Fractional Finance Director Interim

Central London | 6 Months | £800-£1,000 per day | Outside IR35 | 2-3 Days per Week

Cedar is partnering with an established, privately owned consultancy to appoint a Fractional Finance Director for an initial six-month engagement.

The business provides specialist advisory and consulting services to a diverse portfolio of corporate clients, combining deep sector expertise with long-standing client relationships. Having established a strong market position, the consultancy is now focused on improving profitability, strengthening its financial infrastructure and evaluating its longer-term strategic options.

With a potential ownership transition anticipated over the next 12-18 months, the Board is seeking an experienced finance leader to provide senior financial oversight, enhance commercial decision-making and position the business for a potential transaction.

This is a hands-on, part-time leadership role offering direct exposure to the Board and an opportunity to shape the financial direction of an established consultancy.

The Role

Working closely with the Board and senior partners, the Fractional Finance Director will take ownership of financial management, providing strategic guidance and practical support across financial reporting, forecasting and commercial performance.

The immediate priorities will centre on improving financial visibility, strengthening cash management and developing a clearer understanding of project profitability, utilisation, fee income and future financial requirements.

Alongside operational finance responsibilities, the role will involve developing the financial information, reporting and controls required to support a potential sale or investment process.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership: Provide senior financial oversight, strengthening financial controls, reporting standards and operational efficiency.
• Consultancy Performance: Develop analysis of project profitability, consultant utilisation, fee income, pricing and client margins to support commercial decision-making.
• Financial Planning: Improve budgeting, forecasting and scenario modelling, providing greater visibility over revenue, profitability and cash generation.
• Management & Board Reporting: Enhance financial reporting and Board packs, translating financial and operational data into meaningful commercial insight.
• Cash Flow & Working Capital: Improve cash flow forecasting, debtor management, billing processes and working capital efficiency.
• Exit Readiness: Prepare robust financial information to support a potential transaction, including EBITDA normalisation, financial due diligence and engagement with external advisers.
• Finance Operations: Review existing systems, processes and controls, introducing practical improvements to reporting accuracy and efficiency.
• Strategic Advisory: Partner with the Board and senior partners on profitability initiatives, commercial strategy and longer-term financial planning.

Candidate Requirements

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA-qualified accountant with substantial experience as a Finance Director, Head of Finance or senior interim finance leader.
• Strong background within consultancy, advisory or specialist professional services businesses.
• Previous experience operating within an SME, privately owned or entrepreneurial environment.
• Commercial understanding of consultancy economics, including project profitability, utilisation, fee structures, pricing and revenue recognition.
• Demonstrable experience improving financial reporting, forecasting, cash management and financial controls.
• Exposure to a business sale, investment process, ownership transition or transaction-readiness programme.
• Strong FP&A capability, including financial modelling, profitability analysis and scenario planning.
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on, fractional capacity, working directly with the Board and senior partners.

Experience supporting consultancy businesses through strategic growth, financial improvement or a transaction would be particularly advantageous.

Compensation & Working Arrangements

Location: Central London – onsite for working days.

Commitment: 2-3 days per week.

Duration: Initial 6-month contract.

Day Rate: £800-£1,000 per day.

IR35 Status: Outside IR35.

This is an opportunity for an experienced Fractional Finance Director to make a tangible impact within an established consultancy, strengthening commercial performance and financial infrastructure while supporting the Board through a period of strategic development and potential exit.