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Big 4 Consulting Firm Gains New Revenue Stream with International Talent Strategy
40
Countries represented
200+
International requests since 2019
140+
International requests over the last year
Situation
A Process for Compliant International Engagements
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.
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.
GATE
Solution
A Phased Approach and Detailed Cross-Border Risk Mitigation Strategy
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.
Working in partnership with the firm, MBO's international solution has enabled the firm to successfully mitigate risk and expand its global workforce strategy.
Results
International Engagements, Simplified
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.
Industry
Professional Services
Number of employees
328,000
Company revenue
$50 Billion
Areas served
152 Countries
40
Countries represented
200+
International requests since 2019
140+
International requests over the last year
Nicole Cieslicki
Senior Director of International Services
Nicole is the company's international subject matter expert. She leads our international offering which has been adopted by many of our large enterprise clients.
