Hiring a finance director: full-time, fractional or interim?
You need a finance director but are unsure whether to hire full-time, engage a fractional CFO or bring in an interim. The right choice depends on size, budget and urgency. This guide helps you decide.
When to hire a full-time finance director
A full-time hire makes sense when finance work genuinely fills a full week — usually beyond a certain size. Below that, a full-time post is oversized and costly.
When to prefer fractional or part-time
For an SME needing senior expertise but not full-time, a fractional CFO is the most efficient option: a senior profile, a few days a month, no fixed costs.
When to choose interim
If the need is urgent and temporary — a gap to cover, a fundraise, a restructuring — an interim CFO delivers immediately for a few months.
The cost compared
A full-time CFO costs ~£120,000+ in year one. A fractional CFO over 60 days at £1,000/day costs ~£60,000 — more economical and more flexible for most SMEs.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can I find a fractional CFO?
On a vetted platform like FINCY you receive matching profiles within 48 hours, versus weeks for a traditional hire.
What if the profile is not a fit?
On FINCY, flag it within the first 7 days and they are replaced within 48 hours at no extra cost.
Tell us what you need on FINCY: finance consultants vetted one by one, matching profiles within 48 hours, 0% consultant commission.