Understanding the Different Types of Offshoring Models

Learn the main types of offshoring and discover which model fits your business. We explain how nearshoring with dedicated teams can offer long-term value.

May 14, 2025

Post by Wilma Ivanisevic

The accounting industry continues to evolve, and so do the ways companies build their teams. Offshoring remains a key strategy for firms that want to scale while staying cost-efficient. But not all offshoring models are created equal. Before choosing a partner or approach, it’s important to understand the differences. Some models solve short-term gaps. Others help companies grow with more flexibility and less risk. Let’s explore the main types of offshoring, how they work, and why the right structure can make all the difference.

Traditional Outsourced Offshoring

This is the classic “send-it-over” model. Companies transfer tasks, often repetitive or low-complexity, to third-party vendors abroad. The provider manages the process, assigns the people, and delivers the results. It’s a quick way to reduce costs. But control, quality, and continuity often vary. You don’t choose who works on your account. The focus is on output, not integration.

Project-Based Offshoring

This model works for clearly defined short-term needs, such as software migration, data clean-up, or internal audits. Companies contract a service provider for one specific job. It offers flexibility and quick delivery. But once the project ends, so does the relationship. There’s little room for learning, development, or continuity.

Captive Offshoring

Some larger firms invest in setting up their own offshore office. They hire local staff, manage operations internally, and maintain full control over processes and culture. This model provides long-term value and consistency. But it requires major resources, time, and local expertise to manage HR, payroll, and compliance in another country.

Dedicated Remote Teams

Instead of outsourcing work, this model helps companies hire professionals directly, without relocating them. The employees work remotely, using your systems, your workflows, and your standards. At Becky.works, we help firms build remote teams in Europe who operate as a natural extension of their in-house staff. These teams are fully dedicated to your business. They don’t split time across clients. You stay in control, while we support everything behind the scenes, from hiring and setup to onboarding and retention. This model bridges the gap: it brings the flexibility of offshoring, with the accountability and culture of internal hiring.

Choosing the Right Model

Every model has its place. If you need to cut costs fast or handle a one-time task, a vendor-based model may work. But if you’re building for the long run, where culture, quality, and continuity matter, a dedicated team can offer more than just short-term efficiency. We know that deciding to go offshore isn’t easy. It’s not just about saving money or filling roles quickly, it’s about finding the right people: people who align with your goals, grow with your business, and contribute like they’ve been part of your team all along. That’s exactly what we focus on at Becky.works. We’re here to help you build the kind of team you’ll be proud to call your own.