Traditional outsourcing gives you access to skilled professionals, but the work is done by a third party's team. The Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model goes further. It gives you a dedicated team that works exclusively for your firm, in an office set up to your specifications, operating under your culture and processes. And when you are ready, the entire operation transfers to your direct control.
Terra Global Partners specialises in setting up and managing back offices in India, for UK and US accounting firms. We handle every aspect of the build, from finding office space to recruiting your team, so you can focus on running your practice.
Your Own Team in India, Without the Complexity
The Three Phases
Phase 1: Build (Weeks 1-8)
We handle the entire infrastructure setup:
Consultation and planning to design a back office structure aligned with your firm's goals, culture, and growth plans
Office space selection and fit-out in Ahmedabad, tailored to your size requirements and budget
IT infrastructure procurement: workstations, networking equipment, servers, security systems, VPN setup, and software licences
Legal entity formation and compliance setup, including GST registration and employment law compliance
Communication systems: VOIP phone lines, video conferencing setup, and collaboration tools
Physical security: biometric access, CCTV, fire safety, and access control systems
Phase 2: Operate (Ongoing)
Once the infrastructure is ready, we manage your team:
Recruitment: We source, screen, interview, and onboard candidates based on your specifications. You have final approval on all hires.
Training: New team members receive comprehensive training on your processes, software, quality standards, and client expectations
Payroll and HR: We handle salaries, benefits, attendance, leave management, and statutory compliance
Performance management: Regular appraisals, feedback sessions, and professional development planning
Culture building: We create and maintain a team culture aligned with your onshore values, including team events, engagement activities, and recognition programmes
Operations management: Daily workflow oversight, productivity monitoring, and quality assurance
Reporting: Regular reports on team performance, utilisation, quality metrics, and operational status
Phase 3: Transfer (When You Are Ready)
When your back office reaches maturity and you want to manage it directly:
Complete handover of the team, infrastructure, and operational processes to your direct management
Transfer of employment contracts, leases, and supplier agreements
Transition support period with our management team available for guidance and troubleshooting
Option to retain advisory and support services on an ongoing basis
The transfer happens on your timeline. Some clients transition within 12 months; others prefer to keep our management services indefinitely. There is no pressure and no lock-in.
Who Is This For?
The BOT model is ideal for:
Mid-size to large UK and US accounting firms wanting greater control over their offshore operations
Firms that have outgrown traditional outsourcing and want a dedicated, integrated team
Practices with long-term growth plans that include building substantial offshore capacity
Firms that want to eventually own their Indian operations without taking on the initial risk and complexity
Businesses expanding into India who need local operational expertise
Investment and ROI
Initial setup costs for a 5-10 person back office in India typically range from GBP 15,000 to GBP 40,000 (or USD 20,000 to USD 50,000), depending on the scope of fit-out and infrastructure required. Monthly operating costs, including all salaries, management fees, rent, and utilities, are typically 40-60% lower than equivalent UK or US costs and around 20% cheaper than Outsourcing model.
Most firms achieve full ROI on their setup investment within 6 to 12 months. Beyond that, the ongoing savings compound year after year, while the team's knowledge and efficiency continue to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The build phase typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from initial consultation to a fully operational office. Recruitment runs in parallel, so your first team members can start work as soon as the infrastructure is ready.
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That is perfectly fine. Many clients start with a small team and grow organically. We can set up a shared office environment for smaller teams, which reduces initial costs, and move to a dedicated space as you scale.
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We are committed to making it work, but if circumstances change, we offer flexible exit terms. We will help you transition team members to other arrangements and wind down the operation responsibly.
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While a visit can be valuable for building relationships with your team, it is not essential. We have set up and managed multiple back offices entirely remotely, with the client never needing to visit until they choose to.
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Absolutely. We work with CPA firms across the United States. The process is identical, with adjustments for US-specific requirements like SOC 2 compliance considerations and US-focused recruitment criteria.
Get Started Today
Whether you are a sole practitioner looking to free up your time or a multi-partner firm ready to scale, Terra Global Partners is here to help. Our flexible engagement models mean you only pay for what you need, and our dedicated teams integrate seamlessly into your practice workflows.