Temporary staffing for tax season helps manage workload
Author: TriStarr
Tax season has arrived and with it the annual spike in demand for temporary staffing to help handle the expanded workload. Accounting firms, financial service companies, and tax firms are the most affected by this annual surge in activity. Temporary staffing for tax season can provide a range of skills including either the ability to work directly on simple tax returns or excellent organizational and support skills, such as scheduling, reception, mailing, filing, and customer service.
The best temporary staffing for tax season personnel have the ability to hit the ground running with minimal training or onboarding required. Most will have previous experience in tax-related support and many return each year to the same company or organization.
Temporary staffing firms help businesses stay compliant and meet deadlines during tax season. Erika Bodell, Director of Development at TriStarr, suggests the best way to use temps for tax season. “We recommend employing temps to cover those tasks which do not require a specific set of skills. This frees up those trained to perform the more critical work. Adding extra help for the tax season also serves to reduce stress on permanent staff, which can have long term benefits by preventing burnout.
Other advantages of using temporary staffing for tax season is that it allows for fluctuations in schedules. Bodell explains, “When temp staff aren’t needed, they are not working and our clients are not paying for their time. With temp staff, there are little or no onboarding/offboarding hassles. Clients do not have to bear the unemployment burden or workers’ comp. That in turn means fewer 1099s or W-2s for our clients to worry about at year end.”
Depending on a variety of factors, temporary staff can be placed quickly during peak tax-season demand. These factors include the skill set required, desired pay rate, schedule, and background checks. Ideally temporary staff for tax season can be placed in as little as a few days.
What mistakes do employers commonly make when hiring temporary staffing for tax season? Bodell notes, “Starting the process too late. Staffing for the upcoming tax season should occur in December or early January. Although, it’s never too late to add temp staffing, planning ahead is best. Unforeseen circumstances such as unexpectedly losing an employee for an extended period of time, can lead to a sudden need for temporary help.
Employers may want to be more flexible, if possible, to attract the best temps, especially with work schedules. Allowing for remote work or a hybrid of remote and in-office work can help. Of course, being willing to pay a higher rate also can be attractive to temporary staff.
What should businesses expect for the upcoming tax season in terms of labor demand? Bodell is quick to comment. “We’re seeing more employers competing for quality candidates. Speed and good communication are of the essence to get first right of refusal for a great candidate.”
TriStarr has been providing clients in Pennsylvania with the right people for the job since 1989. Our Good People Guarantee ensures clients are satisfied with the person we provide, or we will provide a suitable replacement or refund. Our services include administrative and professional staffing, recruiting, and human resources consulting. Contact us today to learn more.
Tax season has arrived and with it the annual spike in demand for temporary staffing to help handle the expanded workload. Accounting firms, financial service companies, and tax firms are the most affected by this annual surge in activity. Temporary staffing for tax season can provide a range of skills including either the ability to work directly on simple tax returns or excellent organizational and support skills, such as scheduling, reception, mailing, filing, and customer service.
The best temporary staffing for tax season personnel have the ability to hit the ground running with minimal training or onboarding required. Most will have previous experience in tax-related support and many return each year to the same company or organization.
Temporary staffing firms help businesses stay compliant and meet deadlines during tax season. Erika Bodell, Director of Development at TriStarr, suggests the best way to use temps for tax season. “We recommend employing temps to cover those tasks which do not require a specific set of skills. This frees up those trained to perform the more critical work. Adding extra help for the tax season also serves to reduce stress on permanent staff, which can have long term benefits by preventing burnout.
Other advantages of using temporary staffing for tax season is that it allows for fluctuations in schedules. Bodell explains, “When temp staff aren’t needed, they are not working and our clients are not paying for their time. With temp staff, there are little or no onboarding/offboarding hassles. Clients do not have to bear the unemployment burden or workers’ comp. That in turn means fewer 1099s or W-2s for our clients to worry about at year end.”
Depending on a variety of factors, temporary staff can be placed quickly during peak tax-season demand. These factors include the skill set required, desired pay rate, schedule, and background checks. Ideally temporary staff for tax season can be placed in as little as a few days.
What mistakes do employers commonly make when hiring temporary staffing for tax season? Bodell notes, “Starting the process too late. Staffing for the upcoming tax season should occur in December or early January. Although, it’s never too late to add temp staffing, planning ahead is best. Unforeseen circumstances such as unexpectedly losing an employee for an extended period of time, can lead to a sudden need for temporary help.
Employers may want to be more flexible, if possible, to attract the best temps, especially with work schedules. Allowing for remote work or a hybrid of remote and in-office work can help. Of course, being willing to pay a higher rate also can be attractive to temporary staff.
What should businesses expect for the upcoming tax season in terms of labor demand? Bodell is quick to comment. “We’re seeing more employers competing for quality candidates. Speed and good communication are of the essence to get first right of refusal for a great candidate.”
TriStarr has been providing clients in Pennsylvania with the right people for the job since 1989. Our Good People Guarantee ensures clients are satisfied with the person we provide, or we will provide a suitable replacement or refund. Our services include administrative and professional staffing, recruiting, and human resources consulting. Contact us today to learn more.
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