Fixed Term Contract Finance Director – Experienced Leadership for Interim Needs
Fixed Term Contract Finance Director Services
Running a business comes with unexpected changes. Whether it’s maternity leave, sudden resignations, extended recruitment timelines, or specialist projects, your company may need a senior finance leader on a temporary but strategic basis. That’s where an FTC (Fixed Term Contract) Finance Director comes in.
At FD Capital, we specialise in providing businesses with highly experienced Finance Directors on flexible fixed term contracts. Whether you need cover for 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, or longer, we can match your business with a finance leader who delivers results from day one.
This page explains what an FTC Finance Director is, why businesses hire them, and how FD Capital can help you find the right solution quickly.
What is a Fixed Term Contract (FTC) Finance Director?
A Fixed Term Contract Finance Director is a senior financial leader hired by a company for a specific time period rather than on a permanent basis.
Unlike interim FDs who are often short-term (days or weeks), an FTC FD is typically brought in for a defined period, often between 3 months and 2 years. They provide continuity, leadership, and expertise during critical transitions.
In practice, this means:
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They join your company as part of your leadership team.
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They manage finance teams, reporting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
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They are accountable for performance and board-level support.
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They leave when the fixed contract ends, ensuring a smooth handover.
Why Hire an FTC Finance Director?
Businesses turn to FTC Finance Directors for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
1. Maternity or Paternity Leave Cover
When a permanent FD steps away temporarily, the company can’t afford a leadership gap. An FTC FD steps in to maintain stability and confidence with staff, stakeholders, and investors.
2. Extended Recruitment Processes
Hiring a permanent Finance Director can take months. An FTC FD ensures your company isn’t left without senior financial leadership during this period.
3. Specialist Projects
Some projects — M&A deals, ERP implementations, restructuring, or fundraising — require dedicated FD support but don’t justify a long-term permanent hire.
4. Transitional Periods
Businesses in turnaround, post-acquisition, or pre-IPO stages often need a senior FD to bridge the gap until a longer-term solution is in place.
5. Rapid Growth or Change
If your business is scaling quickly, an FTC FD can provide strategic input, investor confidence, and financial discipline without the cost of a permanent hire.
The Benefits of an FTC Finance Director
Hiring a Finance Director on a fixed contract basis offers significant advantages:
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Immediate Availability – Experienced FDs are available to start quickly.
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Flexibility – You hire them for exactly the period you need.
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Cost-Effective – Avoid long-term commitments while retaining high-level expertise.
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Specialist Knowledge – Bring in FDs with sector or project expertise.
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Continuity – Keep financial processes running smoothly during transitions.
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Board-Level Confidence – Investors, lenders, and stakeholders remain assured.
How Long is an FTC FD Appointment?
Most FTC Finance Director roles last between 6 and 12 months, but FD Capital has placed candidates for:
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3-month contracts (project completion or maternity cover)
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6-month contracts (bridging permanent recruitment)
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12-18 months contracts (large-scale transformation projects)
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Multi-year contracts (long but defined assignments)
FD Capital’s Approach to FTC FD Recruitment
At FD Capital, we pride ourselves on delivering the right Finance Director, quickly. Our process ensures your business finds the ideal candidate who can hit the ground running.
Step 1: Understanding Your Needs
We begin by consulting with you on:
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The contract duration
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The scope of responsibilities
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Key challenges (maternity cover, project, growth stage, etc.)
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Sector and technical requirements
Step 2: Candidate Shortlisting
We maintain a UK-wide network of experienced Finance Directors, many of whom are open to FTC opportunities. Within 48 hours, we can provide a shortlist of candidates.
Step 3: Interview & Selection
You interview candidates and select the individual best suited to your company culture and needs.
Step 4: Onboarding
Our team supports onboarding to ensure a seamless transition with your existing finance team.
Step 5: Ongoing Support
We maintain contact throughout the assignment, ensuring the arrangement delivers value.
Industries We Serve
Our network of FTC Finance Directors covers a wide range of industries, including:
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Technology & SaaS
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Manufacturing & Engineering
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Retail & E-commerce
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Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
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Professional Services
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Private Equity & Venture Capital-backed businesses
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Non-Profit & Charities
FTC vs Interim vs Part-Time Finance Director
It’s useful to distinguish between different types of non-permanent FD roles:
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FTC FD – Hired on a contract with a defined end date (typically 3–18 months).
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Interim FD – Often shorter term, brought in urgently to stabilise a situation.
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Part-Time FD – Works a set number of days per month, usually ongoing and open-ended.
FD Capital can help you decide which solution is best for your circumstances.
Case Studies
Case Study 1: 12-Month Maternity Cover
A mid-sized manufacturing company required a Finance Director to cover a 12-month maternity leave. FD Capital placed an FTC FD who managed day-to-day operations, prepared the company for an ERP system upgrade, and handed over seamlessly to the returning FD.
Case Study 2: 6-Month Private Equity Transition
A PE-backed business acquired a portfolio company but faced delays in appointing a permanent FD. FD Capital supplied an FTC FD who oversaw integration, delivered investor reporting, and set up forecasting models during the transition.
Case Study 3: 18-Month Transformation Project
A technology firm undergoing rapid expansion hired an FTC FD through FD Capital for an 18-month contract to lead a finance transformation programme, including implementing new systems and raising additional capital.
The Cost of an FTC Finance Director
The cost of hiring an FTC Finance Director varies depending on:
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Length of contract
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Scope of responsibilities
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Location
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Sector expertise
On average, UK businesses can expect to pay £600–£1,200 per day for an experienced FTC Finance Director. FD Capital provides transparent pricing and works with clients to balance cost with quality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the typical notice period for an FTC FD?
Usually between 1–3 months, depending on the contract terms.
2. Can an FTC FD become permanent?
Yes — some FTC FDs transition into permanent roles if both parties agree.
3. How quickly can FD Capital provide an FTC FD?
In urgent cases, we can place candidates within a week.
4. Do FTC FDs work remotely or onsite?
Both options are available, depending on your company’s needs.
5. Are FTC FDs suitable for SMEs as well as larger firms?
Absolutely. Many SMEs use FTC FDs for growth support, fundraising, or leadership cover.
Why Choose FD Capital?
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Specialist Focus – We only recruit Finance Directors, CFOs, and senior finance leaders.
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National Coverage – Our network spans London, Birmingham, Manchester, and across the UK.
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Proven Track Record – We’ve successfully placed FDs in multiple sectors and industries.
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Flexible Solutions – We offer interim, part-time, and FTC options.
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Trusted by Investors – Many of our FDs are experienced in PE/VC-backed environments.
Call to Action
If your business needs an experienced Finance Director on a fixed term contract, FD Capital is ready to help.
Whether you require maternity cover, project leadership, or transitional support, our network of FTC FDs provides flexibility, expertise, and immediate impact.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
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