Freelance ZZP Interim Financials

Interim Financials: Strategic Value for CFOs and Finance Directors

Why Interim Financials Have Become a Strategic Asset

In the past, finance functions were seen as the custodians of reporting and compliance. Today, CFOs and Finance Directors (FDs) in large enterprises face a radically different environment. Financial leadership is about navigating disruption, ensuring resilience, and enabling value creation.

From IFRS 18 adoption to CSRD reporting, from inflationary pressure to AI-driven forecasting, the CFO agenda is more complex than ever. At the same time, finance departments struggle with limited internal resources and knowledge gaps.

This is why interim financials – highly skilled professionals who step into organizations on a temporary basis – have become a strategic lever. They provide the flexibility, expertise, and objectivity that modern finance leaders need to deliver on their future-proof agenda.

The CFO and FD Agenda: Five Pressing Challenges

Interim financials are not simply “extra hands.” They are catalysts for addressing the most urgent topics on the finance leadership agenda:

1. Financial Reporting under IFRS 18
   The new standard fundamentally changes how financial statements are presented. CFOs need professionals who can translate rules into actionable reporting structures and KPIs.

2. Sustainability and CSRD Compliance
   ESG reporting is no longer voluntary. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requires non-financial data to be integrated into mainstream finance. Interim financials bridge the gap between sustainability teams and finance, ensuring reliable data and audit readiness.

3. Digital Transformation & AI
   Cloud ERP, robotic process automation, and AI-based forecasting are reshaping the finance function. Interim financials bring hands-on project and transformation experience that accelerates adoption.

4. Cost Inflation and Value Creation
   Rising wages, raw material costs, and energy prices pressure margins. Interim controllers and business partners develop scenario models, rolling forecasts, and zero-based budgeting frameworks to help enterprises protect margins and reallocate resources to growth.

5. Risk & Compliance
   Regulators demand stronger governance, internal controls, and transparent disclosures. Interim RA’s and RC’s (Register Accountants and Controllers) reinforce teams with specialist knowledge of risk frameworks, internal control, and audit preparation.

The Unique Value Interim Financials Bring

For CFOs and FDs in large organizations, the value of interim financials goes far beyond capacity:

• Flexibility – quickly deployed for projects, peaks, or transitions.

• Deep expertise – specialized knowledge of IFRS, CSRD, tax, AI, or ERP implementations.

• Objectivity – no internal agendas, able to challenge assumptions and deliver unbiased insights.

• Proven experience – often gained across multiple industries, bringing best practices.

• Immediate impact – operational within days, not months.

Interim financials combine technical skill with the ability to act as sparring partners for the CFO, strengthening both daily operations and strategic decision-making.

Domains Where Interim Financials Create Impact

1. IFRS 18 and Financial Reporting

Large enterprises must realign their reporting under IFRS 18. Interim Register Controllers (RCs) help design new templates, KPIs, and processes that comply with the standard while delivering meaningful insights for management.

2. CSRD and ESG Integration

Sustainability metrics must now be part of mainstream reporting. Interim business controllers and financial controllers ensure ESG data flows into finance systems, dashboards, and management reporting cycles.

3. AI and Data-Driven Finance

From predictive cashflow models to real-time scenario planning, interim professionals with AI experience help CFOs unlock value from data without losing governance and compliance safeguards.

4. ERP and Digital Finance Transformation

Implementing new ERP systems or finance platforms often overwhelms internal teams. Interim finance project managers bring transformation experience, ensuring systems deliver value and compliance is maintained.

5. Risk and Governance

Interim RA’s strengthen internal control frameworks, prepare organizations for external audits, and ensure finance functions withstand regulatory scrutiny.

Case Examples: Interim Financials in Action

 

• IFRS 18 Transition in Manufacturing: A multinational deployed an interim RC to redesign reporting processes, reducing close cycles by 40% while ensuring compliance.

• CSRD Rollout in Consumer Goods: A freelance business controller integrated sustainability data into forecasts, enabling the CFO to present combined ESG and financial KPIs to investors.

• ERP Implementation in Healthcare: An interim project controller safeguarded compliance and continuity during the system migration, avoiding costly delays.

• Inflation Modelling in Industrial Production: An interim financial controller built rolling forecasts linked to raw material indices and FX rates, enabling faster pricing decisions.

 

The Power of a Professional Network

Not all interim professionals are alike. The difference lies in whether CFOs hire individuals directly or tap into a trusted professional network.

• A network guarantees quality: only professionals with proven track records are available.

• Speed of deployment: large enterprises can’t wait months; they need someone tomorrow.

• Breadth of expertise: from RA’s and RC’s to business controllers and project managers.

• Cultural fit: interim financials must align with the organization’s leadership style.

This is where Steens & Partners differentiates itself.

Interim Financials as Enablers of Future-Proof Finance

For CFOs and FDs, the finance function of the future must be:

• Strategic – driving growth and long-term value.

• Compliant – meeting IFRS, CSRD, and governance standards.

• Data-driven – leveraging AI, analytics, and automation.

• Agile – able to respond to volatility and disruption.

Interim financials are the enablers of this transformation. They deliver temporary strength with permanent impact.

Conclusion: Strategic Partners for Large Enterprises

“Interim financials” are no longer a tactical resource. For CFOs and Finance Directors in large organizations, they are a strategic necessity. They bring the expertise, independence, and capacity to deliver on today’s demanding agenda.

With Steens & Partners, enterprises gain access to a proven network of finance leaders who understand the CFO agenda, deliver on critical projects, and leave behind stronger teams and processes.

Steens & Partners: the partner of choice for CFOs and FDs seeking interim financials that create lasting value.