Freelancer in the spotlight: Mikhail Taspinar

Could you explain your role as a freelance financial consultant?

Mikhail: “ I worked as an accountant until 2018. In my last job as an employee, at Deloitte, I also worked in treasury management for the first time. I then started focusing more on analysis and controlling. I really got the bit, which is why I reoriented myself in that direction as a freelancer.”

“At my previous client (Lonza), I was involved in site controlling, which involves monitoring and overseeing the entire production process. It was something new to me, but I really enjoyed it. I gained an insight into the whole operational side of things, which helped me understand the figures better. That enabled me to explain to the client how the figures should be interpreted. The direct contact with clients is something I really value as a freelancer. Now I interpret the figures and turn them into a narrative, which I then explain to my colleagues.”

What are the key trends in the sector at the moment?

"You can see that companies increasingly need accurate figures so they can anticipate changing circumstances as effectively as possible. That’s why they need to be able to adapt quickly. Consequently, companies are more often in need of specialised professionals."

"What’s more, there’s a new generation that no longer stays with one company for their entire career. Young employees want to be challenged and learn new things. Because they change employers more frequently, companies have a greater need for specialised freelancers who can deliver results at short notice."

How did you come across Hyphen and why did you choose to work with them?

"When I was still working at McKinsey, I got to know a number of excellent consultants. They explained to me that, as a freelancer, you can grow better, faster and with greater freedom. That got me thinking. Through people I knew, I then ended up at Hyphen."

"The initial discussions went very smoothly right from the start. Hyphen provided me with excellent support and explained the pros and cons of freelancing. They also explained how they could support me and take the pressure off me. Hyphen motivated and supported me so much that I felt confident enough to take the plunge."

How do you find the collaboration in practice?

"Very positively. What strikes me most is how close Hyphen is to its freelancers. It’s not just an intermediary; they’re always on hand to offer support with your development and all sorts of practical matters."

“I’ve never seen that level of closeness to freelancers anywhere else. Hyphen is always on hand to offer support, advice and a listening ear. That closeness puts you at ease as a freelancer and gives you more confidence in your collaboration with the client. Because we know Hyphen is there for us.”

Would you recommend working with Hyphen to others, and why?

"I would definitely recommend working with Hyphen. In my view, the expertise of the whole team is unrivalled in the sector. As I said, they are close to their freelancers and always offer advice. That’s a huge added value, especially when you’re just starting out as a freelancer. Hyphen also provides excellent support in helping me find new projects and assists me throughout the projects.”

"Everyone in the Hyphen team is highly skilled and friendly. You can tell it’s a very dynamic team that radiates optimism. You certainly notice that during events; you can feel the positive energy there. Hyphen really feels like one big family."