Interim Finance Directors and Interim CFOs
“I have no use for bodyguards, but I have very specific use for two highly trained accountants”
– Elvis Presley.
Interim finance directors and CFOs are proven executives who can be deployed on a short, medium or longer-term basis. Our interims are specialists in providing leadership and support an organisation during a period of change, transition or crisis.
The modern role of an interim finance director or CFO is increasingly challenging and requires an evolved and enhanced skill-set – not least a depth and breadth of capability and experience. At Ceres, we’ve seen an increase in demand for these high-calibre interims in recent years.
Interim finance assignments across industry verticals have become popular for many different reasons. The economic environment and ever-changing, fast-evolving pace of technological advancements have played particularly key roles. Together these factors are placing pressure on organisations to cut costs, drive efficiencies and, in some cases, put turnaround plans in place. This is where interim finance director sand CFOs come onto their own.
The value of an interim Finance Director or interim CFO
A sound foundation for start-ups, scale-ups or scaling organisations
An experienced interim CFO or finance director can provide strategic financial advice for new businesses. This can cover key issues such as managing simple cash flow, budget planning, and establishing and managing operational systems and processes such as PAYE schemes. They can also build the capability of the finance function for the long term.
Turnaround
In distress and turnaround scenarios, a high-performing interim CFO or finance director can transform cash management, improve controls and administer debt refinancing strategy.
Upscaling & value creation
Businesses with huge commercial potential often find themselves stuck in second gear. An interim CFO or finance director can accelerate value creation, through supporting incumbent leaders or by acting as a short-term replacement to kickstart growth.
Exits & acquisitions
The intricacies of exits/deals/mergers often call for specialist expertise to provide accountancy support and manage the financial strategy. Our interim CFOs can work with the incumbent finance director or CFO to help manage the process and work with advisers and investors, ensuring the smooth handling of the transaction process and meeting exit expectations.
Change & transformation
Visionary interim CFOs and finance directors can both support and drive transformation. Their expertise can implement complex new processes and systems, and evaluate and build the finance function for operational performance and management reporting. Beyond this, a digitally-savvy interim CFO can unlock the potential in technology and transform finance’s focus from reporting to forecasting.
