Interim CFO & Finance Director Recruitment

Q: How quickly can an interim CFO start?

For a well-defined brief, often within a few weeks. Interim CFOs who have just finished an assignment can sometimes start sooner. It depends on the experience required and each candidate’s current commitments.

Q: How long do interim CFO assignments last?

Most run for three to twelve months. The length depends on the mandate, for example covering a vacancy, completing a transaction or stabilising the finance function. Some assignments are extended or become permanent.

Q: What is the difference between an interim CFO and an interim Finance Director?

An interim CFO usually sits on the board or leadership team and works on strategy, funding and investor relationships. An interim Finance Director is often more focused on running the finance function, reporting and controls. The right choice depends on the size of the business and the situation.

Q: How much does an interim CFO cost?

Interim CFOs are usually engaged on a day rate. The rate depends on seniority, the complexity of the assignment, the sector and the location. We will discuss realistic rates for your situation early in the process.

Q: Can an interim CFO become permanent?

Sometimes. Some boards use an interim appointment to see a leader in the role before deciding. Where a permanent appointment is the goal, we can run a full search alongside the interim assignment.

Interim CFO Executive Search

Most interim CFO appointments begin with a gap the business cannot leave open.

The CFO has resigned and is leaving sooner than planned. A refinancing or sale process has started. Cash is under pressure. The audit has raised questions. An investor wants stronger reporting before the next board meeting.

In each case the finance function needs senior leadership now, not in four or five months when a permanent CFO has worked their notice.

Novo finds interim CFOs and Finance Directors who can step in quickly, take ownership of the finance function and deliver against a clear mandate. Many have led finance teams through investment, acquisition, turnaround and exit, and understand what boards and investors expect from the first weeks.

Interim Finance Specialist

Dale Perrett

Founding Director

Need an interim CFO quickly?

Tell us about the situation and we will advise on the experience it needs and the interim finance leaders available.

Call now

Email now

Interim Finance Specialist

Matthew Searle

Director

Need an interim CFO quickly?

Tell us about the situation and we will advise on the experience it needs and the interim finance leaders available.

Call now

Email now

Secure financial leadership for the months that matter

Book a confidential discussion with one of our Executive Search Directors

Discuss an Interim CFO Appointment

When You Need an Interim CFO

Most interim CFO assignments begin when something changes.

Common situations include:

The CFO or Finance Director leaves or is unexpectedly absent
A fundraise, refinancing or sale is underway
Cash flow or profitability comes under pressure

An audit or reporting issue needs senior attention
A new finance system or reporting structure is being introduced
A private equity investor needs stronger reporting after a deal
A permanent CFO search is running and the role cannot stay empty

These are rarely routine situations. The interim CFO is usually expected to make decisions and improve results from the first week.

What a Good Interim CFO Does in the First 30 Days

The first month sets the tone for the whole assignment.

Understands the cash position: A clear view of cash, headroom and commitments, often through a 13-week cash flow forecast.

Agrees the mandate: Priorities, timescales and what success looks like, agreed with the CEO, board or investor.

Stabilises the finance team: Clear direction for a team that may be unsettled after a departure.

Improves board reporting: Reliable, timely information the board and investors can act on.

Identifies the risks: Covenants, audit points, tax and working capital issues that need early attention.

Interim CFO or Fractional CFO?

Both bring board-level financial leadership. The difference is commitment and purpose.

An interim CFO works full time for a fixed period to deliver a specific outcome, such as covering a departure, leading a transaction or stabilising the finance function.

A fractional CFO works part time on an ongoing basis. This suits a growing business that needs senior finance input but not five days a week.

If you are not sure which fits your situation, we can talk it through with you.

Testimonials

Novo ran a highly professional and thorough search process, bringing forward an impressive list of candidates for our consideration

RECCo

We were delighted with Novo’s work and efforts. Theye significantly contributed to achieving our goal. We therefore would have no hesitation in recommending Novo to any other organisation looking for help or advice in executive recruitment.

Chiorino UK Ltd

Novo’s Legal Team were retained to recruit a Partner. Through a targeted and comprehensive headhunting assignment process Novo were successful in appointing an excellent Partner for the practice.

