1. Understand
The current situation and key deliverables of the assignment, along with the skills, experience, and attributes required for success.
Interim Finance leadership search
experienced interim leadership for critical business initiatives
The CFO Practice delivers interim finance leadership solutions for businesses navigating periods of operational change, transformation, growth, and increasing complexity.
Working predominantly with investor-backed and founder-led companies, The CFO Practice supports organisations that require experienced finance leadership capable of strengthening financial infrastructure, improving operational performance, and supporting critical business initiatives at pace.
These appointments often provide specialist expertise across financial control, FP&A, commercial finance, finance transformation, and operational finance leadership during periods of transition, rapid scaling, M&A activity, or organisational change.
Typical mandates include:
- Interim Finance Director
- Interim Group Financial Controller
- Interim Head of FP&A
- Interim Commercial Finance Director
Every interim search is carefully tailored to the pace, complexity, and strategic priorities of the business, ensuring access to finance leaders who can deliver immediate and lasting impact.
Search Process (Interim)
2. Generate
The longlist using The CFO Practice network and a range of executive recruitment tools — screening and shortlisting the role with pace and precision.
3. Manage
The interview process through focused, time-concentrated stages — enabling fast yet thorough identification of the ideal candidate.
4. Complete
The search by managing the offer and acceptance process, ensuring a smooth and intensive close for an ASAP start.
5. Follow up
Stay in regular contact between client and candidate to ensure alignment and delivery of the assignment’s objectives.
0%
The CFO Practice identifies 84% of appointed candidates within the first 5 days of commencing an interim search.
0
The CFO Practice averages two first-round interviews to every successful interim search.
0%
Over half of the finance leaders placed by The CFO Practice are female, representing 54% of all interim searches.
I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with Rob Baker both as a candidate and client over the past decade. Rob consistently delivers an exceptional level of service, and I trust him completely with both my personal and company reputation. He works with integrity, focus, and agility to produce top-quality candidates, many of whom have built long-term relationships with him. I can’t recommend his services highly enough.
David Skinner, Former Group CFO
Ceuta Group
Rob handled our Director of Finance & Operations search with incredible efficiency and efficacy, quickly finding excellent candidates with the right profile for our company and helping manage the whole process seamlessly to a good outcome. The CFO Practice is everything one would hope for in a search firm.
Alejandro Litovsky, Founder & Chief Executive
Earth Security
Having known Rob for a number of years, in 2019 he placed me as interim group treasurer position for a global private equity backed business. The recruitment process was slick and straight forward. However, what really makes Rob stand out has been the consultative relationship he has developed with me over the last 2 years. Whether it be Rob’s experience and knowledge, or his approach to recruiting for my own team, I would highly recommend him.
Raj Sahota, Interim Group Treasurer
Global private equity backed business
When should a business hire an Interim Finance Director?
Businesses often appoint Interim Finance Directors during periods of growth, operational change, leadership transition, transformation, or increased investor reporting requirements. Interim Finance Directors provide experienced financial leadership while helping businesses maintain momentum during critical periods.
Is there a specialist market for interim finance leadership professionals?
Yes. Many experienced finance leaders now specialise exclusively within the interim market, focusing on transformation, operational change, systems improvement, restructuring, and investor-backed environments where immediate impact and flexibility are required.
Should interim finance professionals work on a fixed-term contract or through a limited company?
Both structures are commonly used within the interim market, depending on the nature of the assignment, business requirements, and IR35 considerations. Some interim finance professionals operate through their own limited companies, while others prefer fixed-term employment arrangements. The most appropriate structure will often depend on the scope, duration, and operational requirements of the assignment.
What are the benefits of hiring an Interim Finance Director?
Interim Finance Directors can provide experienced financial leadership during periods of growth, transformation, operational change, or leadership transition. They often bring immediate impact through strengthening financial controls, improving reporting and cash flow visibility, supporting strategic decision-making, and helping businesses maintain momentum during critical periods.
How quickly can interim finance leadership appointments be made?
Interim finance leadership appointments are often made at pace, particularly during periods of change or transformation. Due to The CFO Practice’s highly focused and agile approach, alongside a strong network of proven interim finance professionals, suitable candidates can often be identified and introduced quickly within a matter of days.