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This section contains some of the questions we are frequently asked by our TeamMATRIX consultants. They cover general questions about MATRIX, about vacations, about payroll—and about other topics relevant to your employment with us.
This section contains information that is specific to our TeamMATRIX W2 consultants.
This section contains information that is specific to our TeamMATRIX Incorporated consultants.
Is your company publicly owned?
No. MATRIX is a privately-held firm, founded in 1983.
Can I change my Recruiter?
If you feel that you would like to be reassigned, you may contact your local MATRIX Recruiting Director in confidence to discuss the situation.
Can I change my Account Manager?
The Account Manager is responsible for all MATRIX contract activity with a specific client company. If you have an issue with your Account Manager, please contact your local MATRIX Director in confidence to discuss the situation.
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| Questions About Vacations | |
Do I get a paid vacation?
No. As a contract consultant, you are paid for the hours that you work. All vacation time is not compensated time.
What if I have a vacation planned while I am on contract?
You may take vacations during contracts. This must be worked out between you, your MATRIX Account Manager, and your client manager. Generally, vacations are taken between contracts, but if you are on a long contract and have a vacation planned, please coordinate it with your Account Manager and your client manager. The more advance notice you can give, the better, and please always make sure to coordinate with your manager before you finalize your plans.
Do I get paid when I take days off?
No, you get paid for hours that you work. Any time off is not compensated.
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| Questions About Payroll (General) | |
How often will I get paid?
Promptly! Every two weeks. There are a total of 26 pay periods a year.
When is payday?
Payday is the Wednesday of the week following your time sheet submittal. All checks and deposits are mailed/transmitted so that they should arrive by Wednesday. Please note that direct deposit is the only way we can guarantee the date your money will be deposited. If you are receiving your paycheck via US Mail, it may take longer due to delays in the mail system. Please reference the 2008 or 2007 Pay Schedule and Time Sheet Calendar for further details.
When are time sheets due?
Time sheets are due by 5 p.m. on Monday every two weeks. If needed, please reference the 2008 or 2007 Time Sheet Calendar.
Where do I fax my time sheet, expense reports and invoices?
Send it to the Accounting department:
| Atlanta Accounting | 770.393.9970 |
| Accenture | 770.698.6869 |
| Atlanta-based BellSouth/Cingular | 770.698.6830 |
| Birmingham | 866.845.6996 |
| Accenture | 888.502.8938 |
| Charlotte | 877.862.9596 |
| Dallas Accounting | 972.239.2874 |
| Phoenix Accounting | 602.522.3498 |
| Research Triangle Park Accounting | 866.280.8001 |
| Managed Services | 866.753.5479 |
| Professional Services | 877.857.7992 |
What happens if my time sheet is late?
We process all time sheets at the same time. All late time sheets will be processed with the next payroll cycle two weeks later. Important Note: Both your MATRIX Account Manager and the MATRIX Accounting staff will make every effort to follow up on missing time sheets by e-mail and by phone when possible, but you are ultimately responsible for your time sheets.
What do I do if my manager is not available to sign my time sheet?
Send in the unapproved time sheet by the deadline and follow-up with the signed version as soon as possible. We track unsigned time sheets internally.
Do you offer direct deposit?
Yes. Simply complete the Direct Deposit form in the Forms section of this guide with a copy of a voided check, and fax it to the time sheet fax number above. It generally takes two pay cycles to implement this service once your request has been submitted into payroll due to the need to send out a pre-note to your account.
When will my paycheck be deposited into my account?
Payroll direct deposits are transmitted by MATRIX two days before the payroll date. The posting of this deposit depends on your bank’s speed in processing the transaction.
I have contacted my bank, and they say my direct deposit is not there yet. What is happening?
Direct deposits show up to a bank as a “Deposit in Transit.” Each bank’s computer system is updated differently. Some banks will show deposits in transit, and some will not.
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| Questions About Contracts (General) | |
What happens when my current contract ends?
Four weeks before your contract comes to a close, we will contact both you and your client manager to see if your contract is going to be extended. If there is no extension, we will begin to actively market you for new positions. This gives us plenty of time to find you a new opportunity. You are also open to market your resume to other resources in order to keep your options open.
Do I continue to get paid between contracts?
No. Once your contract ends, we do not have so-called “bench time” in which you continue to get paid.
How do you find my next assignment if my current contract is coming to an end?
Our goal is to keep you on staff and place you again and again! Your resume and skills will be proactively marketed by our team of Account Managers (the MATRIX contact points for our clients). They know your exact end date, key skills and desired rate, and they use these to find you an open position.
How long is the average contract length for MATRIX consultants?
Eight months is the average, and it is growing longer each year.
How do you determine your bill rates for consultants?
We work with our clients to determine the fair market bill rate, taking into consideration several market factors, such as available skills in the market and what is being offered for similar experience levels. MATRIX then develops a fair margin on top of this rate which covers all General and Administrative overhead costs (such as FICA, FUTA, and SUTA), Workers’ Compensation, Medicare and an insurance contribution incurred by MATRIX. Additionally, we incur expenses associated with running our operation that are included in that rate. We then quote this rate to the client manager when we present you as a candidate.
