The need for skilled finance professionals isn’t going anywhere, especially in the finance sector.
Companies are interested in the flexibility of contract roles because it allows businesses to scale quickly, manage short-term projects, and tap into specialized expertise without the long-term commitment that comes with hiring a full-time employee.
Finding the right talent for these positions is somewhat of a challenge. Businesses have tight deadlines; they cannot spend weeks or months interviewing candidates and taking the risk of onboarding someone who may not be able to hit the ground running.
A mid-sized tech firm might need a contract financial analyst within two weeks, but hiring might take months. What do you do in this situation? You use the help of a specialized recruitment agency that has a deep understanding of finance, the right connections, and a large pool of vetted candidates to pick from.
CooperDouglas is one such example. We allow you to stay agile by picking the right one for you.
What Is the Contract Finance Role and Why They Matter
Contract roles are positions filled on a temporary or project-based basis. Hiring on a contract basis is a great way for businesses to benefit from the expertise of the candidate while also remaining agile in the process. Contract finance roles can range from financial analysts to temporary accountants and financial managers.
Businesses are rapidly turning toward a flexible model of hiring because it allows them to launch new products, enter mergers, and expand internationally without getting caught up in hiring permanent staff.
The growing nature of businesses is better suited to contract roles that allow organizations to scale projects efficiently, without overcommitting to full-time hires. For example, a retail chain may need a contract finance analyst to prepare for the seasonal surge that comes with holidays. But in a few months, they may not need that role, so it’s best to engage a contract specialist to navigate the changing requirements of the business.
After all, the goal is to drive results, and with the help of a recruitment agency, you can access experienced professionals who can drive results from day one.
Challenges Companies Face When Hiring Contract Finance Professionals (And How to Overcome Them)
Hiring contract finance roles that offer speed and flexibility is quite a challenge. You want to hire someone who provides speed and flexibility as opposed to slowing down projects and becoming a risk.
Here are some of the challenges that CooperDouglas helps you overcome:
Scarcity of Qualified Candidates
The finance industry is a competitive one. There is no room for mistakes, and finding someone who can meet the level of technical precision required is quite challenging, especially when qualified talent is being pursued by many different companies. The competition becomes even more fierce during peak periods like year-end or close to budget season.
With the help of CooperDouglas’s pool of qualified, vetted candidates, you never have to worry about going into the job market and exploring candidates on short notice. We already have the connections, and whenever you need to hire an expert, you can pick from our database.
High Turnover & Availability
Another common concern that the financial community has is that financial contract professionals are juggling multiple options. Candidates may have all the qualities a company requires, but they may not have the time or the space to take on more projects.
These problems present more challenges when hiring for a role without the help of an agency. You can risk losing out on a great candidate because the hiring process isn’t fast or efficient enough. At CooperDouglas, we don’t wait for the need to arise; we actively build relationships with qualified candidates so that when there is a vacancy, we have just the right candidate for it.
Finding the Right Fit
A lot goes into finding the right one. Finance roles are high-stakes, so you want someone who has handled reporting, forecasting, or compliance. You also need to conduct a background check and verify credentials to protect your investor’s interests.
This can take months, so it is best to work with a recruitment agency that takes care of everything for you. The wrong hire can damage your reputation, so it is essential to partner with a professional agency that has the time and resources to screen for technical competency, industry experience, and certifications.
Common Mistakes Companies Make When Hiring Contract Finance Professionals (And What To Do Instead)
Hiring contract workers should give your business the ability to grow quickly and exponentially, but only if done right. If you make any of the following mistakes, you might bring the wrong talent, which could slow you down.
Relying Solely on Job Postings
While there is a time and place for a posting on a job board, to find top-tier contract finance talent, you need to try other routines and sync with sourcing. High-performing contractors don’t apply to job posts alone; they network and build connections with recruiters.
A recruitment agency like CooperDouglas helps you reach out to high-performance contractors who work on niche projects and have the skill set you need to grow your business.
Underestimating Onboarding and Integration for Short-Term Roles
Another common mistake employers make is thinking that once the contractor is hired, they will just “figure it out” on their own. This can negatively impact your company’s productivity, but it can also set up even the most qualified candidates for failure.
Recruitment agencies like CooperDouglas don’t just hire contractors; they build briefing structures, create workflows, and streamline communication-specific processes so that all your employees, even the contract ones, flourish.
Not Leveraging Market Insights
Most companies make the mistake of using recruitment agencies as mere matchmakers. They forget that recruitment agencies also have a wealth of knowledge about the finance market that they can use.
We have insight into market pay rates, candidate experience, advice on specific finance projects, and guidance on compliance and documentation. We can offer all that and more.
Our goals are not just to hire talent for you; we make sure you optimize your talent usage so that you stop losing great candidates to your competitors.
Reach Out to CooperDouglas
While the hiring and onboarding process can take 1-2 hours, the effects of hiring the right talent can last for years. It is time to leave incompetence, miscommunication, and delays in the past. Partnering with CooperDouglas gives your company a chance to increase its value by connecting to the most influential finance experts in the industry.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, reach out today to book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are contract finance roles?
Contract finance roles are temporary positions, such as analysts, accountants, or finance managers, brought in to support workload peaks, special projects, or skills gaps.
How long do contract finance placements usually last?
Most assignments run from 3 to 12 months, depending on the project scope, but extensions are common when the work expands.
Why should companies hire contract finance professionals instead of full-time staff?
They offer flexibility, specialized expertise, and immediate support without the long-term headcount commitment.
What skills should we look for in contract finance talent?
Experience with financial reporting, FP&A, ERP systems, audit readiness, and strong analytical skills are typically essential.
How fast can a recruitment agency fill a contract finance role?
Specialized recruiters can often provide qualified candidates within 24–72 hours, especially for common roles like analysts or accountants.
Are contract finance professionals pre-vetted?
Yes, reputable recruitment agencies thoroughly vet candidates for technical skills, experience, and project fit before presenting them.
Can contract finance professionals work remotely?
Absolutely. Many companies now rely on remote or hybrid contractors, especially for roles involving analysis, reporting, or month-end close.
What industries typically use contract finance talent?
Industries like tech, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and professional services frequently rely on contract finance hires.
How much do contract finance roles cost compared to full-time employees?
Rates vary by skill and market, but companies save on benefits, onboarding time, and long-term employment costs.
Do contractors need onboarding even for short assignments?
Yes, a brief, structured onboarding ensures they integrate quickly, understand expectations, and deliver results faster.
