Big 4 Consulting Firm Expands International Capabilities

A Big 4 consulting firm wanted a comprehensive and compliant solution to support international business travel by its US-based independent talent, as well as the ability to engage foreign independent workers.
GATE
International engagements, including any cross-border business travel, can give rise to several risks (immigration, tax, and employment law to name a few), so the firm understood that these needed to be addressed before it could adopt this aspect of its global workforce strategy.  However, moving in this direction was paramount to servicing the firm’s growing network of global clients.  It would also provide a competitive edge and help the firm become a client of choice for independent talent.

MBO partnered with the firm to allow their independent contractors to conduct international business travel as well as leverage the engagement of offshore talent. Working closely with the firm, MBO started by identifying cross-border risks, key stakeholders, risk tolerance levels, and priority countries to build a series of policies, processes, and procedures.

One of the major keys to success was the firm's project management and overall approach to solutioning the problem. While MBO took the lead in developing a solution, the firm provided valuable input on timelines, coordinated regular check-in meetings to ensure deadlines were met, and communicated progress to company stakeholders to obtain input and approvals.

A fundamental component of the international offering was a detailed cross-border risk assessment, supported by input from a host of renowned subject matter experts, which analyzed the myriad of risks that could arise. This assessment determines how the independent worker can be engaged, whether directly by MBO or through one of MBO’s international partners.

In addition to the cross-border risk assessment, new policies have been adopted to streamline the overall process of traveling internationally. For example, MBO worked with the consulting firm to develop an international business travel expense policy for independent professionals. MBO also monitors travel on behalf of the firm to ensure cross-border travel risks are mitigated in accordance with defined risk tolerance thresholds. Finally, MBO audits travel records to make sure travel dates and expenditures are as expected.

Over the last few years, the firm has facilitated more than two hundred international inquiries, in almost 40 countries, through MBO’s international offering. As a result, the firm reaped the benefits of using its independent talent abroad while still protecting itself (and the talent) from any risks associated with international engagements.