How often do you invoice your clients for consultants?
Our billing cycle is uniquely tailored for each client but typically ranges from biweekly to monthly. All hours are reported to the engagement manager on a time sheet, which is approved by the manager and sent to MATRIX once every two weeks. We then input those approved hours into our billing system, which generates invoices to our clients on the specified client schedule. All consultants submit time sheets and are paid on a biweekly basis independent of the client – this helps us ensure that your payment is made in a consistent and timely manner.
What training is offered to consultants?
MATRIX offers a variety of training and certification opportunities. Our free e-Learning courses are available for you to take “live” through the TeamMATRIX Web site or you can download them to your computer to complete whenever you have the time to take them. There are currently more than 1,800 different courses available on a wide range of technical topics.
Instructor-led training courses are also available at a discount through our partners: SofTest, New Horizons, HP Education, and ExecuTrain.
If you would like to see a workshop offered on a particular subject or would like to see a particular online course offered, please let your MATRIX Account Manager know. Any suggestions to improve our services are always appreciated!
Can I get a contract based on the training I do with the e-Learning courses?
Our clients typically look for “real world” experience in addition to training. e-Learning, while an excellent method to learn new skills and hone current ones, may not be enough to land you a new contract in a particular skill in which you trained.
I have been on a contract for “x” months, at what point can I expect a raise?
This varies from client to client. It is best to contact your MATRIX Account Manager to find out how your client typically handles this issue.
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| Questions About Insurance Benefits | |
What group insurance benefits do you offer?
MATRIX offers medical, dental, prescription, basic life, and optional life insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia. We offer vision coverage through Vision Service Plan. Click here to see a list of the benefits offered.
Who is eligible?
All regular full-time employees who consistently work a minimum of 30 hours per week are eligible to enroll in the insurance benefits.
When is my insurance effective?
Insurance is effective the 1st day of the month following your hire date (assuming continuous active employment) (e.g. start date is 7/15, eligibility date is 8/1). You have up to 30 days after your hire date to enroll in the group health insurance.
When must I turn in my insurance enrollment form?
In order for your benefits to start on time, you must submit your enrollment form within 30 days of your hire date. The sooner you submit your enrollment form, the sooner you'll have your insurance card.
If I do not want to elect insurance when I am first eligible, can I elect insurance at a later date?
Because our group health plan is part of a cafeteria plan, there are only two other occasions when you can elect to participate in our group health plan:
- Change in status (marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, change in work status, spouse loses coverage, etc.)
- Open enrollment (held throughout the month of May of each year for a June 1 effective coverage)
If you experience a change in status, you must notify the Benefits Department within 31 days of the event.
What if I want to make changes to my existing benefits?
The same applies as in the above.
When will my insurance deductions begin?
Your insurance deductions will begin the first paycheck after your insurance effective date.
What is the group health plan name and number?
The group plan name is MATRIX Resources, and the plan number is #1018244.
Do you offer supplemental insurance benefits?
Supplemental benefits are available through Colonial Life, UNUM, and John Hancock. They include short-term disability, long-term disability, long-term care, and dependent care spending account.
How do I enroll in the supplemental benefits?
To enroll in or receive additional information on any of the Colonial Life supplemental benefits, please contact Colonial Life directly at (770) 649-1407. To enroll in or receive additional information on UNUM’s long-term disability insurance, please contact the Benefits Department at MATRIX. To enroll, or receive additional information on John Hancock’s long-term care insurance, please call John Hancock at 800-482-0022.
Do you have a flexible medical spending account?
We do not offer a flexible medical spending account at the present time. However, we do offer a dependent care spending account (available through Colonial Life) for setting aside up to $5,000, pretax, for dependent care expenses.
If my contract employment ends, when will my insurance end?
Your insurance will end the last day of the month in which your contract employment ends, with the exception of your life insurance, which ends on your termination date.
After my contract employment ends, will I be able to continue my insurance coverage?
You can continue most group insurance coverage by electing COBRA coverage.
What benefits may be continued under COBRA?
Medical, dental, prescription, and vision insurance coverage may be continued under COBRA. Group life and optional life cannot be continued under COBRA.
When will I receive COBRA information notifying me of my healthcare continuation rights?
You will receive COBRA information via certified return-receipt no later than 30 days after your insurance ends.
What is the time frame in which I have to elect COBRA?
You have up to 60 days from the date you receive your COBRA election form, via certified return-receipt, to complete the paperwork and return it to the COBRA administrator. You then have up to 45 days from the date you sign and return your election form to submit your first payment, which will be applied retroactively to the date COBRA coverage began.
When are COBRA payments due?
COBRA payments are due in full the first of each month.
Can the Colonial supplemental benefits be continued after my contract ends?
