Interim Finance Manager
Bridge the gap between Financial Controller and Finance Director with experienced temporary finance leadership for your critical finance initiatives
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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
An interim finance manager is a senior finance professional who provides temporary leadership for organisations during transitions, projects, or gaps in permanent staffing. Positioned between a Financial Controller and Finance Director, they bring hands-on financial management expertise combined with strategic thinking—perfect for businesses needing experienced finance leadership without the commitment of a permanent hire.
What is an Interim Finance Manager?
Quick Definition
An interim finance manager is a qualified finance professional (typically ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) who takes on temporary finance leadership roles, usually for 3-12 months. They manage day-to-day finance operations, lead finance teams, and deliver specific projects such as system implementations, audit preparation, or process improvements. Unlike consultants, they embed within your organisation and take operational accountability.
Day Rates for Interim Finance Managers in the UK
Interim finance managers in the UK typically charge between £500-800 per day, depending on experience, sector expertise, and location. London rates tend to be at the higher end (£650-800), while regional roles may command £500-650. Highly specialist areas like M&A integration or complex system implementations can push rates to £800-900. Most interims work 4-5 days per week, with engagements ranging from 3-12 months. Compared to the cost of a rushed permanent hire that does not work out (recruitment fees, salary, potential severance), interim rates often represent excellent value.
Where to Find Interim Finance Managers
Interim finance managers can be sourced through specialist interim management agencies, executive recruiters with interim divisions, or platforms like Fractional.Quest that connect businesses with pre-vetted finance professionals. Many experienced interims build reputations through referrals within industry networks. When selecting an interim, look for relevant sector experience, a track record of successful interim assignments, and the specific skills your project requires.
Cost Comparison
Fractional vs Full-Time Executive
Your Potential Savings
£180k+
Time Allocation
How fractional executives spend their time
UK Fractional Executive Day Rates
Compare day rates across C-suite roles
Fractional vs Interim vs Full-Time
Choose the right engagement model
| Aspect | Fractional | Interim | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 1-3 days/week | 4-5 days/week | 5 days/week |
| Duration | Ongoing/flexible | 3-12 months | Permanent |
| Annual Cost | £50-150k | £150-300k | £200-400k+ |
| Best For | SMEs, startups, scale-ups | Crisis, transitions | Large enterprises |
| Flexibility | ★★★ High | ★★☆ Medium | ★☆☆ Low |
Costs are indicative UK market rates. Actual costs vary by role, experience, and sector.
Calculate Your Day Rate
Calculate Your Potential Income
Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CFO UK average day rate: £1000.
BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions.
Related Executive Roles
Complementary leadership for your organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
Most interim finance managers hold ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualifications with 10-20 years post-qualification experience. Many have worked in industry at FC or FD level before transitioning to interim work, bringing practical experience from multiple organisations and sectors.
Industry Resources & Authority Links
Related Pages
The Fractional Executive Trend
Industry data on the rise of fractional leadership
of executives who moved to fractional work report higher job satisfaction
Source: Harvard Business Review ↗Platform Stats
Founder's background
📊 Exec Market Snapshot
💰 Exec Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK Exec roles.
