Interim CFO
When do you need an interim CFO?
Your CFO is leaving. Your board expects reliable numbers. A fundraising round is taking shape. At moments like these, leaving the seat empty or hiring in a rush is expensive. An interim CFO takes over right away, for as long as you need.
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Sudden departure or extended absence of your CFO
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Cash flow pressure or shrinking margins
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Fundraising, acquisition or preparing a sale
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Restructuring or turnaround plan
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ERP project, reporting overhaul or slow closings
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Fast growth that has outpaced your finance organisation
What your interim CFO takes charge of
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Financial steering and cash flow forecasting
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Reporting to the CEO and the board
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Relations with banks, auditors and tax authorities
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Budget, closings and management control
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Building or strengthening the finance team
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A structured handover to your permanent CFO
The profiles we propose
CFOs and finance directors who have held the role before and are used to reporting to a board. Depending on your situation, we also propose complementary finance roles: financial controller, treasurer, head of accounting, tax specialist.
How an assignment works
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We take the time to understand your situation, your constraints and what you expect from the CFO.
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We search our network of more than 1,000 validated experts.
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We introduce a short selection of CFOs we know and recommend.
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We check backgrounds and references.
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The Links handles the contractual framework. Your CFO can start as soon as possible.
Why The Links
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Reactivity: deployment possible very quickly.
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Network: more than 1,000 validated experts with verified references.
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Transparency: you pay for the hours actually worked, with no hidden costs.
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HR advisory included with your selection: at no extra cost.
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A wider choice: independent transition managers and consulting firms in a single selection.
Assignment examples
CFO leaves in the middle of year-end closing
Industrial SME in Vaud, around 150 employees. The CFO leaves two months before year-end closing. Our interim CFO is in place within a week for a six-month assignment: closing and audit completed on time, 13-week cash forecast in place, handover to the newly hired CFO.
Preparing a fundraising round
Fast-growing services company in Geneva, around 80 employees. Nine-month assignment at 60%: financial model, data room, preparation of investor discussions and board reporting.
Regaining control of cash
Family-owned company in French-speaking Switzerland under cash pressure. Five-month assignment: weekly cash plan, discussions with the banks, cost reduction plan presented to the board.
Interim CFO or consultant?
An interim CFO takes the seat and its operational responsibilities. A consultant advises and recommends. We explain the differences on our Services page.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can an interim CFO start?
Very quickly, depending on the situation. In most cases, we introduce a selection of profiles within the week.
How long does an assignment last?
From a few weeks to several months, depending on the goal: covering an absence, leading a project or bridging the gap until a permanent CFO arrives.
How is the assignment billed?
You only pay for the hours actually worked, with no retainer and no hidden costs. The rate is agreed before the start.
What is the contractual framework?
A tripartite framework brings together your company, The Links and the expert or their firm. The Links sets up the contract.
Can an interim CFO work part-time?
Yes. The assignment can be full-time or part-time, for example two to three days a week, depending on your needs.
How do you protect confidentiality?
We only share a profile with the expert's agreement, for a specific assignment. Discussions about your situation remain confidential.