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Timesheets and Invoicing

Our umbrella company solutions allow you to concentrate on what you do best, contracting. With both Expat Advantage and Payroll Umbrella all you have to do is to send us timesheets and expenses, we do the rest.

Invoicing for contract billings is one of the most important tasks undertaken by any umbrella company. Commonwealth Contractors guarantees to raise an invoice to a Client or Agency within 24 hours of receiving a signed and suitably completed contractor timesheet. Normally Invoices are raised immediately. If we are expecting a timesheet from you but it has not arrived your dedicated Account Manager will chase you to ensure the invoicing deadline is not missed.

To find out more about our umbrella company solutions call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 to speak to an Account Manager or Submit your details and we will get right back to you!

What are Contractor Timesheets?

Contractor Timesheets are a record of the hours you have completed further to a contract. It is your responsibility to complete contractor timesheets accurately and get them signed and approved by a suitable client representative. Once timesheets have been approved you need to send them into us so that an Invoice can be generated and sent to the client. Timesheets are usually required even for deliverables-based contracts.

Where do I get Contractor Timesheets from?

Where you get timesheets from depends upon the client and / or agency you are working with. The majority of agencies normally send out a fresh set of contractor timesheets each week, month or contract. When you first agree a contract you will be informed of where you get timesheets from by your dedicated Commonwealth Contractors Account Manager.

When do I complete timesheets and what do I do with them?

The frequency with which you complete timesheets depends upon the terms of the contract you are engaged upon. Normally you will be required to complete timesheets on a weekly or monthly basis. As soon as you finish the week or month you should complete the timesheet accurately and legibly in black ink (not pencil). Be sure to check that overtime hours are clearly stated if undertaken. Sign the timesheet at the bottom once you are happy everything is correct. Once you have completed the timesheet you should arrange for it to be signed by a suitable client representative (such as a project manager, director etc). Chase the representative if they put it to one side to check and sign at a later time. Once completed you should send a copy to the client or agent (as detailed in the contract) and a copy to Commonwealth Contractors. It is preferred that contractors send a soft copy via email or fax but hard copies can be sent where you wish. You should keep the original copy of the timesheet for your records

What if the Client/Agency uses a Self Billing System?

Self Billing systems are becoming more and more popular with clients and agencies. They allow you to log onto the client/agencies network and complete an online timesheet. The timesheet is then approved by a manager and payment is arranged without the need for an invoice. The self billing system automatically prints off a self generated invoice which is sent to the Umbrella Company or limited company. We require all freelance contractors using self billing systems to send in copies of approved timesheets or work progress forms even though no invoice is to be raised. Without a record of the work incoming billings are often difficult to allocate to the right individual fee-earner.

To find out more about our Umbrella Company Solutions call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or submit your details and we will get right back to you

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