This IDC Canada study assesses the market for finance and accounting (F&A) services (primarily consulting and outsourcing) in Canada. It includes an assessment of the stage of externalization of various F&A functions, as well as the likely evolution of processes currently managed internally toward greater external management based on numerous factors that are impacting HR investment decisions and strategic planning initiatives.

"Vendors offering F&A services in Canada will have to balance traditional offerings with emerging BPO offerings, as many Canadian companies are still relying on standard sourcing solutions. The key for vendors will be to manage innovation strategies for customers at various points in the F&A life cycle to maximize the return on investment and shorten the time to realizing benefits," says Jim Westcott, BPO research manager.