Businesses without a full finance team
Where the owner, an office manager or a part-time bookkeeper is holding it together.
Now — a finance engine that runs
Outsourced finance operations, payroll and systems
Outsourced finance operations means SM2 runs the day-to-day finance function for you: processing, reconciliations, supplier and customer administration, payroll, and the cloud accounting systems that hold it together. The business gets a complete, properly supervised finance engine without recruiting, training or replacing internal staff.
Service overview
Many growing businesses lose more to an unreliable finance function than they would spend fixing it: late invoicing, unreconciled accounts, payroll errors and manual work that scales badly. SM2 takes over the operational layer — transaction processing, bank and control account reconciliation, supplier and debtor administration, payroll and statutory submissions — and runs it on properly configured cloud accounting systems. Technology is treated as supporting infrastructure rather than the service itself: SM2 is a Sage Partner and works across established cloud accounting platforms, choosing what suits the business rather than what suits the firm.
Who it is for
Companies losing time to manual processes
Spreadsheets, re-keying and reconciliations that take days each month.
Employers needing dependable payroll
Payroll must be accurate, on time and statutorily compliant, every month.
Businesses changing accounting systems
Migration, setup and process design that does not disrupt trading.
Common problems we are asked to solve
- Invoicing goes out late, so cash comes in late.
- Reconciliations are always behind.
- Payroll errors damage trust with staff.
- Key finance knowledge sits with one irreplaceable person.
- The accounting system is set up in a way nobody can explain.
- Too much of the month is spent on data entry rather than decisions.
How SM2 helps
Transaction processing and reconciliation
The full processing cycle, reconciled and reviewed to a monthly close.
Payroll administration
Payroll runs, payslips and the associated statutory submissions.
Debtors and creditors administration
Invoicing, supplier processing, ageing management and payment preparation.
Cloud accounting systems
Setup, migration and configuration on established platforms. SM2 is a Sage Partner and works across major cloud accounting software.
Process improvement
Removing manual steps and rework so the finance function scales with the business.
What clients gain
- A finance function that runs whether or not one person is available.
- Faster invoicing and better collection.
- Payroll your staff can rely on.
- Less time spent on administration, more on decisions.
- A clean data foundation for reporting and forecasting.
How the engagement works
- 01
Map what happens today
We document the current processes, systems and points of failure.
- 02
Design the target process
A simpler process on the right platform, with clear responsibilities on each side.
- 03
Transition
Work moves across in stages so trading is never interrupted.
- 04
Run and improve
The cycle runs to an agreed timetable and is reviewed for further improvement.
Frequently asked questions
What is an outsourced finance function?
It is an arrangement where an external firm performs the day-to-day finance work — processing, reconciliation, payroll, debtor and creditor administration — using its own staff, systems and supervision. The business keeps control and visibility but no longer carries the recruitment, training and key-person risk.
Is outsourcing cheaper than employing finance staff?
It is often more cost-effective at small scale, because you buy the level of support you actually need rather than a full salary, and supervision and cover are included. Whether it is cheaper in a specific business depends on volumes, so we set out the comparison honestly before you commit.
Which accounting software do you work with?
SM2 is a Sage Partner and works across established cloud accounting platforms. Software is chosen to suit the business, not the other way around; the platform is infrastructure supporting the accounting and reporting service, not the service itself.
Do we lose visibility of our own finances?
No. The systems remain yours, your data stays accessible to you at all times, and the monthly reporting cycle is designed to give you more visibility than an under-resourced internal function typically provides.
Can you take over payroll only?
Yes. Payroll is commonly outsourced on its own, and can be extended into wider finance operations later if it makes sense.
How long does a transition take?
Most transitions run over one to three monthly cycles, depending on the state of the current records and whether systems are changing. Work moves across in stages so nothing is dropped.
The SM2 expert behind this service
David Stoltz
Director, SM2 AccountantsDavid leads SM2's advisory and CFO work, combining Chartered Accountant training with more than 20 years of senior financial leadership, board-level and commercial finance experience across South African and international businesses. His experience includes financial strategy, governance, mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and helping leadership teams turn complex financial information into practical decisions.
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