Part-Time Finance Director

UK Part-Time Finance Director Recruitment

Structured Senior Search for Part-Time Finance Director Appointments at UK SMEs and Mid-Market Firms Operating with Recurring Days-Per-Week Senior FD Engagement Models Distinct from Permanent Full-Time, Time-Bound Interim, and Flexible Day-Rate Fractional FD Engagement Models

A UK Part-Time Finance Director is a senior UK Finance Director engaged on a structured part-time basis at a UK SME or mid-market firm — typically 1-3 days per week on a recurring scheduled basis with consistent ongoing senior commercial accountability for the firm’s senior finance function. UK Part-Time FD engagement operates as a distinct engagement model alongside permanent full-time FD engagement (typical full-time ongoing employment), interim FD engagement (time-bound 3-9 month gap-fill arrangements operating at near full-time during the engagement period), and fractional FD engagement (flexible day-rate engagement with less structured ongoing time allocation). The Part-Time FD engagement model is specifically suited to UK SMEs and UK mid-market firms operating with consistent recurring senior finance leadership requirements at firm scale where the senior FD scope warrants senior FD seniority but the firm scale or commercial structure does not warrant full-time permanent FD engagement. UK Part-Time FD engagements operate across multiple commercial structures including contractor arrangements, part-time PAYE arrangements, umbrella company arrangements, and selected commercial structures specific to UK Part-Time FD engagement.

This UK Part-Time FD recruitment service page covers the senior UK Part-Time FD recruitment context, the principal UK firm scenarios for structured part-time FD engagement, the senior commercial distinction between Part-Time FD engagement model and the alternative UK FD engagement models (permanent, interim, fractional), the UK regulatory framework intersection with UK Part-Time FD engagements (IR35 framework specifically material at UK Part-Time FD contractor engagements, UK employment law framework at PAYE part-time arrangements, Companies Act 2006 directors’ duties framework, UK GAAP and FRS 102 framework), the realistic compensation calibration including day-rate framework dimensions specific to UK Part-Time FD engagements, the senior UK Part-Time FD professional qualification framework, the Exec Capital senior search methodology calibrated to UK Part-Time FD recruitment, and adjacent senior UK FD recruitment engagement across the broader Exec Capital senior FD recruitment portfolio. Every Part-Time FD search is run by our specialist team, with Adrian Lawrence FCA overseeing each mandate.

How Part-Time Finance Director Recruitment Works

A part-time FD search follows the same disciplines as a permanent finance director search, but the brief carries more variables: how many days, which days, on what contractual basis, and how the role sits alongside the candidate’s other commitments. We agree the timetable with you at briefing, and we do not shortcut the assessment stages to hit an arbitrary date.

UK FD Engagement Model Framework — Where Part-Time FD Fits

UK senior FD recruitment operates across multiple distinct engagement models with senior commercial dynamics, time framework dimensions, and senior commercial structures specific to each engagement model. Understanding the UK FD engagement model framework is essential for senior UK Part-Time FD recruitment specification.

UK Permanent FD engagement — full-time ongoing employment — UK Permanent FD engagement operates as full-time ongoing employment at the firm with senior commercial dynamics including ongoing senior FD function leadership, ongoing senior Board engagement, ongoing senior commercial team leadership, and the wider senior commercial dimensions specific to permanent UK FD engagement. UK Permanent FD engagement is the standard UK FD engagement model at UK firms operating at scale where ongoing full-time senior FD function leadership is warranted by the firm scale and senior commercial structure. For UK Permanent FD recruitment service engagement see Finance Director Recruitment; for UK FD Job Description reference see Finance Director Job Description.

UK Interim FD engagement — time-bound 3-9 month gap-fill — UK Interim FD engagement operates as time-bound 3-9 month gap-fill arrangements typically covering UK FD departures, UK FD maternity cover, UK FD transition periods, UK firm crisis management periods, and selected UK firm time-bound senior FD requirements. UK Interim FD engagements operate at near full-time during the engagement period with senior commercial dynamics specific to time-bound interim arrangements. For UK Interim FD recruitment service engagement see Interim Finance Directors.

UK Fractional FD engagement — flexible day-rate — UK Fractional FD engagement operates as flexible day-rate engagement with less structured ongoing time allocation than UK Part-Time FD engagement. UK Fractional FD engagements typically operate with senior commercial dynamics including flexible time allocation framework, day-rate billing framework, project-based senior FD scope dimensions where applicable, and senior commercial dimensions specific to flexible UK Fractional FD arrangements. For UK Fractional FD recruitment service engagement see Fractional Finance Director Recruitment.

