Interim CFO Day Rates Overview
Interim CFO day rates in the UK vary significantly based on experience, location, industry specialisation, and scope of work. Unlike fractional CFOs who work part-time, interim CFOs work full-time on daily rates—typically ranging from £1,200 to £2,500 per day in 2025.
The interim CFO pay model is designed for full-time temporary engagements. An interim CFO working 5 days per week at £1,700/day earns approximately £35,000 per month (£420,000 annually if working year-round). These are professional daily rates for experienced executives handling critical business transformations, fundraising, or interim leadership roles.
Interim CFO Day Rates by Experience
| Level | Day Rate | Monthly Earnings | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-level Interim CFO | £1,200-£1,600/day | £25k-£33k | 15-20 years |
| Senior Interim CFO | £1,600-£2,000/day | £33k-£42k | 20-25 years |
| Executive Interim CFO | £2,000-£2,500/day | £42k-£52k | 25+ years |
*Monthly earnings based on ~21 working days per month (5 days/week)
Interim CFO Salary by Location
| Location | Day Rate Range | vs Average |
|---|---|---|
| London (City/Canary Wharf) | £1,800-£2,500/day | +30% |
| London (Tech/Scale-ups) | £1,600-£2,200/day | +20% |
| Manchester | £1,300-£1,800/day | Base |
| Birmingham | £1,200-£1,700/day | -5% |
| Edinburgh | £1,300-£1,800/day | Base |
| Bristol | £1,300-£1,800/day | Base |
| Remote UK | £1,200-£1,600/day | -10% |
Interim CFO Rates by Industry
| Industry | Day Rate Range | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Private Equity / VC Portfolio | £2,000-£2,500/day | Very High |
| FinTech | £1,800-£2,300/day | Very High |
| SaaS / Tech | £1,600-£2,100/day | High |
| Healthcare / Pharma | £1,500-£2,000/day | High |
| E-commerce / Retail | £1,400-£1,900/day | High |
| Manufacturing | £1,300-£1,700/day | Medium |
| Professional Services | £1,300-£1,800/day | Medium |
Factors Affecting Interim CFO Day Rates
Several factors influence interim CFO day rates:
- Qualifications - ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified CFOs command 10-15% higher rates
- Fundraising experience - Series A-C experience adds £200-400/day premium
- Industry specialisation - Deep sector expertise (FinTech, PE) commands premium rates
- Scope of work - Turnaround, M&A, or IPO expertise commands top rates (£2,000-£2,500/day)
- Engagement duration - Longer engagements (6+ months) may negotiate slightly lower rates
Permanent CFO vs Interim CFO Rates
A permanent CFO at a Series B startup typically earns £150,000-£200,000 plus equity. An interim CFO at £1,700/day working 5 days/week earns £35,000/month (£420,000 annually if sustained year-round). The premium reflects the temporary nature, specialized expertise, immediate availability, and lack of long-term commitment or equity.
Interim CFOs are not fractional executives—they work full-time during the engagement period but on defined-term contracts rather than permanent employment. This makes them ideal for bridging periods, transformations, or when companies need immediate senior finance leadership without permanent hiring costs.