Case Study # 1

Birchtree was hired to help a European global bank establish operations in Panama.  The bank's objective was to set up operations in country where they could access the northern South American and Central American business market. 

Their experienced staff were from multiple countries which would impact both the tax as well as the human resources programs.

Birchtree met with the bank's leadership and created work plan designed to optimize the banks position in this market.

The services we provided included registering the company in Panama; establishing the tax infrastructure and obtaining a CPA firm to provide payroll services; creating a suite of benefits, insurance and pension vehicles that supported both the bank's global objectives as well as provided three levels of coverage for senior leaders, managers and employees in country.

Case Study # 2

Birchtree works on start up projects around the world.  We were hired by a very large, global consulting company to establish their business operations in Mexico City.   The company did not have the in house experience or expertise to develop the compensation and benefit plan that would be needed to attract and retain employees. What further complicated the project was the need to conduct many of the major data gathering and information sourcing meetings in Spanish.

Birchtree created job descriptions, established the job evaluation process, slotted all positions into grades and created (mandatory) employment contracts in English and Spanish. Birchtree sourced and recommended the non-statutory insurance benefits, recommended the benefit levels and assisted the company in establishing the statutory programs.

In addition to working directly with the client Birchtree had to consider the client’s relationship with their major international customer as operations were integrated on certain levels and the inequality and pay differentials could be a problem.

The completed total rewards program was completed on time and under budget to the delight of the client.  In addition, Birchtree was able to help the client develop strongly positive relationships with key providers of local services which enhanced their in-country reputation.  We continue to be a source of assistance to this firm for which we have done multiple projects.