UK Part-Time FD engagement — structured days-per-week recurring — UK Part-Time FD engagement operates as structured ongoing engagement at defined days per week (typically 1-3 days per week) on a recurring scheduled basis with senior commercial dynamics specific to ongoing part-time senior FD function leadership. UK Part-Time FD engagement is distinguished from UK Fractional FD engagement principally by the structured recurring schedule dimensions of UK Part-Time FD engagement (UK Part-Time FD engagement typically operates with fixed days per week on a recurring schedule, e.g., every Tuesday and Wednesday, providing the firm with consistent ongoing senior FD presence on a defined schedule) versus the flexible time allocation dimensions of UK Fractional FD engagement (UK Fractional FD engagement typically operates with flexible time allocation across the engagement period without fixed scheduled days). UK Part-Time FD engagement provides UK firms with senior commercial benefits including consistent senior FD presence on a defined recurring schedule, ongoing senior FD function leadership at firm scale, ongoing senior commercial team leadership at firm scale, and the wider senior commercial benefits specific to structured UK Part-Time FD engagement.

In practice the labels overlap. Many people search for a “part-time FD” when they mean a fractional one, and many fractional FDs work a regular weekly pattern. What matters for the brief is not the label but three questions: how predictable the workload is, whether the business needs the FD on fixed days for its team and its lenders, and whether the role needs a board seat. Answer those and the right model usually becomes obvious.

Part-Time FD vs Fractional FD vs Interim FD vs Part-Time CFO vs Financial Controller

Clients often come to us unsure which of five roles they actually need. The table below sets out the practical differences. It describes typical arrangements; every business is different, and we test the fit at briefing rather than assuming it.

The distinction between a finance director and a CFO is largely one of emphasis. An FD tends to own the numbers, the controls and the finance team; a CFO tends to spend more time on capital, investors and strategy. Our guide to when a firm needs a CFO and when it needs a finance director goes into this in more detail. If the honest answer is that you need someone to run month-end and the ledger rather than advise the board, a controller may be the better first hire — see the differences between a financial controller and a finance director. A common and effective structure for a growing SME is a full-time controller or finance manager supported by a part-time FD one or two days a week.

When to Hire a Part-Time Finance Director

The question is rarely “do we need finance leadership?” It is usually “how much of it, for how long, and on what terms?” The four formats below are the realistic options. Our guide to fractional, interim and permanent hiring covers the wider choice across the C-suite.

Typical triggers for a part-time FD appointment include a first external investment, a bank or asset-based lending facility with covenants, a founder who has been running the finance function and no longer has the time, a finance manager who needs senior support, a move to new systems, preparation for an audit for the first time, and the early groundwork for an eventual sale. In each case the business needs senior judgement every week, but not five days of it.

UK Firm Scenarios for Senior Part-Time FD Recruitment

UK Part-Time FD appointments operate across the following principal UK firm scenarios with senior commercial dynamics, firm scale dimensions, and senior commercial structures specific to each UK firm context.

UK SMEs with consistent 1-2 day/week senior finance leadership requirements — UK SMEs (typical revenue £2-15 million) operating with consistent ongoing senior finance leadership requirements that warrant senior FD seniority but at scale where full-time permanent FD engagement is not warranted by the firm’s commercial scale. UK SME 1-2 day/week Part-Time FD scope typically extends across senior monthly finance reporting framework leadership, senior commercial Board engagement on selected scheduled Board meetings, senior strategic finance support framework, senior commercial CEO/MD engagement on senior finance matters, and the wider senior commercial dimensions specific to UK SME 1-2 day/week Part-Time FD engagement.

UK SMEs with PE-backed dimensions wanting structured part-time leadership — UK PE-backed SMEs (typical revenue £5-25 million PE-backed firms) operating with PE Investment Director engagement at strategic decision tier frequently appoint Part-Time FDs with PE-backed firm-specific senior FD scope. UK PE-backed SME Part-Time FD scope typically extends across senior PE-backed firm financial reporting framework leadership aligned with PE investor framework, senior PE Investment Director engagement at scheduled engagement framework, senior PE value creation plan financial framework leadership, senior PE-backed firm Board engagement framework, and the wider senior commercial dimensions specific to UK PE-backed SME Part-Time FD engagement.

