The market for interim Chief Financial Officers in London is experiencing a significant surge, particularly within private equity-backed companies. Demand has risen sharply, with a reported 46 percent year-on-year increase in interim CFO assignments. This growth is being driven by high CFO turnover, an ongoing shortage of senior finance leaders, and increasing pressure from private equity sponsors to accelerate value creation.
Interim CFOs are now viewed as a strategic solution rather than a temporary fix. Private equity firms are offering highly attractive contracts, including part-time or fractional roles with substantial compensation. In one case, a part-time interim CFO was offered £300,000 annually for a two-day workweek, plus extended leave. Businesses undergoing acquisitions, restructurings or scale-ups are relying on experienced interim finance leaders to provide immediate impact.
Role Overview: Interim CFOs in Private Equity Settings
In a private equity-backed business, an interim CFO is brought in to deliver rapid financial leadership with minimal onboarding. Their responsibilities typically include the following:
- Turnaround and Stabilisation
Leading cost reduction programmes, restructuring plans, and crisis cashflow management in underperforming or distressed businesses - Mergers, Acquisitions, and Exit Readiness
Managing due diligence processes, leading integration following acquisitions, and preparing businesses for sale or IPO. This may include developing robust FP&A capabilities and tightening financial controls to align with sponsor expectations. - Financial Management and Reporting
Overseeing core finance functions including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cashflow oversight. Interim CFOs often implement new reporting frameworks and systems to ensure financial clarity and accuracy for investors and boards. - Stakeholder Engagement
Acting as a key point of contact for private equity owners, board members, banks, auditors, and advisers. Regular reporting and strategic communication help maintain investor confidence and alignment. - Value Creation Initiatives
Delivering operational improvements, enhancing margin performance, overseeing finance transformation, and leading carve-outs. For example, one interim CFO was tasked with building out FP&A, offshoring transactional finance, and professionalising business partnering ahead of a planned growth push.
These roles span a wide range of sectors, and adaptability is essential. Interim CFOs are expected to deliver at pace and take ownership of complex agendas immediately.
Current Day Rates for Interim CFOs in London
Day rates in London reflect both the strategic importance and time-sensitive nature of these assignments. Interim CFOs working within private equity-backed environments are typically paid within the following ranges, excluding VAT:
| Fund Size | Typical Portfolio Company Profile | Day Rate (London) |
| Small-Cap | Lower mid-market or first institutional round | £800 – £1,200 per day |
| Mid-Cap | Mid-sized companies: revenues £100M and £500M | £1,200 – £1,750 per day |
| Large-Cap | Complex, global businesses, £500M+ in revenue | £1,750 – £2,500+ per day |
At the lower end, £800 per day equates to an annualised salary of over £160,000, which reflects the level of skill and responsibility expected. More complex assignments involving transformation, multiple stakeholders, or time-critical outcomes can push day rates well beyond £2,000.
What Influences Rate Variation
Several key factors determine where an assignment falls within the range:
- Company size and structural complexity
Larger and more operationally diverse companies require more experienced CFOs and justify higher day rates. - Scope of the engagement
Strategic roles involving exits, acquisitions, or business-wide transformation attract higher fees than caretaking or business-as-usual roles. - Candidate profile
CFOs with previous private equity experience, successful exits, or niche industry knowledge are positioned to command premium rates. - Time commitment
Full-time roles are priced daily. Part-time or fractional roles may be offered at a higher nominal day rate but fewer days per week, or may be structured via a monthly retainer. - Location
London-based assignments continue to carry a premium over regional or remote roles, reflecting the competition for talent in the capital.
Bonuses and success fees are rare but not unheard of, especially in high-value, milestone-driven mandates.
Market Outlook and Trends
The current environment is highly candidate-driven. Private equity firms are deploying capital at speed and require immediate financial leadership in their portfolio companies. Interim CFOs with a demonstrable track record in transactions, value creation, and private equity environments are in particularly high demand.
Recruiters report faster hiring processes and upward pressure on pay, as companies compete for a finite pool of available talent. The interim route is also increasingly attractive to senior CFOs seeking flexibility, variety, and premium compensation. As a result, interim finance leadership is no longer a stopgap solution but a core strategic resource.
In summary, interim CFO day rates in London range from approximately £800 to £2,500 depending on the complexity of the business and the nature of the engagement. This pricing reflects the high expectations, short timelines, and business-critical nature of the work. The market in 2024 and 2025 is set to remain highly active, driven by private equity activity and the ongoing need for agile, experienced finance leadership.
