Permanent Vs Interim Finance Roles: Which is right for you?
Whether you’re actively searching for your next role or simply exploring your options, one question we often hear from agencies is: would you prefer a permanent or interim role? Both offer excellent career opportunities, but the right choice depends on you goals, experience, and preferred way of working.
Permanent roles:
A permanent role is a long-term position at a company with no leave date.
Benefits of permanent roles:
- Greater job security
- company benefits such as pensions, bonuses, and annual leave
- Clear career progression opportunities
- Ongoing training and professional development
- Strong relationship with colleagues and the wider business
Interim roles:
Interim roles are fixed term contracts, often lasting between 3 and 12 months, where professionals are brought in to support a business during periods of change or increased demand. Finance interims are commonly hired to cover maternity leave, long-term sickness, year-end or audit support, system implementations, business acquisitions, and business transformation projects. Experienced interim professionals are highly valued for their ability to make an immediate impact with minimal onboarding.
Why are interim roles becoming more popular?
Many businesses are turning to interim finance professionals because they provide flexibility and specialist expertise exactly when it’s needed.
Rather than committing to a permanent hire, employers can quickly bring in experienced professionals to solve a specific challenge or support a busy period.
At the same time, many finance professionals are choosing interim work for the variety, flexibility and opportunity to work on different projects across multiple organisations.
Benefits of interim roles:
- Variety of projects and industries
- Fast-paced, change focused roles
- Greater flexibility
- Often higher day rates
Interim professional often command higher day rates because employers are paying for specialist skills and immediate availability. However, it is important to remember with most permanent roles, your salary package may also include annual leave, pension contributions, private healthcare, holiday pay, and study support.
Which is right for you?
A permanent role may be the best fit if you:
- Value job security
- Want to progress within one organisation
- Are studying towards a professional qualification
- Enjoy being part of a long term team
An interim role may be the best fit if you:
- Enjoy variety and new challenges
- Have strong technical finance experience
- Can adapt quickly to new environments
- Prefer project-based work
- Want greater flexibility in your career
Whether you’re looking for the stability of a permanent position or the flexibility and variety of interim work, both routes can offer rewarding careers in finance. Our specialist recruitment team works with employers across both permanent and interim markets and can help you find the opportunity that’s right for you.