Long-term care, short- and long-term disability insurance policies may all be ported after your contract ends. To port your insurance policy, please contact Colonial Life and/or UNUM and John Hancock directly within 31 days of when your insurance ends to complete the necessary paperwork.
What happens to my benefits between contracts?
Your benefits will continue until the last day of the month in which your contract employment ends. If your contract is extended or if you start a new contract in the same month in which your previous contract ended, your insurance will continue uninterrupted. If you do not start a new contract until after your insurance ends, you will be offered COBRA coverage. As long as you return within 90 days after your previous contract, your insurance coverage will be reinstated (with the completion of a new enrollment form) the date of your new contract and your COBRA coverage (if applicable) will cease.
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| Questions About the 401(k) Plan | |
Do you have a 401(k) Plan?
Our 401(k) Plan is available to all employees. The Plan is administered by Great-West Life & Annuity.
When am I eligible to participate?
You are eligible to participate after your first paycheck.
How do I enroll?
You may enroll through Self Service.
When will my 401(k) deductions begin?
Your 401(k) deductions will begin the first paycheck after your effective date.
Does MATRIX offer matching?
MATRIX does not offer matching at this time.
What is the 401(k) plan name and number?
The plan name is MATRIX Resources Inc. 401(k) Plan, and the plan number is #930108-01.
How often can I change my payroll deductions for 401(k)?
You can change payroll deductions amount(s) for the 401(k) at any time through Self Service.
How often can I change my fund selections?
You can change fund selections as often as you like by calling Great-West directly or by visiting www.gwrs.com.
Can I borrow against my 401(k)?
As long as your 401(k) balance is greater than $2,000, you can take up to 50% of your account balance for purposes of a loan (minimum loan amount is $1,000). There is a $75 loan origination fee and the loan is paid back through payroll deductions (the interest charged is prime plus 2%). Participants are also charged a $50 annual loan fee. Loan requests are made through the Great West Life Annuity and generally take about 2-3 weeks to process all the necessary paperwork.
After my contract employment ends, will I have to close my 401(k) account?
MATRIX does not require participants to close out their accounts upon ending contract employment. You may therefore either (1) leave your 401(k) account active with Great-West, or (2) close your account and transfer your monies to either an IRA, another qualified 401(k) plan or cash out.
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| Questions About Payroll (W2 Only) | |
What is the Social Security and Medicare Limit for 2007?
Social Security has a limit for 2008 is $102,000 (in 2007, it was $97,500). Medicare does not have any limits. Please remember that cafeteria plan deductions are exempt from these limits, so you must subtract these deductions from your gross pay to arrive at your gross/taxable pay for Social Security.
How do cafeteria plan and 401(k) deductions affect my taxes?
Both cafeteria plan deductions and 401(k) deductions are taken pre-tax, however the taxes they affect may differ. 401(k) deductions are only exempt from federal and state withholding taxes. Cafeteria plan deductions are exempt from both federal and state withholding and from both Social Security and Medicare taxes.
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| Questions About Contracts (W2 Only) | |
Can I change my employment status from “W-2” to “Incorporated” during an assignment?
This may depend on the client. Some clients do not permit consultants to be self-incorporated. If they do allow this, we simply need your Federal ID number and your signature on a new Corporation-to-Corporation Agreement. You would also be required to submit an invoice on company letterhead (or something similar) along with your time sheet. We offer direct deposit into a corporate account. All corporations are subject to and responsible for their own tax withholding, insurances, invoicing, etc.
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| Questions About Payroll (Inc Only) | |
I run my own Corporation. When is my money direct deposited into my account?
Corporate direct deposits are transmitted by MATRIX on Monday and will be in your account by the following Wednesday.
My Corporation invoices MATRIX. What happens if my invoice is late?
Accounts Payable is run twice every week. If we do not receive your invoice in time, we will process your invoice in approximately 3 to 5 business days with the next Accounts Payable cycle. Please keep in mind that your time sheet must have been received by the time sheet deadline in order to process your invoice with the next Accounts Payable cycle.
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| Questions About 401(k) (Inc Only) | |
As an incorporated contract consultant, you have an opportunity to enhance your retirement savings through an Individual 401(k). This is an innovative retirement savings tool designed for businesses with no employees other than the owners (and their spouses, if applicable). Ideal for independent consultants, the Individual 401(k) provides the tax and savings advantages of a regular 401(k), but with fewer administrative and compliance requirements. An Individual 401(k) allows you to make tax-deductible contributions of up to $40,000 annually (depending on income), roll your other qualified retirement plan into it, invest in diversified mutual funds, and take loans against your balance. Your investment broker or financial advisor should be able to provide further information about this opportunity. You may also contact Roth and Associates, the broker for MATRIX Resources, at 770.804.5578 for further information.
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| Questions About Long-Term Disability (Inc Only) | |
As an incorporated consultant, securing affordable benefits can be a challenge. MATRIX has been working with Mass Mutual, the leading name in long-term disability insurance, to provide a substantial 25% discount to interested MATRIX incorporated consultants. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Roth and Associates at 770.804.5578.
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