Frequently Asked Questions
Contractors
What’s a contractor?
A worker who we engage to work for a client under a fixed term contract.
How long are your contracts?
Usually up to two years. We’re proud to offer some of the longest contracts available.
Will I have to find other work after the fixed term contract expires?
Our clients’ work is often ongoing. If you have done a good job and fitted in well, they will usually want you to continue and we will probably offer you a contract extension.
How do I get paid?
By the hour, electronically deposited into your bank account.
How often will I be paid?
Monthly or fortnightly, depending on the client, after your working times for the period have been approved by the client.
How do timesheets work?
We use the timesheet system that’s easiest for each client, typically utilising their existing system. In this way, their system integrations are unaffected and you only enter your times once. If the client has no preference, you will use our timesheet system.
Can I work as an employee?
We no longer offer the option for contractors to work as employees. Classifying contractors as employees has become increasingly out of step with government employment and taxation rules to the point that it’s a bad fit. You need to work as a subcontractor.
Working as a subcontractor is likely to give you additional flexibility, albeit with more obligations than working as an employee. We engage subcontractors through a company with an ACN, be it your company or someone else’s. The company and receives the full invoiced amount with no PAYG tax deducted and has access to a wide range of tax deductions and other benefits. However it also has additional obligations, including handling its own tax and payroll, and it must take out professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
How much does professional indemnity and public liability insurance cost?
Usually under $1,000 per year. In spite of this expense, you’re still likely to be better off financially as a subcontractor than as an employee because of the wider range of tax deductions available for business-related expenses. For example, the federal government’s Electric cars FBT exemption is particularly generous.
Can I quit in the middle of a contract?
Even though you’re contracted for a fixed term, our clients are generally understanding and compassionate, and requests to terminate early for genuine reasons will usually be considered. However, you should note that this affects their business and your reputation and we generally recommend that you fulfil your full contractual obligations.
Have a contractor question not listed here?
Employers
What sort of staff can you provide?
While we specialise in IT staff, we’re also good with niche requirements. Tell us specifically what you need, and we should be able to provide high quality, vetted candidates.
What makes you good at procuring IT staff?
Our staffing consultants are IT professionals themselves. They know the technologies and the jargon and generally have a good understanding of IT role requirements. We think this gives us a distinct advantage over other agencies.
What makes you good at procuring staff for niche requirements?
Time, effort and skill. We spend the time and effort required to understand the role and design a campaign to attract and vet the right candidates. Then we spend time getting to know the candidates, as well as the usual leg work of personally interviewing referees etc.
How do timesheets work?
While we can provide the timesheet system for recording staff working times, you probably have one already that integrates with your other systems. We’re happy to use times from that.