Dear Barb,
I am seeking additional guidance regarding temps. When does it make sense or is it appropriate to offer health benefits to temp placements? More specifically, I place accountants. During the busy season I will get temp orders with 4 month +/- durations.
Chris T., San Diego, CA
Dear Chris,
Many of the back office funding companies offer funding and they also pay benefits to the temporary workers. Some pay for the benefits, others offer benefits but the temp pays 50% of the cost. It’s hard to compete for top talent against the larger firms who all offer benefits to their accountant temps.
Because I’m not sure how you are funding your temporary payroll, you may want to see if the company you are using also offers benefits. The cost of the benefits will become part of your burden when you are calculating the bill rate you will quote to your clients.
Barbara J. Bruno, CPC, CTS