In this episode of The Financial Advantage with GSS, host Nick Stauff sits down with Melissa Duque, Associate General Counsel and HR Manager at Accurate Employer Solutions. They explore how outsourcing HR and payroll can help restaurant operators reduce compliance risk, save time, and support growth across multiple locations.
Melissa explains that keeping up with changing laws, managing payroll, and handling employee issues can overwhelm even experienced teams—especially when a business operates across several states. By outsourcing these functions, operators free up time to focus on their people and daily operations. Melissa shares real-world examples of clients who shifted their energy from administrative work to improving restaurant culture and expanding their businesses.
Throughout the conversation, Melissa highlights the value of strong systems and experienced teams. She addresses common myths about outsourcing, noting that operators don’t lose control but instead gain reliable processes and better insight. The episode closes with practical advice for leaders ready to lift the back-office burden and prioritize compliance, growth, and employee retention.
President
Company: Global Shared Services (GSS)
Noteworthy: Led GSS from a Fortune 100 division to a restaurant finance leader.
Where to find them: LinkedIn
GSS started as a shared services division within a Fortune 100 telecommunications company. In 2014, it became independent and pivoted to the restaurant industry through an acquisition in 2015. Will Fleming saw an opportunity in the sector, as many restaurant operators had underinvested in financial talent due to slim margins. GSS brought high-quality finance and accounting services to restaurant businesses, giving them access to Fortune 100-level expertise without the heavy overhead costs. Since then, the company has grown to serve thousands of restaurant locations across major franchise brands and high-performing independent concepts.
GSS provides two core financial service models for restaurants: a standard scope-based package and a full-time equivalent (FTE) model. The standard package includes financial statements, bill paying, sales tax, and bank reconciliations—essentially covering the full back-office needs of restaurants. For larger clients, the FTE model integrates GSS employees into the company’s team, providing dedicated financial support. This approach allows restaurant operators—whether single-unit franchisees or multi-location groups—to focus on running their business while GSS handles financial operations with precision and expertise. By offering flexible service models, GSS has become a trusted financial partner in the restaurant industry.
Will Fleming credits much of GSS’s success to its focus on company culture and employee development. GSS invests in training programs that provide clear career paths for employees, helping them advance their skills and grow their compensation. Beyond technical expertise, the company prioritizes leadership and soft skills, ensuring that employees not only excel in finance but also in customer service. This culture-first approach creates a high-touch client experience, setting GSS apart in the industry. The company’s hybrid work model—60% in-office, 40% remote—supports collaboration while leveraging technology to maintain strong client relationships. Looking ahead, Will sees continued growth for GSS, with plans to double in size and expand into adjacent industries like retail.