The interim finance market has come out swinging. Across Financial Control, Projects, and FP&A/FBP, we’re seeing strong movement – particularly in FMCG, Manufacturing and Property. But what’s really standing out isn’t just volume. It’s the speed.
Shortlists reviewed in hours
Same-day interviews
Offers turned around almost immediately
When early-year projects, restructures and a wave of resignations converge, it creates a mini-surge. And the clients who move decisively are securing the strongest interim talent.
This isn’t just anecdotal. It reflects a wider structural shift in how organisations are approaching workforce strategy in uncertain conditions.
Interim Hiring is holding firm despite economic uncertainty
Recent labour market data from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) shows continued demand for temporary and contract professionals, even as permanent hiring remains more sensitive to economic headwinds (REC Labour Market Tracker, 2025–26).At the same time, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) continues to report economic conditions characterised by cautious growth, cost pressures and productivity challenges.
Against that backdrop, businesses are making pragmatic decisions:
Deliver key projects without increasing long-term fixed costs
Strengthen financial control amid margin pressure
Bring in specialist capability for defined change programmes
Maintain agility while preserving balance sheet flexibility
Interim talent is no longer just reactive cover. It’s strategic risk management.
Why speed has become a competitive advantage
In a market shaped by volatility, delay creates exposure. Finance functions are under pressure to:
Improve cashflow forecasting
Tighten working capital controls
Enhance scenario modelling
Support refinancing or covenant reporting
Deliver systems upgrades or transformation programmes
When those needs arise, organisations can’t afford a three-month hiring process.
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has highlighted the growing use of flexible workforce models as part of long-term workforce planning rather than short-term stopgaps. In other words, interim hiring is increasingly embedded into strategic thinking.
That’s exactly what we’re seeing on the ground - Greater openness between FTC and day-rate structures, Commercial and project experience prioritised over “perfect” sector alignment and faster decision-making at shortlist and offer stage. The businesses moving quickly are winning.
Forecasting & Scenario Planning
This market dynamic connects directly to the theme of our upcoming roundtable: Forecasting & Scenario Planning.
In periods of economic ambiguity, forecasting quality becomes a leadership differentiator.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has consistently emphasised the importance of robust scenario modelling and forward-looking financial insight in times of uncertainty, particularly around liquidity risk, inflation exposure and funding resilience.
Interim finance professionals are often brought in specifically to:
Build or stress-test three-way models
Develop downside and upside scenarios
Improve board-level financial visibility
Challenge assumptions in budgeting cycles
Support transformation or restructuring decisions
When markets move quickly, finance leaders need clarity – and experienced interims are frequently the ones providing it.
Positioning Matters
If your contract is coming to an end in the next few weeks or months, this is a particularly strong time to engage with the market.
The current environment favours professionals who can demonstrate clear evidence of project delivery and tangible commercial impact - whether that’s cash improvement, cost reduction, or successful system implementation. Experience navigating change or uncertainty is highly valued, as is the ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and boards. Just as importantly, the market is rewarding readiness. Strong candidates are being identified and secured quickly.
This is the moment to reconnect with your network, refine how you articulate your value - particularly around forecasting and strategic insight - and be explicit about your availability and flexibility. It’s also worth considering how your scenario planning experience sets you apart and positions you as a steady hand in uncertain conditions.
Join the conversation
As interim hiring becomes more strategic, forecasting capability is moving to the centre of the discussion. Our upcoming Interim Candidate Network roundtable on Forecasting & Scenario Planning will explore:
How finance leaders are modelling volatility in 2026
Practical approaches to scenario stress-testing
Lessons from recent project surges and restructures
How interims can position themselves as strategic partners, not just delivery resource
The interim market is waking up – and those thinking ahead will stay ahead.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Jamie Miller
We’ve built a thriving network of 60+ senior finance interims and it’s growing fast. The Marks Sattin Interim Network is more than a contact list. It’s a trusted space to share insights, navigate challenges, exchange opportunities, and connect with peers who understand the realities of interim life.
If you’re a senior finance interim looking to stay connected and ahead of the curve, we’d love you to be part of it.