UK post-Series A/B funded startups before scale-up — UK startups operating post-Series A or post-Series B funding rounds with senior commercial scale that warrants senior FD seniority but at scale where full-time permanent FD engagement is not yet warranted by the firm’s commercial scale frequently appoint Part-Time FDs as senior FD function leaders during the post-Series A/B but pre-scale-up phase. UK post-Series A/B Part-Time FD scope typically extends across senior VC investor reporting framework leadership, senior commercial financial reporting framework leadership, senior strategic finance support framework, senior runway and burn rate framework leadership, and the wider senior commercial dimensions specific to UK post-Series A/B Part-Time FD engagement.

UK SMEs with ongoing finance reporting and governance recurring needs — UK SMEs operating with ongoing senior finance reporting and senior governance recurring framework requirements (typical scope including monthly management accounts framework leadership, quarterly Board reporting framework, annual statutory accounts framework intersection with senior external audit engagement) frequently appoint Part-Time FDs as senior FD function leaders for the ongoing finance reporting and governance scope.

UK founder-led firms wanting recurring senior FD engagement — UK founder-led firms operating with founder engagement at strategic decision tier frequently appoint Part-Time FDs to provide structured ongoing senior FD function leadership alongside founder strategic engagement. UK founder-led firm Part-Time FD scope typically extends across senior founder engagement on senior finance matters, senior FD function leadership across the firm’s finance scope, senior commercial team leadership of the firm’s finance team typically numbering 2-5 senior finance direct reports at UK SME scale, and the wider senior commercial dimensions specific to UK founder-led firm Part-Time FD engagement.

UK group firms with multiple subsidiary entities needing shared Part-Time FD scope — UK group firms operating with multiple subsidiary entities at UK SME scale frequently appoint Part-Time FDs to provide senior FD function leadership across multiple subsidiary entities on a structured part-time basis. UK group structure Part-Time FD scope typically extends across senior subsidiary financial framework leadership, senior subsidiary statutory accounts framework intersection, senior group consolidated reporting framework intersection, and the wider senior commercial dimensions specific to UK group structure Part-Time FD engagement.

UK SMEs with seasonal business patterns needing part-time scheduling — UK SMEs operating with seasonal business patterns (UK firms with seasonal revenue dimensions, UK firms with seasonal operational dimensions) frequently appoint Part-Time FDs with senior FD scope aligned with the firm’s seasonal business pattern. UK seasonal Part-Time FD scope typically extends across senior FD scope at increased intensity during seasonal peak periods with selected reduced intensity during seasonal off-peak periods, and the wider senior commercial dimensions specific to UK seasonal Part-Time FD engagement.

UK SMEs with project-based finance scope needing recurring engagement — UK SMEs operating with project-based senior finance scope dimensions (UK SMEs operating major capital investment projects, UK SMEs operating major commercial transformation projects, UK SMEs operating selected M&A projects at SME scale) frequently appoint Part-Time FDs with senior FD scope aligned with the firm’s project-based finance dimensions on a recurring engagement basis.

UK FCA-regulated firms needing finance leadership alongside compliance cover — smaller regulated firms such as IFAs, brokers, lenders and investment firms often need a part-time FD who understands regulatory capital, client money and regulatory returns. These firms frequently need part-time compliance cover too, which is covered in the regulatory section below.

UK Regulatory Framework Intersection with UK Part-Time FD Engagement

UK Part-Time FD engagement operates within UK regulatory framework dimensions specific to UK Part-Time FD engagement model, with material framework dimensions including IR35 framework, UK employment law framework, Companies Act 2006 directors’ duties framework, and UK GAAP financial reporting framework.

IR35 — Off-Payroll Working framework — the UK off-payroll working framework specifically material at UK Part-Time FD contractor engagements with associated senior commercial accountability for IR35 framework application. UK Part-Time FD engagements operating through limited company contractor structures (typical “personal service company” PSC structures) operate within IR35 framework with material framework dimensions including IR35 status determination framework (Inside IR35 / Outside IR35 status determination), IR35 status determination statement (SDS) framework at engagements with medium and large UK end-client firms (firms with 2 of: turnover >£10.2 million / balance sheet total >£5.1 million / 50+ employees), HMRC CEST tool framework, and the wider IR35 framework dimensions specific to UK Part-Time FD contractor engagements. IR35 status determination framework is particularly material at UK Part-Time FD engagements operating with structured recurring schedule dimensions because the structured ongoing engagement framework can affect IR35 status determination outcomes.