Bray & Bray Solicitors

“My personal experience with Novo was really good. They had all the information I needed whilst being professional, discreet and considerate, which ultimately made the whole process extremely smooth.” Account Director, Catalina Marketing

Catalina Marketing

Novo supported us with carefully selected executive and non-executive search campaigns; all three roles were successfully filled. Thank you.

Central Bedfordshire Council

As a result of Novo’s commitment and hard work we have acquired five very good businesses; a great team effort. We plan to embark on a third round of acquisitions next year and will have no hesitation in choosing Novo as a partner.

Clearsprings Support Services Ltd

How We Find Your Interim CFO

The strongest interim CFOs are often already on assignment, or available only briefly between roles. Many are not visible on job boards. Reaching them relies on established relationships and accurate research.

Brief: We agree the situation, the mandate and the experience the role needs.

Search: We identify interim finance leaders through our research team and established networks.

Shortlist: We assess each candidate’s record of delivery, availability and fit with your board and finance team.

Appointment and support: We manage the process through to start date and stay in touch throughout the assignment.

Where the long-term answer is a permanent appointment, we can run a permanent CFO search alongside the interim assignment.

Our Interim Finance Specialists

Matthew Searle

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Dale Perrett

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Jon Hollier

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Related Case Studies

Interim Engineering Director Brings Clear Accountability at Energy Power Resources

Interim Director of Stakeholder Engagement Strengthens Industry Communication at RECCo

Interim Commercial Director Keeps Customer Relationships on Track at apetito

Appointing an Interim HR Director to Steady an International Hospitality Group

Appointing an Interim CMO to Focus Marketing Leadership at Touchstone Education

Stable Interim Leadership for CSET in the Education Trust Sector

Interim Managing Director Keeps Priorities on Track at Alumasc Water Management Solutions

Interim Managing Director Gives the Business Behind Vantablack Clear Direction

Interim General Manager Appointment Maintains Momentum at CELOX Medical

Strong Finance Leadership for Welsh Dairy Co-operative South Caernarfon Creameries

Interim HR Director Brings Stability to the People Function at Southern Co-op

Interim Finance Director Appointment Brings Experienced Oversight to Apogee in Paris

Appointing an Interim R&D Director to Keep Product Development on Track at Magstim

Appointing an Interim COO to Stabilise and Scale a High-Growth Software Business

Strengthening a Biotech Business for IPO Through Interim CFO Leadership

Appointing an Interim MD to Stabilise and Restructure an Engineering & Manufacturing Business

Stabilising Operations at a Critical Moment: Interim Leadership for a Major International Airport

Interim Engineering Director Brings Clear Accountability at Energy Power Resources

Interim Director of Stakeholder Engagement Strengthens Industry Communication at RECCo

Interim Commercial Director Keeps Customer Relationships on Track at apetito

Appointing an Interim HR Director to Steady an International Hospitality Group

Appointing an Interim CMO to Focus Marketing Leadership at Touchstone Education

Stable Interim Leadership for CSET in the Education Trust Sector

Interim Managing Director Keeps Priorities on Track at Alumasc Water Management Solutions

Interim Managing Director Gives the Business Behind Vantablack Clear Direction

Interim General Manager Appointment Maintains Momentum at CELOX Medical

Strong Finance Leadership for Welsh Dairy Co-operative South Caernarfon Creameries

Interim HR Director Brings Stability to the People Function at Southern Co-op

Interim Finance Director Appointment Brings Experienced Oversight to Apogee in Paris

Appointing an Interim R&D Director to Keep Product Development on Track at Magstim

Appointing an Interim COO to Stabilise and Scale a High-Growth Software Business

Strengthening a Biotech Business for IPO Through Interim CFO Leadership

Appointing an Interim MD to Stabilise and Restructure an Engineering & Manufacturing Business

Stabilising Operations at a Critical Moment: Interim Leadership for a Major International Airport

Considering an interim finance appointment?

Discuss your requirements with our executive search team in confidence

Discuss a Confidential Interim CFO Appointment

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Interim CFO FAQs

How quickly can an interim CFO start?

How long do interim CFO assignments last?

What is the difference between an interim CFO and an interim Finance Director?

How much does an interim CFO cost?

Can an interim CFO become permanent?