Handling Senior Interim Hires: Top 5 Steps for Accountancy & Financial Services professionals
Handovers for senior interim hires are critical for ensuring continuity and efficiency in accountancy and financial services teams.
“I’ve spoken to both candidates and clients where a poor handover (or no handover) has caused unnecessary stress.” Director and Head of Interim, Gemma Smith says. “A positive handover is the best start for any business to welcome a much-needed Interim professional, especially those at Senior level.”
Having placed senior interim hires in accountancy and financial service teams across various industries, Gemma shares her top 5 steps for a successful transition:
Prepare Thorough Documentation
- Where possible, create detailed, accessible documentation of all key responsibilities, processes, and ongoing tasks.
- Include project timelines, stakeholder details, and essential tools or resources.
- Use templates or checklists to standardise information.
Identify Critical Tasks and Priorities
- Highlight high-impact or time-sensitive tasks that require immediate attention.
- Identify potential risks and outline mitigation strategies.
- Include a calendar with deadlines, key meetings, and milestones.
Facilitate Knowledge Transfer
- Schedule a formal handover meeting between the current role-holder and the interim person.
- Provide context for tasks, explain nuances, and share best practices.
- Allow time for Q&A and follow-up discussions to clarify complex topics.
Assign Clear Roles and Responsibilities
- Define what the interim person is expected to handle, and set clear expectations.
- Communicate the interim arrangement to relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth collaboration.
- Document who the point of contact will be for escalations or additional guidance.
Monitor and Support the Transition
- Check in periodically to provide feedback, address challenges, and ensure continuity.
- Provide access to the necessary tools, permissions, and resources.
- Encourage open communication to avoid bottlenecks or confusion.
Bonus Tip? Debrief After the Interim Period…
When the original role-holder returns, conduct a debrief to ensure the seamless resumption of duties and capture any learnings to improve future handovers.
Whether you’re looking to join or create a team, Gemma has 10+ years’ experience in locating and securing senior interim hires, specialising in accountancy & financial services experts across not-for-profit, commercial and finance organisations.
Get in touch to discuss how Gemma and her team can support you.