As a contractor, you will be required to fill in timesheets detailing the work you have done for the Client, and the number of hours or days you have worked in a given time period. Your manager or team leader will typically authorise (sign) your timesheet.

Timesheets have been traditionally paper based, but companies such as Parasol and the recruitment agencies they work with now provide full online management of paperwork for clients. Online systems allow timesheet logging and verification followed by the automatic creation of an invoice.

It is important that timesheets and invoices are kept up to date and submitted at regular intervals. If you run your own Personal Service Company then you are your own 'finance director' responsible for your Company affairs. If you work with an Umbrella Company such as Parasol this will be taken for you.