The Companies Act size thresholds were raised to £15 million turnover, £7.5 million balance sheet and 50 employees for financial years beginning on or after 6 April 2025, but HMRC’s April 2025 Employer Bulletin says the change has no practical impact for off-payroll working until 6 April 2027 at the earliest. Until then, the thresholds above remain the ones to use when deciding whether your business or the FD’s company makes the status determination. Fixed days, an open-ended term, line management of staff and a statutory directorship all point towards employment, so part-time FD roles need a careful, documented assessment rather than an assumption. Our guide to IR35 rules for senior executive engagements explains the practical steps.

UK Employment Law framework at part-time PAYE arrangements — UK Part-Time FD engagements operating through part-time PAYE arrangements (UK Part-Time FDs engaged as part-time employees of the UK firm) operate within UK employment law framework with material framework dimensions including Part-time Workers (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2000 framework, employment contract framework, statutory employment rights framework, and the wider UK employment law framework dimensions specific to UK part-time PAYE arrangements.

UK Self-Employment / Contractor framework — UK Part-Time FD engagements operating through self-employed contractor arrangements operate within UK self-employment framework with material framework dimensions including self-employed status determination framework, self-employed tax framework intersection with HMRC framework, and the wider UK self-employment framework dimensions.

UK Umbrella Company framework — UK Part-Time FD engagements operating through umbrella company arrangements (UK umbrella companies operating as employers of UK Part-Time FDs delivering services to UK end-client firms) operate within UK umbrella company framework with material framework dimensions including umbrella company FCSA accreditation framework, umbrella company employment framework, and the wider UK umbrella company framework dimensions.

Companies Act 2006 — directors’ duties framework — UK Part-Time FDs holding formal director status as members of the UK Board operate under the Companies Act 2006 directors’ duties framework with associated senior commercial accountability across the directors’ duties dimensions including duty to act within powers (s.171), duty to promote the success of the company (s.172), duty to exercise independent judgement (s.173), duty to exercise reasonable care, skill and diligence (s.174), duty to avoid conflicts of interest (s.175), duty not to accept benefits from third parties (s.176), and duty to declare interest in proposed transaction or arrangement (s.177). Companies Act 2006 directors’ duties framework is fundamental for UK Part-Time FDs holding formal director status, including UK Part-Time FDs operating at multiple UK firms simultaneously with associated senior commercial conflicts of interest framework dimensions.

UK GAAP / FRS 102 framework — UK Part-Time FDs operate within UK GAAP framework with associated senior commercial accountability for FRS 102 (the principal UK GAAP framework for UK SMEs and UK mid-market firms) framework application across the firm’s financial reporting framework. FRS 102 framework dimensions include FRS 102 measurement framework, FRS 102 disclosure framework, FRS 102 accounting policies framework, and the wider FRS 102 framework dimensions specific to UK SME and UK mid-market firm financial reporting.

FCA-regulated firms and the Senior Managers and Certification Regime — where the business is FCA-authorised, a part-time FD may also need regulatory approval. In enhanced-scope SMCR firms the chief finance role is a designated senior management function (SMF2); in core firms a part-time FD who sits on the board as an executive director will normally need approval as SMF3. Approval adds a step to the timetable, so we build it into the plan from the brief. Our guide to hiring an SMF2-approved CFO for a regulated firm sets out the process. Payment and e-money institutions sit outside SMCR: their finance leaders are not SMFs, although the FCA still assesses the people responsible for managing the firm.

Smaller regulated firms frequently need part-time compliance leadership at the same time as part-time finance leadership. SMF16 (compliance oversight) and SMF17 (money laundering reporting) remain pre-approved roles, and a fractional holder is often the right answer for a small IFA, broker or lender. We recruit both: see fractional chief compliance officers, fractional compliance officers, fractional MLROs and, for urgent cover, interim chief compliance officers.

UK Part-Time FD Engagement Models and Day Frameworks

UK Part-Time FD engagements operate across multiple commercial structures and day-per-week framework dimensions specific to UK Part-Time FD engagement.

