Shared Services CentreSSC
Also known as: SSC, Shared Services Center
A Shared Services Centre (SSC) is a single organisation that takes over a support process previously run separately in each business unit or country and delivers it centrally for all of them. Common examples are accounts payable, payroll, HR administration, and IT service desks. By consolidating the work, the company standardises how it is done, reduces duplication, and lowers cost.
SSCs are usually built around high-volume, rules-based, transactional processes where consistency and efficiency matter most. They are frequently located offshore to combine cost advantage with a large pool of process talent. The classic SSC handles one function, or a small set of related functions, for a defined set of regions — which distinguishes it from the broader Global Business Services model that integrates many functions across the whole enterprise.
In India, shared services centres were among the earliest forms of offshore delivery and remain a large part of the ecosystem, often sitting inside or alongside a GCC. Over time many SSCs have evolved: they automate routine transactions, take on more judgement-based work, and add analytics and process-improvement capability. Staffing a modern SSC therefore ranges from process and operations specialists to automation and transformation leaders who can move the centre beyond pure transaction processing.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Shared Services Centre (SSC)?
A Shared Services Centre is a centralised unit that delivers a support function — such as finance, HR, or IT operations — once for multiple business units or regions, instead of each unit running that function separately.
How is an SSC different from a GBS?
An SSC typically handles one function or a small set of related functions for defined regions, while Global Business Services integrates many functions across the whole enterprise. GBS is generally seen as the broader, more mature evolution of shared services.
What work does a shared services centre usually do?
A shared services centre usually handles high-volume, rules-based processes such as accounts payable, payroll, HR administration, and IT service desks, where standardisation and efficiency deliver the greatest benefit.
Are shared services centres still relevant?
Yes. Many SSCs have evolved by automating routine transactions and taking on analytics, judgement-based work, and process improvement, often sitting within a GCC and requiring transformation and specialist talent rather than only transaction processors.