership speaks volumes.”
Data Security & Compliance
Sapphire ensured safe and compliant operations by adhering to:
- ISO 27001:2013 – Information Security
- ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management
- GDPR-compliant processes
- Cloud and desktop data handled securely through VPN and encrypted access protocols
Key Takeaways & Best Practices
- Cloud migration drives standardisation and scalability
- Dedicated offshore teams reduce in-house workload
- Strategic outsourcing enables stronger client relationships
- Collaborative onboarding ensures seamless transition
Conclusion
This Birmingham-based accounting firm transformed its operational efficiency and client engagement model by partnering with Sapphire Info Solutions. Through smart cloud adoption and tailored outsourcing, the firm gained the flexibility to grow—without compromising service or control.
