India Outsourcing Provider Evaluation Scorecard

How to Use This Scorecard

Instructions: Score each provider on a scale of 1-10 for each criterion below. Multiply by the weight percentage to get weighted score. Add all weighted scores for total.

85-100: Excellent provider - proceed with pilot
70-84: Good option - address concerns before committing
50-69: Marginal - significant gaps, proceed with caution
Below 50: Not recommended - keep searching

Provider Evaluation Matrix

Criteria	Weight	Provider A Score (1-10)	Provider B Score (1-10)	Provider C Score (1-10)
Category 1: Leadership & Credentials (25%)
U.S. CPA on team (licensed, active)	10%	____	____	____
Years in business (5+ years = 10)	5%	____	____	____
Industry specialization (matches your niche)	10%	____	____	____
Category 2: Quality & Process (30%)
Multi-layer QC (preparer → reviewer → CPA)	10%	____	____	____
Documented SOPs & training programs	5%	____	____	____
Error rate tracking & transparency	5%	____	____	____
Technology proficiency (50+ software platforms)	10%	____	____	____
Category 3: Security & Compliance (20%)
SOC 2 Type II or equivalent certification	8%	____	____	____
Encrypted access, MFA, device restrictions	7%	____	____	____
E&O insurance coverage ($1M+ policy)	5%	____	____	____
Category 4: Communication & Availability (15%)
Availability during your business hours	8%	____	____	____
English proficiency (written & verbal)	7%	____	____	____
Category 5: Business Terms & References (10%)
Pricing transparency & contract terms	3%	____	____	____
Client references (3+ verified)	5%	____	____	____
Exit terms (30-day out clause)	2%	____	____	____
TOTAL SCORE (out of 100)		____	____	____

Red Flags: Disqualify Immediately

🚩 No U.S. CPA Oversight

If they can't provide proof of a licensed U.S. CPA reviewing work, walk away. Quality will suffer.

🚩 Vague Security Protocols

Can't explain encryption, access controls, or provide proof of SOC 2 audit. Your client data is at risk.

🚩 No Client References

Unwilling or unable to connect you with existing U.S./Canada clients. Major red flag.

🚩 No Pilot Period or Exit Clause

Requires 12-month commitment with no trial period. You're locked in before proving quality.

🚩 "Too Good to Be True" Pricing

$8-10/hour rates = junior-level work with high error rates. You'll spend more time fixing mistakes.

🚩 Poor English Communication

If you struggle to understand them in the sales call, imagine the daily communication challenges.

Green Flags: Indicators of Quality Provider

✅ Active U.S. CPA License (Verifiable)

You can look them up on state board website. Bonus: QuickBooks Pro Advisor, Xero Certified.

✅ Documented QC Process with Error Tracking

Can show you their internal checklist, review process, and historical error rates.

✅ SOC 2 Type II Certification (Recent)

Willing to provide copy of audit report. Shows they take security seriously.

✅ Multiple Client References in Your Industry

Connects you with 3+ existing clients similar to your business. They're happy to share experiences.

✅ Offers 30-60 Day Pilot with Clear Metrics

Willing to prove themselves before long-term commitment. Defines success criteria upfront.

✅ Transparent About Team Location & Structure

Clearly explains where team is located, how oversight works, and communication protocols.

Due Diligence Questions to Ask

20 Critical Questions

1. Leadership & Credentials:

□ What is your CPA's license number and state? (verify online)
□ How many years have they been practicing?
□ What percentage of your clients are in my industry?

2. Quality Control:

□ Walk me through your QC process step-by-step
□ Who reviews work before it comes to me?
□ What is your average error rate? How do you track it?
□ Can I see a sample of your internal checklist?

3. Security & Compliance:

□ Do you have SOC 2 Type II certification? Can I see the report?
□ How do you handle data encryption and access control?
□ What happens if there's a data breach?
□ Do you carry E&O insurance? What's the coverage amount?

4. Team & Communication:

□ Where is your team physically located?
□ Will I have a dedicated bookkeeper or rotating staff?
□ What hours are you available for calls/questions?
□ How do you handle vacation/sick days?

5. Business Terms:

□ What is your pricing model? Any hidden fees?
□ Can we start with a 30-day pilot?
□ What are your exit terms if it doesn't work out?
□ Can you provide 3 client references I can call?

How SynergyPro CPA Scores

Curious how we stack up? Use this scorecard to evaluate us against competitors. We're confident our U.S. CPA leadership, SOC 2 compliance, and industry specialization will score 85+.

Schedule a Discovery Call: We'll answer all 20 questions, provide references, and offer a 30-day pilot to prove ourselves.