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Full-time temporary Finance Director leadership for transitions, transformations, and critical periods. Expert financial executives available to start immediately. As UK flexible working legislation evolves, interim executive appointments have become a mainstream solution for businesses requiring senior leadership.
An Interim Finance Director is a temporary senior finance professional who works full-time for a defined period—typically 3-12 months. According to CIPD research on flexible working trends, interim executive appointments have grown significantly as organisations seek agile leadership solutions. Unlike fractional Finance Directors who work part-time across multiple companies, interim FDs focus exclusively on one organisation during their engagement.
Interim Finance Directors are typically hired to fill leadership gaps, lead specific transformations, or navigate critical periods like M&A, restructuring, or FD transitions. The ICAEW provides professional standards guidance on interim finance leadership roles. Many interim FDs hold qualifications from ACCA or CIMA, ensuring they meet rigorous professional standards.
According to ScaleUp Institute research, growing businesses often need interim executive support during critical transitions. The British Business Bank notes that access to experienced financial leadership is a key factor in SME growth success. Additionally, government business finance support schemes often require robust financial governance.
Your Finance Director has left and you need immediate leadership while recruiting a permanent replacement.
Buying or selling a company and need dedicated FD leadership through the transaction.
Major restructuring or turnaround requiring full-time financial leadership focus.
Preparing for funding rounds and need experienced FD leadership through the process.
Financial crisis requiring immediate, full-time executive attention.
Major ERP or financial system implementation requiring dedicated leadership.
Both interim and fractional Finance Director engagements fall under IR35 regulations which govern off-payroll working arrangements. The Institute of Directors provides guidance on engaging interim executives effectively. ONS employment data shows the continued growth of flexible senior roles across the UK.
| Aspect | Interim FD | Fractional FD |
|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | Full-time (5 days/week) | Part-time (1-3 days/week) |
| Duration | 3-12 months (fixed term) | Ongoing (indefinite) |
| Focus | Single company, deep immersion | Multiple clients, broader perspective |
| Cost | £6,000-£10,000/week | £2,500-£5,000/week |
| Best For | Transitions, transformations, crises | Ongoing strategic leadership |
Not sure which is right for you?
If you need full-time focus for a specific project or transition, choose interim. If you need ongoing strategic FD leadership at lower cost, choose fractional.
Learn about Fractional Finance Director Services →| Feature | Fractional Finance Director | Interim Finance Director | Full-Time Finance Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commitment | 1-3 days/week | Full-time (temporary) | Full-time (permanent) |
| Duration | Ongoing (6+ months typical) | 3-12 months | Permanent |
| Cost | £3,000-£6,000/week | £8,000-£12,000/week | £150,000-£250,000/year + benefits |
| Focus | Strategic + operational | Gap-fill or transformation | All responsibilities |
| Flexibility | Scale up/down as needed | Fixed term contract | Limited flexibility |
| Best For | Growing companies, specific expertise needs | Leadership gaps, major transitions | Large orgs with full-time need |
Tell us about your situation and we'll help you find the right interim or fractional Finance Director. Businesses requiring financial transformation should ensure compliance with Financial Reporting Council standards and consider BVCA guidance on portfolio company management for PE-backed firms. Understanding Companies House reporting requirements is essential for all interim FD appointments.