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.