UK Part-Time FD day-per-week framework — UK Part-Time FD engagements typically operate at 1-3 days per week with senior commercial dimensions specific to each day-per-week framework. 1 day/week Part-Time FD engagements typically operate with senior FD scope focused on senior monthly finance reporting framework leadership and selected senior strategic finance support; 2 day/week Part-Time FD engagements typically extend across broader senior FD function leadership including senior commercial team leadership and senior Board engagement framework; 3 day/week Part-Time FD engagements typically operate with senior FD function leadership at near-full-time intensity covering senior FD scope across the firm’s finance dimensions.

UK Part-Time FD contractor engagement structure — UK Part-Time FD engagements operating through limited company contractor structures (personal service company PSC structures) operating with IR35 framework engagement and senior commercial dynamics specific to contractor engagement structure. Contractor day rates for UK Part-Time FDs vary with firm scale, sector, regulatory complexity, the number of days committed and the candidate’s track record. Where Exec Capital introduces a contractor part-time FD on a day-rate basis, the day rate we quote includes our fee, so there is one rate to budget for.

UK Part-Time FD part-time PAYE engagement structure — UK Part-Time FD engagements operating through part-time PAYE arrangements (UK Part-Time FDs engaged as part-time employees of the UK firm) operating with employment law framework engagement and senior commercial dynamics specific to part-time PAYE engagement structure. UK Part-Time FD part-time PAYE engagement structure typically operates with annual salary framework scaled pro rata to the day-per-week framework, usually benchmarked against the full-time salary for an equivalent FD role and then adjusted for the days worked.

UK Part-Time FD umbrella company engagement structure — UK Part-Time FD engagements operating through FCSA-accredited umbrella company arrangements operating with senior commercial dynamics specific to umbrella company engagement structure including umbrella company employment framework dimensions, umbrella company tax framework dimensions, and the wider umbrella company engagement framework dimensions.

Choosing the pattern of days — fixed days matter more than the total. A part-time FD who is in every Tuesday gives the finance team a weekly point of contact and gives the board a predictable rhythm. Many arrangements also include a small allowance for calls and emails outside the agreed days, and extra days around month-end, year-end, audit or a funding round. Agree in writing how extra days are requested and approved, so that neither side is surprised.

UK Part-Time FD Compensation Calibration

UK Part-Time FD compensation operates with engagement structure-specific compensation framework dimensions reflecting the structured part-time nature of UK Part-Time FD engagement.

UK Part-Time FD day-rate compensation — UK Part-Time FD day rates depend on UK firm scale, sector, and senior commercial dimensions specific to the engagement. UK SME Part-Time FD day rates typically sit towards the lower end of the market reflecting UK SME scale; UK mid-market firm Part-Time FD day rates typically sit higher reflecting UK mid-market firm scale and complexity; UK PE-backed firm Part-Time FD day rates frequently sit at the upper end of the market reflecting investor reporting, covenant and value-creation demands; UK FCA-regulated firm Part-Time FD day rates frequently sit at the upper end of the market reflecting regulatory capital, reporting and approval requirements.

UK Part-Time FD annual compensation equivalent at day-per-week framework — the annual cost of a UK Part-Time FD is the agreed day rate multiplied by the days worked across the year, allowing for holidays and any agreed extra days at month-end, year-end or during a transaction. A one-day-a-week arrangement costs a fraction of a full-time FD; a three-day arrangement approaches the cost of a permanent hire, which is often the point at which a business should test whether a full-time FD has become the better option.

UK Part-Time FD part-time PAYE annual compensation — UK Part-Time FD part-time PAYE annual salary at standard day-per-week framework dimensions operates with annual salary framework scaled to the day-per-week framework, usually pro rata to the full-time equivalent salary for a comparable FD role, with pension, holiday and other benefits on the same pro-rata basis as required by the Part-time Workers Regulations. For full-time reference points, see our CFO salary guide and our directors’ salary guide.

UK Part-Time FD bonus and incentive framework — UK Part-Time FD engagements operate with senior commercial dynamics where bonus and incentive framework arrangements are less common than at UK Permanent FD engagements but selected UK Part-Time FD engagements operate with project-completion-linked bonus framework, target-linked bonus framework, or selected long-term incentive arrangements at UK PE-backed firms with PE value creation plan engagement.

UK Part-Time FD Required Experience and Qualifications

UK Part-Time FD appointments typically require senior FD career experience and qualification credentials across the following dimensions.

