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Interim vs Permanent Finance Hires: What's right for your business?

Having specialised in placing senior interim accountants in Yorkshire for over 20 years, I’ve seen all kinds of reasons behind the need for a business to recruit new finance staff but how many of those companies made the right call….at the right time? The decision to hire an interim or permanent finance professional is a significant one, and it largely depends on the company’s specific needs, objectives, and resources. Both types of finance jobs have distinct advantages and can provide different types of value to an organisation. In this article, I’ll explore the key benefits of hiring an interim vs a permanent accountancy and finance professional. ​Understanding the Roles: Interim vs. Permanent Finance Professionals Before diving into the benefits, it's essential to understand the fundamental differences between interim and permanent. Interim Finance Professionals: are typically brought in on a short-term basis to address specific challenges or temporary gaps within a company.These professionals are usually highly experienced, often with a broad skill set, and are capable of stepping into a role quickly. Interim finance professionals might be hired for a variety of reasons, including covering for a permanent employee on leave, assisting with a specific project, managing transitions, or handling urgent financial needs. Permanent Finance Professionals: on the other hand, are hired to take on a long-term role within the company. They typically have a more stable and ongoing relationship with the organisation, working closely with other departments and employees to ensure the company’s financial health is maintained and improved. A permanent finance professional is expected to provide continuous support, helping shape long-term strategies, and ensuring business growth and stability. ​With these definitions in mind, let's explore the benefits of each type.​Benefits of Hiring an Interim Finance Professional 1. Flexibility and Immediate Impact: One of the most significant advantages of hiring an interim accountancy/finance candidate is flexibility. Interim candidates are typically available to step in quickly, often within a matter of weeks or even days. This is especially beneficial for businesses that need immediate support within their finance function due to an unexpected situation or an urgent financial project. For example, if a company faces a sudden crisis, such as the resignation of a senior finance executive, a business owner might need an interim finance leader to fill the role temporarily. The interim candidate can quickly assume responsibilities, such as overseeing cash flow management, financial reporting, and budget planning, allowing the business to continue operating smoothly during the transition period. Additionally, interims can be engaged for specific, short-term projects, such as managing the implementation of a new financial system, preparing for audits, or dealing with temporary increases in workload. The flexibility of interim senior finance roles makes them ideal for businesses looking to meet specific short-term goals without the need to commit to a permanent hire. ​2. Cost-Effective for Short-Term Needs Hiring an interim accountant can often be more cost-effective than hiring a permanent one, particularly for short-term or project-based needs. Interims are typically paid a daily or weekly rate, which means businesses do not need to cover the long-term costs associated with a permanent employee, such as pensions, healthcare, and other benefits. For companies operating on tight budgets or with fluctuating financial demands, hiring an interim professional can be a way to access high-level expertise without committing to the ongoing costs of a permanent hire. This is particularly valuable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may not have the financial capacity to employ a full-time senior finance professional with the expertise required to fulfil their requirements. ​3. Expertise and Specialisation Interim finance professionals often bring a wealth of experience and unique knowledge to the table. Many have worked across various industries, providing them with a broad understanding of different financial challenges and solutions. Their expertise enables them to quickly assess the situation, identify the key issues, and implement strategies that can drive immediate improvements. Whether it’s managing complex financial reporting, overseeing mergers and acquisitions, or implementing cost-saving initiatives, interim finance professionals possess the necessary skills to tackle these challenges quickly and effectively. For businesses that require specialised financial expertise on a temporary or interim basis, hiring an interim professional can be a great solution. ​4. Support During Transitions and Change Businesses that are going through periods of change—whether it’s a merger, acquisition, restructure, or IT system upgrade—can benefit from the support of an interim finance professional. These transitions often require specialist knowledge to ensure a smooth process. They can help with tasks such as conducting due diligence, integrating financial systems, or managing financial communications with stakeholders. Their ability to handle high-pressure situations and adapt to challenges quickly makes them invaluable during periods of change. ​5. Reduced Recruitment Risk If a business is uncertain about hiring a permanent employee or simply wants to test the waters, hiring an interim can reduce the recruitment risk. They are often hired for their ability to deliver results quickly, without the long-term commitment that comes with a permanent role. If the business is not satisfied with the interims performance, they can simply replace them without the added complications that come with a permanent hire. This can be especially important for businesses that may be unsure about