Interim CFO Services In Reading

Strategic financial leadership for a transaction, a funding round or a leadership gap

An Interim CFO steps into an owner-managed Reading business for a defined period, leading funding, strategy and board reporting while you deal with a transaction, a refinancing or a gap at the top of finance. Secantor's Interim CFOs can start at short notice, and we visit you in Reading to begin.

This page covers the local service. Our national guide to the Interim CFO role explains the model in full, and you can also see our wider board-level support in Reading.

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What Does An Interim CFO Do For A Reading Business?

Secantor's Interim CFOs provide senior strategic financial leadership to Reading businesses for a limited time and see a specific challenge through to the end.

  • Funding. Choose the right finance, prepare the case and lead the conversations with lenders and investors.
  • Transactions. Lead the financial side of an acquisition, a disposal or a sale process, including due diligence.
  • Strategy and planning. Build the plan and financial model the board needs to make the decision.
  • Cover the gap. Provide senior leadership while you recruit or decide what the permanent role should be.
  • Board leadership. Bring financial discipline to the board and report with clarity to shareholders and lenders.
  • Hand over. Leave the plan, the model and the relationships in good order for whoever follows.
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When Does A Reading Business Need An Interim CFO?

Secantor's Interim CFO service suits a Reading business that needs senior experience for a defined period because a decision or event has outgrown its finance function. Typical triggers include a refinancing or fundraising, an acquisition or sale, a restructure, a CFO or Finance Director who has left, or a founder stepping back while the next leadership team settles. Our blog on the benefits of an interim CFO sets out the case in more detail.

How Does An Interim CFO Help A Business?

Secantor's Interim CFOs help a Reading business by bringing senior strategic experience for a defined period, exactly when a decision or event demands it. The first benefit is experience when it counts. A funding round or a sale puts a business under scrutiny from lenders and buyers, and the quality of the plan, the forecasts and the answers to their questions can change the outcome. An Interim CFO has been through that process before and leads it.

The second is speed and focus. The existing team is usually fully occupied with running the business, so the interim brings the time and attention the project needs. The third is continuity: if the CFO or Finance Director has left, the interim stops the business from drifting while the longer term answer is found. Some businesses then continue with a Part-Time CFO for ongoing support, and others prepare for a sale with our Exit Planning service.

An interim CFO discussing strategy with a business owner

How Does An Interim CFO Work With You?

Secantor starts an Interim CFO engagement in Reading with a visit to your premises, to understand what has happened and what has to be achieved, and then proposes the advisor whose experience fits the task. We agree the objectives and the period with you at the start and review them as the work progresses. An interim often works more intensively around a transaction or funding round, then reduces afterwards.

What Does An Interim CFO Cost In Reading?

Secantor charges £1,200 a day plus VAT and expenses for an Interim CFO in Reading. The number of days depends on the task, and the commitment ends when the task does. Our cost guide sets out the figures in more detail.

An interim CFO meeting with an SME management team
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Which Arrangement Suits A Reading Business?

Secantor's Interim CFO suits a Reading business with a defined project, transaction or gap in leadership. If you need ongoing strategic support, a Part-Time CFO is the better choice. If the need is operational financial leadership, consider an Interim Finance Director. If the board needs an independent voice, a Non-Executive Director can help. Read Fractional vs Part-Time vs Interim CFO for the national picture.

How Does An Interim CFO Work With Your Existing Team?

Secantor's Interim CFO works with the finance team, accountants, lawyers and board of a Reading business and leads them through the project. They stand in for the permanent role and do not replace the hire you are looking for. We do not provide bookkeeping or outsourced accounts.

An interim CFO reviewing financial information with an SME business owner

What Is The Free Business Review?

Secantor's Free Business Review is our no obligation starting point for Reading businesses facing a funding round, transaction or leadership gap. We begin with a chat, then a couple of our team visit you in Reading to hear what is happening in the business and what you need to achieve. You leave with an independent view and our recommendation of the right support. See the Free Business Review.

