“You can’t win the race for talent without hiring freelancers.”

Is your accounting firm struggling to find the right talent? Freelancer staffing might be the solution you’ve been missing.

In the latest episode of the Accounting Talent Podcast, Rob Brown sits down with Jeff Phillips, CEO of Accountingfly, to explore the growing impact of freelancer staffing in the accounting industry. Jeff highlights a significant shift, noting that 30% of the labor force now identifies as freelance, a trend reshaping how firms approach hiring.

Jeff continues discussing the new “talent stack” concept, a modern approach to building accounting teams. Rather than sticking to the traditional, hierarchical firm structure, this strategy involves a core group of full-time staff complemented by offshore talent and US-based freelancer staffing. This flexible model helps firms stay agile and better equipped to meet the demands of today’s market. Jeff also explains the three main types of freelance arrangements—interim, fractional, and project-based—and how each can address specific needs within a firm.

In addition, common concerns about freelancer staffing are discussed, including maintaining brand consistency and ensuring data security. Jeff offers practical advice on managing these risks, emphasizing the importance of clear expectations and standardized processes. As the freelance workforce grows, this episode offers valuable insights on how your firm can effectively integrate freelance staffing into your operations.

Key takeaways:

• 30% of the labor force identifies as freelance
• The “talent stack” concept for modern accounting firms
•  Three types of freelance arrangements: interim, fractional, and project-based
• Mitigating risks when hiring freelancers through clear expectations and SOPs
• Freelancers as business owners seeking to build their brand and deliver excellent work.

Listen now or watch on YouTube.

To view more hiring trends in accounting, check out this month’s Hiring Update.