In this episode of The Accountant’s Flight Plan, we are joined by Wayne Findlay—entrepreneur, founder of Findlay & Co., and CEO of The Back Room. Wayne shares his global perspective on how accounting firms can stay competitive in today’s talent-scarce landscape by leveraging offshoring, modern tech, and clear growth paths for team members. If you’re a firm owner thinking about scale, succession, or private equity, this episode is full of practical, real-world insight.
Wayne shares how offshoring has evolved into a strategic solution for firms facing talent shortages and not just in the U.S. and Canada, but globally. With New Zealand and Australia already ahead in outsourcing, more North American firms are beginning to see its potential. Wayne emphasizes that younger accounting professionals want fast growth, and when firm owners delegate and offer room for advancement, retention improves. Offshoring can support this by freeing up internal capacity and creating clear development pathways for local staff. He also highlights that successful offshoring requires long-term planning, and firms like The Back Room can help guide that process.
The conversation also dives into the rapid advancement of AI and its role in firm operations. Wayne encourages firm owners to use AI to enhance, not replace, human performance, while stressing the importance of data security in the process. He explains how offshoring can push firms to upgrade their systems, making them more attractive to private equity or corporate buyers. With the right tech and scalable processes in place, your firm becomes easier to market, sell, and grow. Wayne also shares how building a memorable brand—sometimes by simply showing up dressed to the nines at a conference—can make a lasting impression in the industry.
Listen Now
Curious about how offshoring, AI, and private equity readiness intersect? Don’t miss this global-minded episode with Wayne Findlay.
You can watch the episode in the player above or listen through the link below:
Get in touch with Wayne: https://www.linkedin.com/in/waynenz/
Episode Timestamps
01:12 – Introduction of Wayne Findlay and the founding of The Back Room
04:09 – Why offshoring is becoming more common in U.S. & Canadian firms
05:50 – Global talent shortage & the retention pressure from PE
09:09 – The win-win of delegation and internal growth
12:10 – How to use AI wisely and keep firm data secure
16:18 – His firm’s expansion into Colombia and why it’s strategic for U.S. work
19:00 – Preparing your firm for sale: what PE buyers want to see
22:45 – Funny story from an accounting conference
25:33 – Book rec: The Four Principles of Management
27:57 – Connect with Wayne and see him at upcoming conferences
