Fractional vs Interim Executive
Understanding the Key Differences
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Key Takeaways
- 1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
- 2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
- 3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
- 4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
- 5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods
Similar But Different
Both fractional and interim executives provide senior leadership without permanent employment—but they serve different needs. Fractional executives work part-time across multiple clients; interim executives work full-time for one client on a temporary basis. The choice depends on your specific situation.
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Yes—it's common to transition between models as needs change. A business might start with a fractional CFO, escalate to interim during a crisis or transaction, then return to fractional. Or begin with interim cover, then convert to fractional as the permanent hire beds in. Flexibility is a key advantage of non-permanent models.
We can assess your situation and recommend the right model for your needs.
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