A company headed by a well-known movie director was going through a major reorganization and needed a CFO with some expertise to help them handle the retroactive accounting work and tax returns.  They turned to an interim-staffing agency for help.  The ongoing staff was reorganized, and some full-time positions were eliminated.  The interim CFO hired eight temporary employees to help him catch up, and within a few months, everything was running smoothly again. 

The trend of hiring interim financial experts is becoming an increasingly popular method for managing short-term financial crises.   In fact, many high-level professionals—from attorneys to CEOs to upper-level managers, are finding that they get a better control of their careers by working as “free-agents.” 

Upper-level executives choose temporary work arrangements for a variety of reasons.  Most of them favor the greater independence and flexible work schedules that are available to them.  Others like the challenge in the variety of assignments.  Some are simply looking for additional income, or are pursuing exposure to a variety of different job options before settling down into a permanent position. 

For companies who hire them, there are also some compelling reasons to consider interim professionals.  Companies with business demands that are cyclical in nature like the option of using temporary staff during peak periods, or for special projects.  Because they can eliminate the expensive and lengthy headhunting, most save money hiring a temporary professional.  Companies also realize a significant savings when they eliminate the expense of full-time benefits.

Companies trying to compete in today’s global market need every financial edge they can get.

“Executive Temping:  Is it the Wave of the Future?”  Virtual Advisor Interactive.  1 Jaunary 2005. 24 July 2005. http://www.va-interactive.com/inbusiness/editorial/hr/articles/exectemping.html.