Rutherford Cross Interim specialist Euan Bodie shares a review of the Interim Finance market in 2025 so far.
After a slower than expected start in January, the interim finance market has gathered real momentum and 2025 is shaping up to be a very positive year. Demand has grown steadily month-on-month, with organisations increasingly turning to interim professionals to provide immediate impact and technical expertise.
One of the most notable trends has been the rise in opportunities for technical and financial accountants. Businesses are looking for professionals who can step in quickly, manage complex reporting requirements and bring stability to finance teams during times of transition. Alongside this, Rutherford Cross has successfully supported clients with a wide range of appointments including Interim CFOs, Finance Directors, Financial Controllers, Finance Business Partners, Financial Accountants and Management Accountants.
In terms of sectors, the business has seen a growth in private equity backed businesses hiring interims. The public and not-for-profit sectors continue to lead the way in offering interim opportunities, often to cover roles while the permanent hiring process is ongoing. Both environments demand strong financial control, adaptability, and the ability to deliver under pressure – areas where skilled interims add real value.
Despite the downturn this year in the Scottish Whisky sector, other parts of the FMCG sector such as food, non-whisky drinks and businesses in the supply chain have been utilising specialist interim finance support to help cover and add value during periods of change and growth. Other key sectors Rutherford Cross has recruited interim for this year include Renewable/Energy, Pharma/Healthcare and Leisure/Retail. Additionally, it has been encouraging to see some of the more traditional sectors such as Manufacturing and Transport/Logistics hiring interims, often with newly created positions.
Rutherford Cross Interim has experienced an increase in temp-to-perm hires. This has been particularly common amongst candidates relocating to Scotland, who enter businesses on an interim basis, prove themselves in the role and are then offered a permanent contract. A couple of these placements have seen candidates take lower-level roles with our clients, then subsequently being rewarded with a more senior permanent offer once they have shown their credentials and calibre. It reflects both the appetite of employers to secure proven talent and the willingness of candidates to build long-term careers in Scotland.
Finally, another development worth highlighting is some of Rutherford Cross’ clients using the interim talent pool to test out new structures within its finance team. Bringing in an interim on the back of a permanent leaver allows for business flexibility before locking in the new finance team structure once they know it is fit for purpose.
Overall, while 2025 began cautiously, the interim finance market is now buoyant, with strong demand and clear pathways for candidates to secure meaningful, long-term opportunities through interim assignments.
For more information around the Interim Finance market or support hiring into your Finance team, contact Euan Bodie at Rutherford Cross: [email protected]
