Interim Cfo Job Description

The Labor Model for Finance in the Digital Age

Many finance executives today rely on a flexible labor force that includes full-time employees who are focused on critical initiatives, interim and project-based professionals who help to support them, and other specialized resources that can provide additional capabilities and perform. The labor model for finance in the digital age is a white paper from Robert Half and Protiviti, a Robert Half subsidiary, that gives more insight on how CFOs and other finance leaders are using highly skilled interim resources to supplement their core teams. Companies that are running lean can struggle to stretch their budgets further.

They can solve the affordability issue by bringing in an experienced finance professional. An interim management consultant can be a good solution when the business needs a CFO but isn't ready to staff the position full time. A highly skilled CFO can bring a lot of value to a startup or fast-growing company.

Interim CFOs: A Good Investment for Private Equity

Interim CFOs don't deal with small businesses. They are usually appointed by middle market or large-sized organizations when they are facing challenges or undergoing leadership changes. Interim CFOs are hired for a specific purpose and their job is done after the engagement is over.

The average duration of their job is between one to three months, so you probably won't hear from them again. Interpersonal skills are a key component of adaptability. Being able to communicate effectively and motivate team members is a part of being an interim CFO.

An interim CFO with a positive attitude and good communication can fit into an existing team much quicker than someone who lacks the necessary skills. The temporary CFO can perform well for the new team if he demonstrates effective communication. Private equity leadership benefits from an interim CFO.

Communication that is clear and concise will allow the interim CFO to read financial data in a clear, concise manner that will result in constructive interactions. The type of experience of the permanent CFO you seek might not be the same as that of the consulting CFO, but they still have a high level of expertise. The temporary CFO should have an executive degree in finance as well as five to 10 years of executive-level experience.

A promising temporary CFO will be able to demonstrate past experience leading financial or accounting functions of large companies. An interim CFO should still be competent and familiar with the financial reporting and performance demands of private equity even though they don't have the same experience as a permanent CFO. A short time is critical when it comes to the selection of an interim CFO for your company.

The Role of Interim CFOs in Finance

Interim CFOs are experienced financial management-level specialists that can help you. They may work for you on a short-term contract. They may work less than full-time if you need it.

An interim CFO is a temporary member of your team, and your expectations of their performance can differ from your expectations of other personnel. How you measure the success of an interim CFO is a question. The same way you evaluate any other employee is what the short answer is.

You compare job performance to the description. The basics of evaluating executive job performance are the same as those of the mailroom clerk. You should start with why you hired the person.

An interim CFO must have strong technical skills and a deep understanding of your business. You can promote someone from within your company based on your knowledge. You can choose a candidate recommended by the search firm.

Firms try to match the skills of candidates to your needs. A CFO has to understand the long-range goals of the company from a financial viewpoint. Do they understand how the products and services you provide contribute to continued success?