CONTRACTING

Contracting in NZ

Why go contracting?

  • Thinking of branching out on your own but not sure where to start?
  • Between employment opportunities and not ready to commit to a full-time position?
  • Enjoy working on a project basis?
  • Wanting more flexibility?


Independent contractors are significant players in the job market - in particular, the technology industry. Our clients will come to us with a specific outcome or a one-off project they have in mind to be delivered, as post this, they won't require a permanent employee. They utilise our services because of our in-depth access to talent in the market and our ability to turn around highly qualified capability.


Being a contractor can be rewarding, but it certainly isn't for everyone. Here are some key things to consider before you branch out:


  • Pros & Cons
  • Setting up as a contractor
  • Contracting via Recruit I.T.
  • Contractor Rate Guide


The Pros and Cons of Contracting


PROS


  1. FlexibilityBeing a contractor means you’re essentially your own boss and can enjoy excellent flexibility and tick off your bucket list between assignments.
  2. Broaden Your Experience: Contracting allows you the opportunity to broaden your experience across various projects, sectors, and situations. You can add more strings to your bow and increase your professional development in your industry of choice.
  3. Financially Rewarding: Contractors get paid a premium and have the opportunity to earn more than if you were to work in a permanent role.
  4. NetworkingAs a contractor, you are continually going into new environments and networking as you start engagements. It is a great way to meet new people, build your reputation and hear about new job opportunities.
  5. Constant Challenges: Contracting is excellent if you are someone who gets bored quickly and needs constant variety in projects and work environments.

Cons


  1. Reduced Security: Along with the contracts being typically 3 – 6 months, as a contractor, your job security is less than that of a permanent staff member. Usually contractors are the first to go within a restructure or where any cost-cutting measures are applied.
  2. Potentially Irregular Income: There is the risk that the gap between contracts could be weeks. You will need to budget for this.
  3. Limited Career Training: Without access to formal workplace training programmes, you will need to plan and cover the costs for any certifications and development you may want to do.
  4. Administration: Time and energy are required to keep on top of taxes, record keeping and the potential setup of your small business. One of our partners, HNRY, can provide an end-to-end service to assist with this work.
  5. Constantly Looking: As a contractor, you naturally want to ensure you have work lined up post your contract end date. Searching involves time and energy and is where having a good working relationship with a recruitment agency (and of course Recruit I.T.) has its benefits.
  6. No Annual Leave or Sick Leave: As a contractor, since you don´t have employment agreements in place - unlike permanent or full-time employees - if you aren’t working, you won’t get sick leave or holiday pay.


Contractor Frequently Asked Questions:

If you are after information on a particular skill set that isn’t outlined in our Salary Guides or Market Updates, please contact us directly.

  • Are all your contract roles advertised?

    No. The majority of our roles are not advertised, due to the breadth of our existing relationships with both our contractors and clients in the market. If you are wanting to look for your next contract role, or perhaps moving from permanent to contract, please get in touch with one of our consultants to discuss what opportunities you might be suitable for, and upcoming projects we have lined up.

  • Do I have to set up a limited company or be GST registered to go contracting?

    No. You do not need to set up a limited company to go contracting. Many of our contractors are a mixture of GST Registered, Limited Company, or working via a Tax Agency such asHNRY.


    You must register for GST if your annual turnover for the previous 12-month period has exceeded $60,000, if you expect your turnover will exceed $60,000 within the next 12 month period, or if you charge GST in your prices. If you’re not already registered for GST as a sole trader, you can do this through the IRD website – it only takes a couple of minutes.

  • Who pays my taxes when I'm a contractor?

    As an independent contractor, you are soley responsible for all taxes in respect of the services you provide. This includes but is not limited to ACC levies, income tax, GST (if applicable), and all other liabilities whatsoever. While many people choose to pay their own tax themselves (or via their accountant), there are some alternatives for those who don’t want to worry about it all. At Recruit I.T., we partner with HNRY, an NZ tax agency that manages the finances and income tax obligations of the self-employed and independent contractors. If interested, get in touch with your Recruit I.T. consultant for a discount code.

  • What is contractor withholding tax?

