In-House vs Outsourced Financial Controllers: Which Is Right for Your Business?

Handling your business's money the right way means choosing the right person to manage it. A skilled financial controller can help you navigate regulations, keep cash flow in check, and plan for long-term growth.

But here’s the big question: do you hire someone in-house or outsource the role? Both options have their merits and limitations, and the best choice depends on your company’s needs.

In this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of in-house and outsourced financial controllers so you can decide what works best for you.

What Does a Financial Controller Do?

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a closer look at what a financial controller actually does.

Think of them as the backbone of your finance team. They handle everything from making sure the numbers add up to keeping your business compliant with regulations. They’re also the ones producing financial reports and shaping strategies to help your business hit its goals.

For larger companies with more complex financial setups, their role becomes even more critical. So, as you weigh up your options, think about how much you need these skills to be part of your daily operations.

The Case for In-House Financial Controllers

An in-house financial controller is someone who works full-time in your business. They’re part of your team, getting to know how your business runs, what your goals are, and what your company culture is like.

Benefits of In-House Financial Controllers

1. Deep Business Knowledge: An in-house controller builds a deep understanding of your organisation’s operations and culture. With this knowledge, they can deliver tailored financial insights and strategies that align closely with your goals.
2. Real-Time Collaboration: With an in-house controller, communication with other departments is quick and easy. This speeds up decision-making and ensures that finance is working hand-in-hand with operations, sales, and other teams.
3. Financial controller job evolution: 39% of financial controllers believe their role is shifting from focusing on value protection and optimisation to creating value, having someone readily available can help position your business for smarter, more strategic investments.
4. Greater Control: When you hire in-house, you have direct oversight. You can set priorities, track progress, and make sure their work aligns with your company’s overall vision.

Drawbacks of In-House Financial Controllers

1. Higher Costs: Hiring an in-house financial controller is a significant investment. According to a 2025 UK salary guide, the average salary for a financial controller ranges from £65,750 to £90,000 annually, depending on experience and location. When you add benefits, bonuses, and recruitment costs, the total expense grows even further.
2. Talent Retention Challenges: The UK’s Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) reported in 2023 that financial professionals face high burnout rates due to demanding workloads.
3. Skill Gaps: A single in-house controller may lack the diverse skill set that an outsourced team can provide, limiting their effectiveness in addressing specialised or emerging financial challenges.

The Case for Outsourced Financial Controllers

Outsourcing is no longer seen as a last resort, it's now a go-to strategy for businesses wanting flexibility, scalability, and access to top financial talent without the overheads of hiring in-house.

By the end of 2027, 1.3 million UK businesses are expected to ramp up their use of outsourcing for back-office operations.

Benefits of Outsourced Financial Controllers

1. Cost Efficiency: A 2025 Deloitte report found that 52% of finance leaders rank cost reduction as their top priority. With wage growth slowing to 3.2% over the next year, outsourcing financial controllers offers businesses access to top-tier talent without the heavy costs of hiring in-house.
2. Access to Expertise: Struggling to find the right talent? You’re not alone. Hiring expectations have plummeted, with a net -64% decline reported in the latest surveys. Outsourcing solves this problem by giving you access to skilled financial professionals without the burden of long-term employment costs or compromising on expertise.
3. Scalability: Remote financial controllers can easily scale their services up or down based on your needs, ideal for companies experiencing rapid growth or seasonal fluctuations.
4. Technology and Innovation: Why invest in expensive financial tools when you don’t have to? Many outsourcing firms use cutting-edge software and analytics tools, giving you access to powerful technology such as Xero without the hefty price tag. It’s a win-win for businesses wanting smarter, more efficient financial management.

Drawbacks of Outsourced Financial Controllers

1. Limited Integration: External controllers may not have the same level of insight into your business’s culture or day-to-day operations, which can sometimes lead to misaligned priorities.
2. Dependency on External Providers: Relying on a third party for critical financial tasks requires a lot of trust. You’re handing over control, which means you might have less say in how things are done or when they’re completed.
3. Data Security Risks: Sharing sensitive financial information with an external provider poses potential security risks. To protect your business, it’s essential to work with providers that prioritise robust data protection and follow strict security protocols.

How to Decide: Key Questions to Ask

1. What is your budget? Assess the total cost of both options, including salaries, benefits, and software investments for in-house staff versus outsourcing fees.
2. How complex are your financial needs? If you require specialised expertise (e.g., international compliance), outsourcing might offer greater value.
3. How important is real-time collaboration? If your business requires constant coordination between finance and other departments, an in-house controller might be the better fit.
4. What is your growth trajectory? Businesses planning rapid expansion may benefit from the scalability of outsourcing.

Striking the Right Balance

Sometimes, the best solution isn’t an either-or decision. A hybrid approach, combining in-house expertise with outsourced services, can offer the perfect mix of control and flexibility. For instance, you could have an in-house financial controller to handle day-to-day operations while outsourcing specialised tasks like tax planning or international compliance.

Deciding between an in-house and outsourced financial controller is not a one-size-fits-all decision. It requires a careful evaluation of your business’s needs, goals, and resources. Whichever path you take, having a skilled financial controller on your side is a smart investment that can drive long-term success.

Take Control of Your Financial Future

Deciding between in-house and outsourced financial controllers is a big step, but it doesn’t have to be daunting.

At Sanay, we specialise in bespoke financial solutions designed around your business’s unique needs. Let us help you weigh your options and make the right choice. Contact us today to get started.