What is fractional hiring?

Fractional hiring, also known as fractional employment or fractional work, refers to a work arrangement where an individual provides specialised skills or management services to multiple organisations on a part-time or project basis. This model has gained popularity due to the increasing demand for flexible and cost-effective solutions for businesses to access specific, often experienced professionals.
Unlike traditional part-time or traditional interim work, fractional hiring involves working for multiple clients or employers, often remotely, and may offer a higher level of autonomy and flexibility.
Fractional professionals can be found across various fields such as finance, human resources, and information technology; and within tax there are fractional professionals in direct tax, international tax, indirect taxes, and transformation.
Benefits of fractional hiring for your tax team
- Cost efficiency: hiring a fractional Head of Tax allows businesses to access high-level expertise without the costs associated with a full-time hire. This can be particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or startups that may not have the budget for a full-time executive.
- Scalability: Fractional roles can be adjusted based on the company’s evolving needs, making it a flexible option. As your business grows or faces new challenges, you can scale your tax resources accordingly.
- Expertise on demand: Fractional Heads of Tax often bring experience across various industries, providing insights that in-house teams may lack. They stay updated on the latest tax laws and regulations, ensuring compliance and optimised tax strategies.
- Long-term strategy: A fractional Head of Tax can help develop and implement tax strategies that align with the company’s overall business goals. This long-term approach can lead to more sustainable growth and financial stability.
- Risk management: Fractional professionals can identify potential tax risks and create mitigation strategies to avoid costly penalties. Their expertise can help navigate complex tax laws and reduce liabilities.
- Current knowledge: Fractional Heads of Tax stay updated on the latest tax laws and regulations, ensuring that your business remains compliant and takes advantage of any new tax benefits or deductions.
How to implement fractional hiring for your tax team
- Identify your needs: assess your current tax team’s strengths and weaknesses to determine where fractional hiring can provide the most value. Consider areas where specialised expertise is needed but may not be feasible to hire full-time.
- Find the right candidate: look for experienced tax professionals with a history of working in fractional roles. Brewer Morris specialises in placing fractional executives and can help you find the right fit for your team.
- Define the scope of work: clearly outline the responsibilities and expectations for the fractional Head of Tax. This will help ensure that both parties are on the same page and can work effectively together.
- Establish communication channels: set up regular check-ins and communication channels to keep the fractional Head of Tax aligned with your team’s goals and progress. This can include weekly meetings, monthly reports, and ongoing collaboration.
- Monitor and adjust: continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the fractional hire and adjust as needed. This can help ensure that the arrangement remains beneficial for both the business and the fractional professional.
How Brewer Morris can help you source a fractional tax leader for your business
A senior tax professional will always be an asset to businesses looking to enhance their tax strategy without the commitment of a full-time role. By providing expertise, flexibility, and strategic insights, they can help organisations navigate complex tax landscapes effectively.
If you are looking to hire a fractional tax specialist or would like to discuss how this way of working could be beneficial to you, please contact Dalia Jennings or Amy Thomas.
Alternatively, please submit a brief and a member of our team will be in touch.