    Effective from 1 April 2017, Recruit I.T. (and all other recruitment agencies) are obligated to deduct withholding tax (WT) from all payments made to you and report this to IRD monthly. You need to complete and send us the tax notification form IR330C prior to starting your contract.

  • What rate should I charge as a contractor?

    There are various factors to consider when assessing the rate. However, please check out our salary guide here, or speak to your Recruit I.T. Consultant for guidance around the current market rate

  • ​Why should I contract via Recruit I.T.?

    Please see below for the benefits of contracting via Recruit I.T.

  • ​Who contributes to my KiwiSaver?

    You do. You will need to plan for your own retirement, as your independent contracting arrangement means the employer is not required to hold contractor records, contribute to KiwiSaver or deduct PAYE. KiwiSaver contributions need to be paid directly to your scheme provider.

  • Can I claim expenses as a contractor?

    Business expenses incurred are reimbursable only if you have pre-arranged this with your client and you keep your tax receipts. Please contact your Recruit I.T. Consultant for details on how to make a claim.

  • ​Do I get any leave benefits as a contractor?

    No. As a contractor, you don’t receive any employee entitlements. This includes maternity, personal grievance, statutory or sick leave, or paid holidays. This means the annual 31 paid days off you’ve previously looked forward to may be less enticing because you aren’t earning any income.

  • ​Can a contractor take leave?

    Yes. Please discuss your holidays and leave with your client initially and then inform your Recruit I.T. Consultant.

  • ​When do I get paid?

    Your invoice will be paid on or around the 25th of each month for the previous month’s work. If the 25th falls on a weekend or public holiday, you will get paid the business day prior.

  • ​How does my contract get renewed?

    Approximately six weeks out from the end of your contract term, your Recruit I.T. Consultant will liaise with you and the client to discuss whether your independent contractor agreement is likely to be renewed. If it is, a new assignment confirmation will be produced for you to sign.

  • Where can I find additional information about contracting?

    Business.govt.nz - https://www.business.govt.nz/


    KiwiSaver - https://www.ird.govt.nz/kiwisaver


    ACC - https://www.acc.co.nz/


    Contracting vs Employee - https://www.employment.govt.nz/starting-employment/who-is-an-employee/difference-between-a-self-employed-contractor-and-an-employee/

Contracting via Recruit I.T.

Benefits of contracting with Recruit I.T.

  • Recruit I.T. will act as your advocate with the customer.
  • Our dedicated consultants are constantly looking for suitable opportunities for our contractors, as our goal is to ensure you have continuity of contract, whether this be with your existing contract, or our wider customer base.
  • Receive payment earlier than going direct.
  • Recruit I.T. are BTCI (Buyer Tax Created Invoice) approved by the Inland Revenue Department. This means we provide you with an invoice without you needing to create one.
  • Discounted PI & PL Insurance.
  • Cloud-based timesheets & payslips.


Our payment schedule

Recruit I.T. uses a cloud-based timesheet and payroll system that ensures all contractors are paid on time. All contractors are paid monthly and given a payment schedule detailing the timeframe for sending documents and payment dates.

If you miss your timesheet and invoice deadlines your payment may be delayed. If you think you may have trouble meeting the timeframe, please contact our finance team to discuss options.


​PI & PL insurance offering

Our clients require our contractors to maintain their own insurance - both Public Liability and Professional Indemnity. Essentially this protects you legally and financially from any mistake or error you make while doing work, including any loss that your clients’ business might suffer as a result. When you are an employee of a company, you do not have this risk, as your organisation covers you under their professional indemnity insurance policy. For this reason, independent contractors purchase liability insurance to protect them from the risk of causing a significant loss to their client, which they either couldn’t or wouldn’t want to pay for out of their own pocket.

Contractor rate guide

As one of New Zealand’s leading agencies in the technology sector, we have access to a range of salary data, particularly around contractor rates in the current market. Please feel free to download your complimentary Recruit I.T. Salary Guide covering contractors’ market rates.

​​If you are after a particular skill set that isn’t outlined in our Salary Guide, please

Get in Touch

If you would like to see what contracting opportunities are available, please check out

Alternatively, if you would like to speak to one of our consultants to understand the market and demand for contracting in your chosen skillset then check out

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