A high-stakes project. A sudden leadership gap. A moment of inflection. Hiring an interim CFO is increasingly the answer when companies need seasoned financial leadership—without the wait. When facing a major shift, an interim leader can offer critical stability and strategic clarity. That’s why more organizations are turning to these experienced executives when they need fast, flexible resourcing to lead through transitions and take on critical, near-term priorities.
This growing interest in interim CFOs it reflects how dramatically the CFO role itself has evolved.
The changing nature of the CFO role
“The role of chief financial officer has evolved from number cruncher to key strategic partner, responsible for driving business growth,” notes Raconteur. No longer singularly focused on being the company’s financial gatekeeper, today’s CFO is expected to serve as a strategic co-pilot—guiding decisions, steering transformation, and identifying risks before they surface. As business models shift, stakeholder expectations rise, and data pours in from every direction, the CFO role has become one of the most critical—and complex—in the C-suite.
Today’s CFO might spend one week untangling a supply chain issue, the next modeling the impact of a new pricing strategy, and the next preparing for investor scrutiny on climate disclosures. They’re juggling operational decisions, long-range planning, and real-time risk—all while boards and CEOs look to them for clarity in uncertainty and pressure-tested judgment at speed.
Much of that pressure stems from the sheer volume—and value—of data now flowing through the finance function. CFOs are expected to harness it, interpret it, and turn it into action. From forecasting and scenario modeling to business unit performance and investor narratives, every decision must be data-informed. But the demand isn’t just for numbers—it’s for insight, delivered fast and in context.
As businesses upgrade and expand their finance capabilities, they’re adding complexity and operational scope to the CFO role—requiring ever-greater expertise to succeed within it. Early in the pandemic, two thirds of CFOs were already saying that new responsibilities had been added to their team’s plate since the pandemic began—from new reporting requirements to real estate evaluation and employee health and safety—and there's no sign their load has gotten any lighter in the years since.
According to Alyse Bodine of Heidrick & Struggles,
“The broadening spectrum of factors shareholders expect companies to pay attention to, along with their rising complexity, has elevated the importance and scope of the CFO role. Today’s CFOs are expected to have broad business and commercial acumen to develop and execute enduring strategies for creating shareholder value, measure their impact on stakeholders, and address various forms of risk—particularly global risks—as companies move into new markets. Add in issues such as social responsibility, and it is clear that CFOs are expected to function at a higher level than ever before.”
Sitting CFOs are being asked to stretch beyond their traditional remit faster and further than ever before. And as the demands of the role grow more complex, even fewer candidates are ready to step in on short notice. Turnover is rising, and searches for permanent CFOs often take months. Today, digital fluency, data literacy, and cross-functional experience have become table stakes. To keep critical initiatives moving and maintain continuity at the top, more companies are turning to interim CFOs.
What does an interim CFO do?
An interim CFO anchors the finance function during times of change. In moments of transition, companies that hire an interim CFO gain a steadying presence—someone who can maintain momentum, bring clarity to complex decisions, and keep key initiatives moving forward. With a defined timeline and focused mandate, the fractional CFO works with urgency—executing critical projects, establishing essential processes, and guiding teams through uncertainty.
But the value of these interim CFO services goes beyond filling a temporary gap. A seasoned temporary CFO brings outside perspective, deep experience, and objective insight into what the business truly needs in its next full-time leader. Done right, the engagement leaves the team stronger, and the seat better prepared for a lasting fit. Whether bridging a leadership gap, supporting transformation, or preparing for a major event like an IPO, interim CFO services offer a flexible, high-impact solution tailored to the moment. This is the way to keep the business moving while laying the groundwork for long-term success.
Comparing an interim CFO vs a fractional CFO
Though “fractional CFO” has become a popular catchall term, it’s important to distinguish it from the role of a true interim CFO. Both offer flexible, high-level financial leadership, but they serve different purposes. An interim CFO typically steps in full-time for a set period—often during moments of transition like an executive departure, M&A, or transformation. Fractional CFOs, on the other hand, more often provide ongoing, part-time support, helping extend leadership capacity without the commitment of a full-time hire.
Understanding the difference isn’t just semantics—it shapes how companies structure leadership support. With the right on-demand talent model, organizations can tap into either option quickly, ensuring they’re getting precisely the right level of leadership for the moment.
What’s driving the demand for a fractional CFO?
Demand for fractional CFOs is being driven by a mix of financial pragmatism and strategic need. Startups and growth-stage companies often can’t justify a full-time CFO but still require senior financial guidance—especially as they scale, fundraise, or prepare for key milestones. At the same time, more seasoned executives are seeking portfolio-style careers that offer flexibility, variety, and impact without the constraints of a traditional full-time role. The result: a growing market for temporary or part-time CFO expertise that’s both cost-efficient and high caliber.
Notably, that shift is showing up in the data. According to analytics firm Revelio Labs, “Side-hustling is not limited to traditional freelance roles: Since 2018, the share of new executive positions that mention fractional work has tripled,” highlighting just how quickly this flexible model is gaining traction even within the C-Suite.