the long-term financial strategy or need time to evaluate the suitability of a new hire before committing to them permanently. ​Benefits of Hiring a Permanent Finance Professional 1.Long-Term Strategic Support ​A permanent finance hire, hopefully, becomes an integral part of the company’s long-term strategy. This individual will be responsible for the company’s ongoing financial health, working closely with management to shape business decisions, optimise financial performance, and align the company’s financial goals with its strategic objectives. Permanent finance professionals can help businesses by offering consistent advice on areas like tax planning, financial forecasting, and long-term investment strategies. They can also assist with employee development, fostering a strong financial team, and providing training and mentorship to junior staff members. For businesses that require a stable, long-term financial presence to guide growth and sustainability, hiring a permanent finance professional is often the best option. ​2.Stronger Company Culture and Relationships One of the key benefits of having a permanent employee is their ability to build strong relationships within the company. Unlike interim professionals, who may only interact with a limited number of people during their contract, permanent professionals have the time to embed themselves within the company culture and form deeper connections with other employees, teams, and departments. A permanent finance professional can work collaboratively with other departments, helping to align financial strategies with broader business objectives. Over time, they develop a deep understanding of the business’s operations, challenges, and goals, which allows them to make more informed decisions and offer tailored financial advice. ​3.Continuity and Stability Hiring a permanent finance professional ensures continuity and stability in your company’s financial management. This is especially important for businesses that require ongoing oversight and management of financial processes. A permanent professional will have a long-term commitment to the company’s financial success, ensuring that key financial tasks—such as budgeting, reporting, and compliance—are consistently handled. Stability is particularly important businesses that require ongoing financial planning and risk management. A permanent finance professional will be able to navigate both the everyday challenges and the long-term issues that might arise, such as economic downturns, changes in regulation, or shifts in market conditions. ​4.Deeper Understanding of the Business A permanent finance hire has the time to truly understand the intricacies of the business. Over time, they become deeply familiar with the company’s goals, challenges, and nuances, which allows them to make better financial decisions and anticipate potential issues. This in-depth knowledge helps to align financial decision-making with the company’s vision, ensuring that financial strategies support business growth in a meaningful way. Businesses that operate in competitive industries or rapidly changing markets can benefit from having a finance professional who is attuned to the local market conditions and the specific needs of the business. ​5.Employee Retention and Development A permanent finance professional is often tasked with developing and mentoring junior employees. By investing in the development of the finance team, they help ensure that the company has a pipeline of talent to support future growth. For businesses that plan to scale or expand their operations, having a permanent finance professional who can recruit, train, and develop a team of skilled finance staff is a key advantage. This helps build a more robust and capable finance function within the company, which is especially important for long-term success. ​​​Interim vs. Permanent Finance Professionals Both interim and permanent finance candidates offer unique benefits to businesses, and the choice between the two largely depends on the company’s specific needs and goals. Interim finance professionals provide flexibility, expertise, and cost-effectiveness for businesses that need short-term support or specialised assistance. They are particularly well-suited for project-based work, transitional periods, or covering gaps in the workforce. On the other hand, permanent finance professionals offer long-term strategic support, stability, and the ability to foster strong relationships within the company. They are ideal for businesses seeking continuous guidance on financial matters, long-term growth, and the development of a cohesive financial strategy. ​Ultimately, the right choice for your business will depend on factors such as the scope of the work required, the financial health of your organisation, and your long-term goals. By carefully weighing the advantages of both options, you can make an informed decision that best supports the success of your business. ​Need help deciding whether an interim or permanent finance professional is right for your business? At Sharp Consultancy, we’ve been advising and supporting businesses across Yorkshire for over 30 years—matching them with the right finance professionals at the right time. Whether you need immediate interim support or are planning a strategic permanent hire, our teams in Leeds and Sheffield can guide you through the options. 📞 Call us today on 0113 236 6300 / 0114 261 1700 or 📧 email stuartdouglass@sharpconsultancy.com to discuss your hiring needs with one of our expert consultants. ​Sharp Consultancy is a specialist finance and accountancy recruitment partner for businesses across Yorkshire and the North East Midlands. With a deep understanding of the local market and access to a network of high-calibre professionals, we help organisations secure the talent they need to succeed. If you're looking to strengthen your finance team, CONTACT US to speak to one of our expert consultants to find out how we can help.