Next Steps

Start with a visit. Our Free Business Review begins with a conversation, then we come to your Reading premises to hear what is happening in the business and what you need to achieve. You leave with an independent view and no obligation. Prefer to talk first? Book a discovery call with a Secantor Director.

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What Do Reading Business Owners Ask About An Interim CFO?

How quickly can an Interim CFO start?

Usually at short notice. We agree the brief with you at a visit and propose the right advisor.

How long does an interim CFO engagement last?

The task sets the length: a few months for a funding round or sale, longer for a restructure. We agree the period and objectives at the start and review them as you go.

What does an Interim CFO cost?

Our Interim CFO support is charged at £1,200 a day plus VAT and expenses.

What is the difference between an Interim CFO and an Interim Finance Director?

An Interim Finance Director leads reporting, forecasting and control. An Interim CFO adds funding, strategy and transactions. In businesses of our clients' size one person often covers both, and we agree the emphasis with you.

Do you cover businesses beyond Reading itself?

Yes. We work with businesses in Caversham, Tilehurst and along the M4 corridor, and throughout Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

Not quite found the answer you need?    Contact our team – we’ll get back to you personally.

Interested in how senior support could help in other areas too? Learn more about our Non-Executive Directors and Outsourced Operations Directors.

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Paul Gibbins

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On the call, you’ll:

  • Identify what’s holding back your profit and growth
  • Gain clearer direction on your business priorities
  • Understand how to improve cashflow and performance
  • Explore practical steps to move your business forward

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“We will never forget your huge contribution to Montezuma’s and your constant support, encouragement and all the board room laughs. Thank you for everything!”
Helen Pattinson, MD and Co-founder of Montezuma’s Chocolates

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4 Develop a Plan
Develop & Implement A Successful Plan
5 Optimise Finances
Optimise Your Finances
6 Develop a Team
Develop A Strong Accountable Team
7 Build Value in Your Business
Build Value In Your Business
8 Improve Operational Efficiency
Improve Operational Efficiency
9 Exit Your Business Successfully
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What Does It Take to Build a Successful SME?

This guide is designed for ambitious SME owners who want to:

  • Focus on what actually drives growth
  • Spot where profit is being lost
  • Improve margins with smarter decisions
  • Strengthen cash flow and financial control
  • Build a stronger foundation for sustainable growth
  • Take practical action that moves the business forward
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Our Services

We help you make strategic decisions

Secantor provides expert financial and management support to SME owners and directors. Our commercially experienced team covers the following roles.

1 Non-Executive Director

Non-Executive Director

Strategic support and experience to guide you as you make decisions and build value in your business. A NED acts as a sounding board for your ideas, improves business performance, holds you and your team to account and helps you achieve a successful exit.

Responsibilities

✓ Strategic business planning

✓ Support strategic decision-making

✓ Set business goals and objectives

✓ Rejuvenate struggling businesses

✓ Manage growth effectively

✓ Implement best practice

✓ Sounding board for your ideas

✓ Set and communicate vision

✓ Hold you & your team to account

✓ Build an effective management team

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2 Finance Director

Finance Director

Expert financial leadership from a commercially experienced, qualified accountant. An FD will create financial plans, report your monthly performance against budget and interpret the figures to help you make sound decisions & improve profitability.

Responsibilities

✓ Expert financial advice

✓ Interpret financial results a support decisions

✓ Develop & oversee your finance team

✓ Improve profitability & control costs

✓ Prepare management accounts

✓ Create 3-5 year financial plan

✓ Budget setting

✓ Source appropriate funding

✓ Cashflow forecasting & management

✓ Prepare reports & commentaries for your bank

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3 Operations Director

Operations Director

Strategic operational leadership to transform your people and business processes to improve efficiency and profitability. An Operations Director helps you build a strong management team, delegate operational actions and improve business performance.

Responsibilities

✓ Develop strength in your management team

✓ Establish key performance indicators (KPIs)

✓ Hold people accountable to achieve results

✓ Process and quality improvement

✓ Help you delegate effectively

✓ Create clear job descriptions

✓ Identify and recruit talent

✓ Implement robust operational systems

✓ Establish clear goals and expectations

✓ Enable your team to achieve excellence

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