Head of Finance Interim

Cedar is partnering with an established professional services SME to appoint an Interim Head of Finance for an initial six-month engagement.

With a potential transaction anticipated within 12-18 months, the business is focused on improving profitability, strengthening financial management and preparing for a potential exit.

This is a broad, hands-on leadership role, working closely with the Board to enhance financial reporting, improve commercial visibility and establish the financial discipline required to support both operational performance and transaction readiness.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Board, the Interim Head of Finance will oversee financial management, reporting and commercial analysis, while developing more robust forecasting and management information.

A key priority will be improving visibility over profitability, cash generation and financial performance, alongside preparing the business for a potential transaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership: Oversee financial management, reporting, controls and day-to-day finance operations.

• Commercial Performance: Analyse profitability, margins, operating costs and key performance drivers to identify improvement opportunities.

• Exit Preparation: Support EBITDA normalisation, quality of earnings analysis, financial due diligence and transaction readiness.

• FP&A: Develop budgets, rolling forecasts and financial models to improve planning and commercial visibility.

• Management Reporting: Enhance monthly MI and Board reporting, delivering clear, actionable commercial insights.

• Cash & Working Capital: Strengthen cash flow forecasting, debtor management and working capital efficiency.

• Financial Infrastructure: Improve financial processes, systems and controls to ensure reliable reporting.

• Stakeholder Management: Partner with the Board, operational leaders and external advisers on commercial decisions and transaction planning.

Candidate Requirements

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA-qualified finance leader with experience operating at Head of Finance or Finance Director level.

• Strong background in professional services, consultancy or similar commercially driven businesses.

• Experience within SME, entrepreneurial or investor-backed environments.

• Previous involvement in transaction preparation, financial due diligence or business exits.

• Strong commercial finance, FP&A and financial control capabilities.

• Proven ability to improve reporting, forecasting, cash management and profitability analysis.

• Comfortable operating both strategically and hands-on, working directly with the Board.

Compensation & Working Arrangements

• Location: Central London – hybrid, 3 days per week in the office.

• Duration: Initial 6-month contract.

• Day Rate: £700-£800 per day.

• IR35 Status: Outside IR35.

This opportunity would suit an experienced interim finance leader capable of strengthening financial performance, improving commercial insight and preparing an SME for a potential transaction.