Senior UK FD career background — typically 15-25+ years of senior FD career experience including prior senior UK Permanent FD experience at peer UK SME and UK mid-market firms, or prior senior UK FD-tier experience in part-time portfolio career model dimensions across multiple UK firms simultaneously.

UK chartered accountancy qualification framework — UK Part-Time FD appointments typically require demonstrable UK chartered accountancy qualification career background including ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA / FCA Fellow status), ACCA Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA), ICAS Chartered Accountant (CA), or CIMA Chartered Management Accountant (FCMA) credentials operating as standard UK senior FD professional credentials.

Sector-specific FD career background — UK Part-Time FD appointments typically require senior FD career background in the firm’s commercial sector or commercially adjacent sectors with senior commercial dimensions that meaningfully map to the firm’s senior FD requirements.

Portfolio career model career background — UK Part-Time FD candidates typically operate with senior portfolio career model career background combining multiple part-time UK FD appointments simultaneously across peer UK firms with associated senior commercial dimensions including portfolio career time management dimensions, senior commercial conflicts of interest framework dimensions, and the wider senior portfolio career model dimensions specific to UK Part-Time FD engagement.

Personal qualities that matter in a part-time role — technical ability is the entry ticket. What separates good part-time FDs is the ability to make an impact in limited time: prioritising ruthlessly, delegating well to the finance team, writing clear board papers, and being decisive on the days they are in. They also need to be comfortable working without the infrastructure of a large finance department, which often means rolling up their sleeves on systems, forecasting models and cash management themselves.

What a Part-Time Finance Director Typically Delivers in the First 90 Days

A part-time FD has fewer days to make an impression, so the first three months need a clear plan agreed at the start. A typical pattern, adapted to the business, looks like this. Our executive onboarding guide covers how to set up any senior hire to succeed.

Days 1–30: understand and stabilise

• Review the last 12 months of management accounts, the latest statutory accounts, the budget and the cash position.
• Meet the finance team, the founder or CEO, key budget holders, the bank and the external accountant or auditor.
• Map the month-end process, the systems, the controls and the gaps.
• Produce a short-term cash forecast if one does not exist, and flag any immediate risks to the board.

Days 31–60: fix the foundations

• Agree a management accounts pack and a month-end timetable the team can hit consistently.
• Tighten the controls that matter most: payments, payroll, credit control and access to bank accounts.
• Set up a rolling forecast linked to the budget and the cash forecast.
• Review pricing and margins by product, customer or contract where the data allows.

Days 61–90: look forward

• Present the first board finance paper with commentary, KPIs and a clear view of the year ahead.
• Agree finance priorities for the next 12 months: systems, team structure, funding, audit readiness or exit preparation.
• Identify whether the finance team needs a new hire, training or restructuring.
• Review whether the agreed days are right, and adjust if the business needs more or less.

Senior UK Part-Time FD Search — Methodology

UK senior Part-Time FD search engagement at Exec Capital follows a structured retained methodology calibrated to the specific dynamics of UK Part-Time FD recruitment.

UK Part-Time FD engagement matters as a distinct senior FD engagement model because the senior commercial dynamics, candidate pool dynamics, regulatory framework dimensions, and senior commercial structures of UK Part-Time FD engagements differ materially from alternative UK FD engagement models. UK Part-Time FD candidates typically operate with senior portfolio career models combining multiple part-time UK FD appointments across multiple UK SME and UK mid-market firms simultaneously — typical UK Part-Time FD candidate portfolios cover 2-4 concurrent UK Part-Time FD appointments at peer UK firms with senior commercial dynamics specific to UK part-time portfolio FD engagement. UK Part-Time FD candidates frequently bring senior career background as former permanent senior UK FDs at major UK firms with mid-career transition to UK Part-Time FD portfolio career models, with senior commercial benefits including portfolio diversity dimensions, work-life flexibility dimensions, and senior commercial relationships across multiple UK firms.

