ACCA Accounting and Business [a four-part special report], July 2011. To outsource or not to outsource – There are many benefits to outsourcing, not least, cost, but there are many other issues to consider too. Microsoft case study. Great expectations – We explore the drivers behind the outsourcing and shared services revolution, assess its future and find out why it makes finance chiefs’ nervous Source: McKinsey. Growing the role: lessons from Ireland – Gearoid McDermott FCCA (Alza Ireland Ltd, general manager) tracks the journey of local subsidiaries seeking to add value, and draws lessons for all service providers. Spotlight on Irish Outsourcing – Autorec and Fexco.