Rutherford Cross Interim was delighted to host the second instalment in our “Navigating the World of Interim for Senior Finance Professionals” event series. The lunch was chaired by the highly experienced Ed Rogers, who has operated within the interim world for the past 10 years. Ed has notably held CFO roles with AGS Airports and is currently the Interim CFO at Kellas Midstream.
We were also joined by 10 senior finance professionals – some currently in interim positions and others keen to explore what an interim finance career might look like. During the lunch, we posed six questions to Ed, which are listed below with his responses.
1. What motivated you to get into the interim market?
Ed’s transition into interim work stemmed from a desire for challenge, variety, and impact. After years in permanent CFO roles, he was drawn to the opportunity to parachute into situations where he could drive change, bring stability, and deliver value quickly. The freedom to choose assignments and avoid corporate politics was also a strong motivator.
The sentiments around the table echoed Ed’s views, with fellow interims highlighting the appeal of flexibility, the ability to choose when to work, and the chance to be involved in exciting projects.
2. In the first two weeks of an assignment, what does success look like to you?
It is crucial to identify and engage with the most important stakeholders and have open dialogues early on in the assignment. Sometimes, these conversations can be difficult, but they help build trust quickly. The team needs to understand and buy into what you are trying to achieve. Unlike in permanent roles, you do not have the luxury of time to get up to speed.
3. What do you deem ‘good habits’ to adopt when taking on interim work?
Ed emphasised the importance of discipline and diligence. In interim roles – where time is limited and expectations are high – being methodical is essential. He stressed the need to thoroughly review your own work, especially when preparing for board meetings.
One practical habit Ed uses is maintaining a live, running document to track key decisions, actions, risks, and strategic context. This helps him stay aligned with stakeholders and well-prepared for discussions.
4. How do you build a network and find interim opportunities?
For Ed, building a strong interim pipeline has always started with relationships. He makes a point of staying in touch with former colleagues and leadership contacts – people he’s worked closely with and delivered results for. Ed takes a very deliberate and methodical approach to keeping in touch and maintaining his professional network.
He also emphasised the value of working with the right recruiters. Specialist finance recruitment firms – such as Rutherford Cross – are exactly the people you want to be speaking with. We understand the interim market and can connect you with the right types of opportunities at the right time.
5. What are the benefits of being an interim?
Ed highlighted the variety and exposure that interim work offers. Rather than being tied to one organisation, he has gained experience across multiple sectors and led significant restructuring projects – work he genuinely enjoys.
He also pointed to the flexibility of interim life, including the ability to take extended breaks and choose when to take on new assignments. For those who value autonomy, challenge, and impact, interim work can be a highly fulfilling career path.
6. What do you look for when hiring an interim?
When hiring an interim, Ed looks for individuals who are outcome-focused and capable of thinking independently. It’s not just about ticking boxes – it’s about trusting that they’ll get the job done without needing constant direction.
Adaptability is also key. The best interims are those who are comfortable stepping outside the original brief and getting stuck into whatever the business needs, even if it falls outside their job specification.
If you’re interested in learning more about a career in interim finance or would like to attend a future event, please contact the Rutherford Cross Interim team. Our events programme provides an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and gain practical insights from industry experts:
Senior Appointments – [email protected]
West of Scotland – [email protected] / [email protected]
East of Scotland – [email protected]
