In short
A US company is usually ready when finance work is growing faster than the US team can absorb, the work can be standardised, and leadership is willing to invest in a local finance leader rather than only outsourcing tasks.
The signals
- Finance headcount needs are growing, and much of the work is repeatable: accounting operations, reconciliations, reporting, FP&A support.
- The business already has, or plans, other operations in India.
- Leadership wants to build capability, not only reduce cost.
The options
There are three broad routes: outsource to a service provider, hire through an Employer of Record, or set up an entity and build an in-house team, often as part of a Global Capability Centre. Outsourcing is fastest to start; an in-house team gives more control and stronger capability over time. Our guide for US companies hiring in India compares them.
The first hire
If you build in-house, hire a senior India finance leader first: someone who can own local statutory compliance and report cleanly to the US team. Hiring a group of junior staff without that leader is the most common early mistake.
Questions to answer before you start
- Which processes will move, and in what order?
- Who in the US owns the relationship with the India team?
- What does success look like after 12 months?
Related: CFO & finance leadership search · GCC & India capability builds · Case studies
Frequently asked questions
What is the first finance role a US company should hire in India?
A senior finance leader, such as a Finance Head or Controller, who can own Indian statutory compliance and report cleanly to the US parent.
Is outsourcing or an in-house team better?
Outsourcing is faster to start. An in-house team gives more control and deeper capability over time. The right choice depends on scale, control needs and long-term plans.
Have a business-critical leadership appointment?
Tell us what the business needs to achieve. We will help define the search around the mandate, not simply the job description.
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