Recruiting an Interim Finance Director to support a Seamless Leadership Transition

Fractional Finance Director Image
Client
Steve Potter

Job Title

Interim Finance Director

Introduction

When Steve Potter joined two fast-growing businesses as Interim Finance Director, his mission was to bring financial stability, structure, and strategic oversight to both companies. With operations now running smoothly and teams performing well, the next step was clear, secure a permanent Finance Director who could build on that foundation and continue driving growth.

Rather than waiting until the end of his contract, Steve chose to proactively plan for a seamless leadership transition. His aim was to find a finance professional who could take over with confidence, integrate quickly, and bring both credibility and continuity to the businesses.

He turned to Artemis Clarke to help identify a candidate who not only had the right technical skills, but also understood the nuances of leading in a multi-entity environment with differing needs, cultures, and ambitions.

The Challenge

Replacing yourself is never easy. Steve needed someone who could maintain performance across both businesses without slowing down progress. The ideal candidate would have to:

  • Operate across two distinct companies while managing shared financial leadership
  • Balance high-level strategic thinking with hands-on execution
  • Inherit existing systems with minimal disruption
  • Integrate with teams that were already well-established and functioning smoothly
  • Show the right energy, leadership style, and cultural alignment


Our Approach

Artemis Clarke took the time to understand the specific requirements of the role and the personalities involved in both businesses. This clarity shaped every stage of the recruitment process.

Our approach focused on:

  • Shortlisting candidates with experience in multi-entity environments
  • Prioritising leadership style and personality fit alongside technical expertise
  • Supporting a structured and collaborative handover between Steve and the successful candidate
  • Using our Finance Leadership Evaluation Framework to go beyond the CV and assess decision-making, communication, and problem-solving under pressure

Every candidate submitted was pre-qualified to ensure they could meet the expectations of both Steve and the wider business teams.


The Result

Steve successfully hired a permanent Finance Director who stepped confidently into the role. With a clear understanding of the businesses’ needs and a handover period that allowed for continuity, the transition was seamless.

  • The new FD integrated quickly across both teams
  • Key systems and reporting continued without disruption
  • Steve was able to step away knowing the businesses were in safe hands

Conclusion

Placing a permanent Finance Director into a well-functioning but complex environment requires more than just matching skills on paper. It demands a deep understanding of culture, leadership style, and the day-to-day realities of the business.

By working closely with Steve, Artemis Clarke delivered a solution that not only ensured business continuity but also added long-term value. The result was a seamless transition that allowed Steve to exit with confidence, knowing the right person was in place to lead the finance function forward.

Whether you’re planning ahead for succession or looking to strengthen your senior finance team, Artemis Clarke is here to help you find the right fit, first time.

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London: 020 8191 2124

Bristol: 0117 244 1891

Email: enquiries@artemisclarke.co.uk

Get In Touch

London: 020 8191 2124

Bristol: 0117 244 1891

Email: enquiries@artemisclarke.co.uk

Get In Touch

London: 020 8191 2124

Bristol: 0117 244 1891

Email: enquiries@artemisclarke.co.uk

Get In Touch

London: 020 8191 2124

Bristol: 0117 244 1891

Email: enquiries@artemisclarke.co.uk