With an Interim CFO you benefit from having ‘no past and no future with your organisation’.
6-months ago following a restructure, I engaged an Interim CFO and Company Secretary on a 12-month assignment.
The professional concerned is an ex-partner from a Big-4 firm, now pursuing a portfolio career including board appointments and a small number of consulting engagements.
The Brief
The nature of the brief covered four main areas:
Mentor and develop the Group Financial Controller.
Provide insight and guidance on team composition.
Financial guidance to the CEO.
Company Secretarial responsibilities including external reporting and board liaison.
The Outcome
Drawing on a diverse background including client advisory, and also corporate experience, the CFO has been a valuable resource bringing independence as well as a hands-on attitude.
The mentoring aspect has been particularly valuable, alongside handling the company secretarial duties meaning that the Group Controller has been able to focus on core finance, planning/forecasting, and business partnering duties.
I have utilised interims in the past, and would not hesitate to bring them on in the future for key C-level projects.