Specifying the Part-Time FD mandate accurately at the brief stage matters because the senior career trajectories, sector-specific career background, day-per-week engagement framework, IR35 framework dimensions, and senior commercial dimensions of UK Part-Time FD candidates differ materially across UK firm scenarios. UK SMEs operating with consistent 1-2 day/week recurring senior FD requirements operate with materially different senior commercial dynamics than UK mid-market firms operating with 3 day/week senior FD requirements; UK PE-backed SMEs operating with PE Investment Director engagement at strategic decision tier operate with different dynamics than UK founder-led firms with founder engagement at strategic decision tier. Senior search engagement that doesn’t articulate the day-per-week engagement framework, the IR35 framework dimensions, the engagement basis (contractor, part-time PAYE, umbrella company), the firm scenario, and the senior commercial dimensions specific to the firm frequently produces poorly-fitting shortlists. At Exec Capital our senior UK Part-Time FD search engagement begins with structured brief development that articulates the day-per-week engagement framework, IR35 framework dimensions, engagement basis, firm scenario, sector context, and the senior commercial dimensions specific to the firm.

Structured brief development — every senior UK Part-Time FD mandate at Exec Capital begins with structured brief development that articulates the day-per-week engagement framework requirement, the engagement structure framework (contractor / part-time PAYE / umbrella company), the IR35 framework dimensions where applicable to contractor engagement structure, the firm scenario, the sector context, the qualification requirements, and the senior commercial dimensions specific to the firm.

UK Part-Time FD candidate pool research — UK senior Part-Time FD candidate pool research operates with concentrated research extending across the relevant UK Part-Time FD candidate pool. UK Part-Time FD candidate pool extends across senior UK FDs operating with portfolio career models, senior UK FDs in mid-career transition from permanent UK FD engagements to portfolio career models, senior UK FDs operating with selected UK Part-Time FD engagement availability, and adjacent senior UK FD candidate pool dimensions.

UK Part-Time FD candidate availability framework — UK Part-Time FD candidate assessment extends across the candidate’s day-per-week availability framework matching the firm’s day-per-week engagement framework requirement, the candidate’s existing portfolio engagements with associated senior commercial conflicts of interest framework assessment, the candidate’s commercial structure preferences (contractor / part-time PAYE / umbrella company), the candidate’s IR35 framework status preferences where applicable to contractor engagement structures, and the wider senior UK Part-Time FD candidate availability dimensions.

Assessment and referencing — we test candidates against the brief, not just the CV. That usually means a structured interview covering how they have run part-time finance functions before, how they manage competing clients, and how they would approach your first 90 days. We take references from founders, chairs and investors they have worked with, and check qualifications and professional standing. For a broader view of the process, see how to hire a finance director.

Engagement and Fees for Part-Time FD Searches

We do not publish a price list, because the right structure depends on the role. The fee structure is agreed with you at briefing and set out in writing before any search starts. The principles are straightforward:

• Retained or contingent. Board-level and harder-to-fill part-time FD roles are usually run on a retained basis, which commits a dedicated search to your brief. Some more straightforward roles can be run on a contingent basis. Our guide to retained vs contingent executive search explains the trade-offs.
• Day-rate basis for contractor, interim and fractional arrangements. Where the part-time FD works through their own company on a day rate, the day rate we quote includes our fee. You receive one rate, invoiced for the days worked.
• Part-time PAYE appointments. Where the FD becomes your employee, the fee basis is agreed at briefing and reflects the part-time nature of the role.
• What is included. Briefing, market research, candidate approaches, assessment, shortlist notes, interview co-ordination, referencing, offer management and contact through onboarding.

Who We Place Part-Time Finance Directors With

Our clients for part-time FD roles are typically:

• Owner-managed and founder-led SMEs that have outgrown an external accountant or bookkeeper and need a senior finance voice on the board.
• Private equity and investor-backed businesses that need reliable monthly reporting, covenant monitoring and a finance lead the investor trusts, often alongside portfolio company CFO recruitment elsewhere in the portfolio.
• Venture-funded and early-stage technology businesses between funding rounds, where startup CFO recruitment may be the next step.
• Family businesses and family-owned groups, including those with family office finance needs.
• Small FCA-regulated firms — IFAs, brokers, lenders and investment firms — needing finance leadership alongside regulatory reporting.
• Charities, membership bodies, schools and other not-for-profit organisations needing an experienced finance lead for the trustees.

Sectors we regularly cover include manufacturing and engineering, construction and property, professional services, technology and software, healthcare, retail and consumer brands, logistics, hospitality and financial services.

Cross-Portfolio Architecture and Senior FD Recruitment Engagement

UK senior FD recruitment engagement extends across multiple UK FD engagement models and across the broader Exec Capital portfolio.