Why companies need interim CFOs now
The market volatility of recent years has created openings for some companies to scale rapidly—whether through organic growth or acquisition—while others have been forced to navigate intense financial strain. In both cases, the demands on the finance function have changed fast. While incumbent CFOs often excel at maintaining operations in stable times, they may lack the specialized experience needed to build new capabilities—like integrating acquisitions, managing distressed balance sheets, or scaling under pressure. That’s where an interim CFO can step in, bringing targeted expertise and an external lens to help businesses stabilize, evolve, and grow.
CFO leadership in enterprise-wide transformations and transitions
Business transformation is no longer a discrete event—it’s a constant state. With rapid shifts in technology, operating models, and workforce dynamics, CFOs have become central players in driving change across the enterprise. But when organizations face urgent transitions—such as restructurings, system overhauls, or strategy shifts—they may not be ready to make a permanent hire. Interim CFOs offer critical leadership at the pace change demands, keeping momentum strong while long-term plans take shape.
Readiness when experience matters: IPOs, M&A, and more
In volatile markets, companies often encounter unfamiliar scenarios—whether it’s an IPO, a major restructuring, or a strategic acquisition. These moments call for seasoned financial leadership, but many private company CFOs haven’t led through such transitions before. Interim CFOs with specialized experience can step in to guide the company through high-stakes events like going public, navigating SOX compliance, or preparing for increased investor scrutiny. They bring the judgment, structure, and speed needed to help companies stay on track when it matters most.
Gaps at the top: Retirements, resignations, and leadership burnout
Fatigue, burnout, and the changing role of CFOs are fueling a significant shift within the finance function. While some CFOs who steered their companies through the pandemic found they lacked the energy to gear back up for a growth sprint in the years that followed, others seized upon a sustained rally in the equity markets to cash out and pursue retirement or pivot into full-time board careers. As the supply and demand curve for skilled finance leadership grows ever more steep, interim talent can provide steady hands to help companies bridge the gap until an ideal long-term CFO can be found.
When to hire an interim CFO
As the CFO role continues to expand in scale and strategic importance, companies are increasingly turning to interim CFOs to bridge gaps, stabilize transitions, and advance critical priorities.
Based on our work delivering highly skilled interim CFOs to leading organizations, here are four of the most common—and effective—ways companies are deploying interim finance leadership:
1. Filling a traditional interim CFO role
Interim CFOs can step in to provide steady, full-time leadership during a planned or unexpected vacancy—ensuring continuity and keeping key workstreams on track while a permanent hire is identified.
2. Supporting acting finance leaders
When an internal leader is elevated into the CFO role on an interim basis, experienced interim CFOs can be brought in as advisors or operational backstops—offering guidance, bandwidth, and expertise during the transition.
3. Backfilling roles vacated by acting CFOs
In some cases, organizations may need to support the broader finance team by backfilling the role vacated by an internal leader who has stepped up as acting CFO. Interim VPs of FP&A, treasurers, and controllers are common solutions.
4. Projectizing critical components of the CFO remit
Rather than covering the entire role, companies may carve out specific workstreams—such as financial systems upgrades, investor readiness, or restructuring—and engage interim CFOs to lead those efforts with precision and speed.
So what do companies look for in an interim or long-term CFO?
“About 90% of our clients place a strong understanding of operations at the top of their list, along with organizational leadership skills. The focus on operationally capable CFOs, who have worked at the business unit level, transcends industry sectors… Business partnering, leadership, and experience interacting with the board are also among our clients’ frequent ‛must haves,’” Bodine said in a Wall Street Journal article on market demands for the CFO role.
Jeremy Hanson of Heidrick & Struggles adds, “There is a need for CFOs who are adept at taking customer data and analytics and using that information to improve business and the way they market products and services. There simply aren’t enough of those executives on the planet right now.”
So, is it time to hire an interim CFO?
You may benefit from temporary CFO leadership if:
- You’re facing a CFO vacancy and need immediate continuity
- Your company is undergoing transformation, M&A, or IPO prep
- An internal leader is stepping up and needs experienced support
- Key initiatives require focused, high-level finance expertise
These scenarios call for more than coverage—they call for leadership. Interim CFOs bring the skills, speed, and strategic insight to keep your business moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are interim CFO services?
Interim CFO services refer to the short-term engagement of an experienced finance leader to fill a critical gap, lead a transformation, or support major initiatives. These executives typically step in during transitions, helping companies maintain momentum and navigate complex challenges.
When should I hire an interim CFO?
Companies typically hire an interim CFO during leadership transitions, periods of rapid growth, financial restructuring, IPO preparation, or M&A activity. Interim CFOs are also helpful when a permanent hire is delayed, or a unique skillset is needed fast.
What’s the difference between an interim CFO and a fractional CFO?
An interim CFO is usually a full-time resource brought in for a defined period to manage urgent needs or change initiatives. A fractional CFO, on the other hand, typically supports a business on a part-time, ongoing basis—ideal for companies that need strategic finance support but don’t require a full-time hire.
Can I find interim CFO consulting services on-demand?
Yes. On-demand talent platforms like Business Talent Group make it easy to find interim CFO consulting services that fit your needs—whether you’re facing a leadership gap, managing a major event, or scaling your finance function quickly.
Ready to find your right-fit interim CFO? Get started today.