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How to Pass Your Probation Period – Tips for Employees and Employers

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Starting a new finance or accountancy role often comes with a probation or trial period—typically lasting between three and six months. This critical phase allows employers to assess if a new hire is the right fit for the team, and gives new employees the opportunity to decide if the company aligns with their career aspirations.

At Sharp Consultancy, we support clients and candidates across Yorkshire and the North of England to ensure every placement is a successful, long-term match. Whether you're an ambitious Part-Qualified Accountant, an experienced Finance Director, or hiring for your finance team, here are our expert tips to make the most of the probation period.

Tips for New Employees: Make a Great First Impression

1. Nail the Basics

No matter how experienced you are, the early days in a new role can feel overwhelming. New systems, processes, and people all take time to adjust to.

Set yourself up for success by:

  • Arriving on time and dressing professionally

  • Being friendly, enthusiastic, and approachable

  • Asking questions when in doubt

  • Showing a willingness to learn and adapt

First impressions count—so keep them positive.

cartoon working from home environment with computer chair, desktop, books and a lamp on a pink peach background.

2. Pace Yourself and Learn the Ropes

While it's natural to want to hit the ground running, your new employer doesn’t expect you to know everything on day one.

Use your probation period to:

  • Ask smart questions

  • Read up on company background and previous projects

  • Observe how different departments operate

  • Absorb the company’s culture and processes

This approach is especially useful in complex finance functions, such as management accounting, financial planning, or audit roles.

3. Lend a Hand Where You Can

If your workload is still building up, offer support to colleagues on ongoing tasks and projects. It’s a great way to:

  • Demonstrate you’re a team player

  • Gain practical insights into company operations

  • Build rapport with new colleagues

Your communication and collaboration skills will shine—and these are especially valued in finance teams of all sizes.

4. Avoid Office Politics

Stay professional and steer clear of gossip or comparing your new workplace to your previous one. Don’t:

  • Badmouth former employers

  • Criticise your predecessor

  • Push for major changes before understanding existing systems

Maintain neutrality and show respect for the existing team dynamics.

5. Leave on Good Terms, Start on Better Ones

Even if you left your last job under difficult circumstances, avoid speaking negatively about past employers or colleagues. The finance and accountancy sector—especially across Yorkshire and the North—is a close-knit community, and word travels fast.

Tips for Employers: Help New Starters Succeed

Hiring the right person is only the beginning. Supporting their success during probation can significantly increase retention and long-term productivity.

1. Set Clear Objectives and Expectations

Ensure each new hire receives:

  • A detailed job description

  • A list of key responsibilities

  • Clear and achievable goals for their first few months

This is especially crucial for roles such as Financial Controller, Finance Business Partner, or any senior finance position where expectations may be high from day one.

2. Give Time to Settle In

Even if you need an immediate impact, give new employees time to:

  • Understand the company structure

  • Settle into their role

  • Learn internal systems and workflows

Offer relevant background materials and introductions to key contacts early on.

3. Be Approachable and Supportive

Book in regular one-to-one catch-ups to:

  • Answer questions

  • Offer feedback

  • Provide reassurance

Make yourself accessible and show that you're invested in their success. A consistent check-in during probation is one of the most effective retention tools for finance professionals.

4. Avoid Criticising Former Employees

Even if you're hoping the new hire will bring a fresh perspective, avoid speaking poorly about their predecessor. Focus instead on the goals ahead and how the new recruit can bring value.

5. Assign a Project or Ownership Early On

Allow new team members to take on a small but meaningful project. This helps:

  • Boost confidence

  • Showcase their strengths

  • Prove their value to the wider team

It also reinforces why they were the right hire in the first place.

Sharp Consultancy: Your Partner for Successful Recruitment

At Sharp Consultancy, we specialise in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals across Sheffield, Leeds, and the wider Yorkshire region. Our experienced consultants ensure both clients and candidates are fully prepared for long-term success—right from day one.

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAYand let's chart your career path together.