UK Permanent FD engagement — for UK Permanent FD recruitment service engagement at UK SMEs and UK mid-market firms operating with full-time permanent UK FD requirements see Finance Director Recruitment; for UK FD Job Description reference see Finance Director Job Description.

UK Interim FD engagement — for UK Interim FD recruitment service engagement at UK firms operating with time-bound 3-9 month gap-fill UK FD requirements see Interim Finance Directors.

UK Fractional FD engagement — for UK Fractional FD recruitment service engagement at UK firms operating with flexible day-rate UK FD requirements see Fractional Finance Director Recruitment.

The group’s finance specialist — sister firm FD Capital is the group’s specialist in finance leadership, covering fractional, interim and permanent CFO and FD appointments at scaling firms, PE-backed firms, FCA-authorised firms and listed businesses. Where a brief sits squarely in specialist finance territory, the two firms share candidate networks across the group.

Other ways to hire senior finance leadership — this page covers part-time finance directors. If you need a more strategic, investor-facing finance leader on part-time days, see part-time CFO recruitment. For flexible, as-needed CFO input, see fractional CFOs; for full-time permanent appointments, see CFO recruitment; and for urgent full-time cover, see interim CFOs.

Part-Time Finance Director Jobs: For Candidates

If you are a qualified finance director looking for part-time or portfolio FD roles, please register with Exec Capital so our team can match you to suitable briefs, and see our current opportunities. Tell us the days you have available, your preferred engagement basis and your sector experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is a part-time finance director?

A part-time finance director is a qualified, experienced FD who leads a business’s finance function on fixed days each week, usually one to three, on an ongoing basis. They provide the same senior finance leadership as a full-time FD — reporting, cash, controls, budgeting and board finance — scaled to the time the business needs.

What is the difference between a part-time FD and a fractional FD?

The terms overlap. A part-time FD usually works a fixed, recurring pattern of days and acts as the business’s FD on an ongoing basis. A fractional FD usually works a more flexible allocation of time, often concentrated around particular needs such as a fundraise or year-end. Many businesses use the terms interchangeably; what matters is agreeing the days and scope in writing.

How many days a week does a part-time FD work?

Most part-time FD roles are one to three days a week. One day typically covers reporting oversight and board finance; two days allows the FD to lead a finance team; three days is close to a full FD role. Extra days are often agreed around month-end, audit or transactions.

How much does a part-time finance director cost?

Cost depends on the days worked, the business’s size and complexity, its sector, and the FD’s experience. Contractor part-time FDs are paid a day rate; part-time employees are paid a pro-rata salary. Where we introduce a contractor on a day rate, that rate includes our fee. We give you realistic market guidance for your role at briefing.

Is a part-time FD inside or outside IR35?

It depends on the facts of each engagement, not the job title. Fixed days, an open-ended term, line management and a board directorship can all point towards employment. Medium and large businesses must make and explain the status determination themselves; for small businesses the FD’s company decides. Take advice and document the assessment.

Can a part-time FD be a statutory director?

Yes. Many part-time FDs are appointed to the board and take on the full duties of a director under the Companies Act 2006. Check their directors’ and officers’ insurance position and how they manage conflicts with other clients. Our guide to insurance and liability for fractional leaders covers the main points.

When should a business move from a part-time FD to a full-time FD?

Common signs include the FD regularly working well beyond the agreed days, a finance team that needs daily senior leadership, a significant acquisition or fundraise, a move towards a sale or listing, or a total part-time cost approaching that of a permanent hire. A good part-time FD will often tell you when that point has arrived. See our guide to replacing fractional executives with full-time hires.

Do part-time FDs work for more than one company?

Most do. Experienced part-time FDs commonly hold a small portfolio of clients. We check availability on your days and any potential conflicts of interest, such as a competitor or a business in the same supply chain, before introducing a candidate.

Do we need a part-time FD or a part-time CFO?

If the priority is running the finance function well — accurate reporting, cash control, a reliable team and a credible board pack — a part-time FD is usually the right hire. If the priority is raising capital, managing investors or preparing for a transaction, a part-time CFO may suit better. We will help you decide at briefing.

Can a part-time FD also act as our compliance officer at an FCA-regulated firm?

Sometimes, but combining finance and compliance oversight in one person can create conflicts, and SMF16 and SMF17 remain roles that need FCA pre-approval. Many small regulated firms instead appoint a part-time FD alongside a fractional compliance officer or MLRO. We can recruit both.