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Complete guide to contract (interim) CFO roles in the UK. Understand contract lengths, day rates, where to find opportunities, and how contract CFO work differs from permanent and fractional positions.
| Factor | Contract CFO | Fractional CFO | Permanent CFO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time commitment | Full-time (5 days/week) | Part-time (1-3 days/week) | Full-time (5 days/week) |
| Duration | Fixed (6-18 months) | Ongoing (rolling) | Indefinite |
| Number of clients | One client at a time | 3-6 concurrent clients | One employer |
| Monthly earnings | £16K-£30K | £8K-£15K (per client) | £12.5K-£25K |
| Benefits | None (self-employed) | None (self-employed) | Pension, bonus, benefits |
| Job security | Fixed end date | Multiple clients = stability | Notice period protection |
| Notice period | 1-4 weeks typically | 1-4 weeks typically | 3-6 months |
| Best for | Covering gaps, specific projects | Part-time strategic CFO support | Large companies, ongoing leadership |
Companies hire contract CFOs for specific situations requiring full-time but temporary finance leadership:
Filling the gap between one CFO leaving and a permanent replacement starting. Often occurs because:
Specific initiatives requiring CFO-level oversight for defined period:
Temporary coverage while permanent CFO is on leave:
Companies growing rapidly need immediate CFO support but aren't ready to commit to permanent:
Contract CFO rates vary by experience, location, assignment complexity, and market demand:
| Experience Level | Day Rate | Monthly (20 days) | Typical Company Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Controller stepping up | £600-£800 | £12K-£16K | £2M-£10M revenue |
| Mid-level CFO (10-15 yrs) | £800-£1,100 | £16K-£22K | £10M-£30M revenue |
| Senior CFO (15-20+ yrs) | £1,100-£1,500 | £22K-£30K | £30M-£100M+ revenue |
| Specialist (M&A, IPO, turnaround) | £1,400-£2,000+ | £28K-£40K+ | Complex assignments, any size |
Most contract CFO roles are filled through specialist recruiters rather than public job boards:
The primary channel for contract CFO placements. Build relationships with 5-10 key recruiters:
Increasingly important channel, particularly for shorter-notice urgent requirements:
Understanding contract terms is essential for protecting yourself and maximizing earnings:
You invoice through your limited company. Most tax-efficient if genuinely outside IR35.
Umbrella company employs you, invoices client, and pays you salary minus their margin.
Agency employs you directly as temporary employee for the assignment duration.
For medium/large clients (£10.2M+ revenue), they determine IR35 status. Full-time contract CFO roles have higher IR35 risk than part-time fractional work due to: working exclusively for one client, operating from their premises, integrated into their team, and supervised management. Many clients will apply inside IR35 determination for contract CFO roles. Factor this into rate negotiations - you need 20-30% higher rate to compensate for inside IR35 tax treatment.
Fractional Quest connects experienced finance professionals with contract and fractional CFO opportunities across the UK.