The switch to remote work and the rapid adoption of cloud-based software means that outsourcing admin to reduce overheads while improving productivity is easier than ever. Now more and more businesses in New Zealand are taking advantage of this.

Admin Army CEO Irene Bennetts has seen how such individuals – employed either for a particular project on an ongoing basis can bring immediate benefits both operationally and in terms of efficiencies.

Here she outlines five ways a virtual assistant can help a company.

1. Tackling admin

Chartered accountants don’t need to be told that every six minutes counts. Finding a remote executive assistant to handle basic or repetitive computer-based tasks, such as managing emails, can free up valuable time to do what they do best.

“In the first six weeks of working with a virtual assistant, one accounting practice director found that having someone take over his emails gave him the freedom to bring in an additional $30,000 worth of client billing,” says Bennetts.

2. Task allocation

A recent study of Kiwi SME business owners found that they spent less than two hours per week on business activities that were not related to the day-to-day operation. Many firms are finding that they simply don’t have the resources in-house to drive a project to completion in the most effective way.

Accountants who engage remote virtual assistants use the service around 70% of the time for projects or specific value-adding tasks, such as updating their online presence.

3. Client onboarding

Reducing friction in the onboarding process is a key challenge for any firm. Engaging a dedicated assistant to manage this task as it arises can prevent new clients from changing their minds.

“Employing a virtual assistant allows smaller practices in particular to hand over this process - ensuring that your client has a great first experience with your business,” Bennetts says.

4. Reducing overheads

A virtual assistant can help keep operating expenses in check, helping to eliminate hidden staffing costs that can play havoc with accounts auditing.

“It can cost up to twice as much to hire someone in-house as it does to pay for a virtual assistant,” Bennetts says. “Full time employees mean additional overheads such as recruitment, training and holiday pay, whereas the cost of a virtual assistant is covered in the one fee.”

“It can cost up to twice as much to hire someone in-house as it does to pay for a virtual assistant.”

5. Part of the team

Of course, a remote virtual assistant can also be incorporated into a practice as a regular staff member, with an email address and job title for interacting with clients just as though they are a regular team member.

“The client doesn’t have to know your set up,” Bennetts says. “As far as they are concerned, the assistant is another professional member of your team.”

Find out more:

Visit www.adminarmy.co.nz for a complimentary consultation on how a virtual assistant, and other outsourcing options, can transform your back office operations.