Hiring interim payroll specialists fast: why flexibility beats perfection

Automation, new technologies and evolving workflows are shaping the day-to-day operations of HR and finance teams. This makes it crucial to hire interim payroll specialists quickly and effectively. Whether you’re a startup, a financial services provider or a large in-house HR function, the ability to bring the right people on board fast can make or break your payroll operations.

Yet many organisations still treat interim hiring like permanent recruitment. This approach is slow, overly selective and misaligned with the realities of the job market. In recent years, the demand for interim payroll professionals has surged due to system upgrades, restructuring and the need for agile support during periods of change. To meet this demand, hiring managers must rethink their approach.

The cost of chasing perfection

Employers often search for the perfect candidate. They want someone with niche system experience like SAP, AFAS or ADP, flawless technical skills and immediate availability. But this pursuit of perfection is time-consuming and unrealistic, especially in interim recruiting.

Interim professionals are hired to solve problems, not to tick every box on a rigid job description. They are expected to deliver results from day one, whether correcting legacy payroll issues, implementing new systems or supporting compliance. Waiting weeks for the ideal profile defeats the purpose of interim hiring.

Instead, employers should benchmark their expectations against what is realistic in the real world. Interim payroll specialists are highly skilled, often with stronger competencies, problem-solving abilities and broader experience than their full-time counterparts. They have worked across various sectors and they thrive in high-pressure, high-performance environments.

Flexibility is the new benchmark

The most successful interim hires happen when employers prioritise flexibility over perfection. That means:

• Being realistic about availability and rates. Interim professionals often work part-time, remotely or on a short-term basis. They value career progression, wellbeing and a positive work environment. Many have transitioned from full-time roles to interim for better rates and project variety
• Understanding remote preferences. Many candidates prefer remote work or hybrid setups, especially under current DBA legislation. Expecting in-person presence can limit access to top talent
• Trusting specialist recruiters. We know the market, the systems and the talent. Whether you need SAP, AFAS or ADP expertise, we deliver CVs within 48 hours without compromising on quality

This flexibility doesn’t mean lowering standards. It means adapting to the realities of the interim market and making informed, timely decisions. The best candidate might not tick every box, but they will get the job done.

What makes interim payroll specialists different

These professionals are not just stopgaps. They’re strategic thinkers with experience mentoring team members, leading initiatives and supporting restructuring projects. They excel in communication skills, formatting payroll reports and navigating complex workflows. Many have transitioned from full-time roles to interim for better rates, flexibility and exposure to diverse projects.

They are also in-demand among jobseekers who value autonomy and impact. Whether it’s their first time working interim or they’ve done it for a period of time, they bring fresh energy and insights to every assignment. Their ability to adapt quickly, work independently and deliver results makes them invaluable during times of change.

Many interim payroll professionals have stronger career paths than their permanent counterparts. They have worked across multiple systems, sectors and geographies. Their exposure to different work environments, company cultures and stakeholders gives them a unique perspective that is hard to find in permanent hires.

They also bring a level of maturity and independence that supports faster onboarding. Interim professionals are used to stepping into unfamiliar environments, understanding the dynamics and delivering value without needing extensive training. Their ability to work with hiring managers, project leads and HR teams means they integrate quickly and contribute meaningfully.

Supporting mental health and wellbeing

One often overlooked benefit of interim hiring is its positive impact on mental health. Interim professionals frequently choose this path for the flexibility it offers, allowing them to manage their workload, avoid burnout and maintain a healthier work-life balance. For employers, this means working with individuals who are energised, focused and committed to delivering results without compromising their wellbeing.

Creating a supportive work environment for interim staff – whether remote or on-site – can also improve retention and productivity. Simple steps like clear onboarding, access to resources and regular follow up can make a significant difference.

How we help

At Frazer Jones, we specialise in interim payroll recruitment across the Netherlands. We understand the urgency, complexity and nuances of interim hiring. Our approach is built on speed, transparency and market insight.

We help employers:

• Streamline the recruitment process by delivering CVs within 48 hours
• Validate candidate fit based on system experience, availability and project goals
• Educate on contracts, onboarding and compliance, especially around DBA legislation
• Provide tools like salary guides, onboarding checklists and templates to support decision-making
• Use LinkedIn, email marketing and social media to connect with top talent

We also support candidates by:

• Making their profiles visible to relevant employers
• Matching them with projects aligned to their goals, whether that is professional development, remote work or strategic transformation
• Offering guidance on onboarding, contracts and expectations
• Helping them navigate transitions from full-time to interim roles

Our partnerships with employers are built on trust, speed and results. Whether you’re hiring for a project manager role, covering a gap or planning for next year, we make interim payroll hiring simple, compliant and cost-effective.

Why now?

The pandemic accelerated the shift toward flexible work, remote setups and agile staffing. In recent years, we have seen a rise in entrepreneurs, jobseekers and professionals seeking more autonomy, better rates and meaningful work. Interim payroll fits this trend perfectly.

As companies invest in upskilling, adopt new technologies and restructure for efficiency, interim talent becomes a strategic asset. Rather than just filling gaps, this is driving transformation.

Interim payroll professionals are also key to supporting broader HR initiatives. From improving retention to enhancing the employee experience, they contribute to the success of wider business goals. Their ability to work across departments, support automation and improve workflows makes them valuable beyond payroll.

Hiring interim talent allows companies to test new roles, formats and competencies before committing to permanent hires. It’s a smart way to explore new directions, validate ideas and build high-performing teams without long-term risk.

If you’re still treating interim hiring like permanent recruitment, it’s time to rethink. The market has changed and the talent has evolved.

Frazer Jones is your partner in recruiting interim payroll professionals who deliver. Whether you need someone on-site, remote or hybrid, we help you find the right people fast. Let us support your staffing goals with speed, insight and flexibility.