The short answer
An interim bookkeeper takes over day-to-day bookkeeping for a limited period, for example during a vacancy, a closing backlog or a system change. An interim finance manager goes further: they also take responsibility for closing, reporting and steering. Which role fits depends on whether you want to hand off work or hand over responsibility.
What an interim bookkeeper does
- Ongoing postings: incoming and outgoing invoices, bank postings, cash.
- Receivables and payables: match payments, maintain open items, trigger dunning runs.
- Preparation: VAT returns and documents for the tax advisor.
- Month-end close: prepare reconciliations and accruals.
When an engagement pays off
Vacant position or absence
Bookkeeping falls behind when someone leaves or is absent. An interim bookkeeper keeps deadlines and payments running.
Closing backlog
Invoices are not recorded, accounts not reconciled. Extra capacity with experience helps to clear the backlog.
System change
With new accounting software or a migration, you need someone who knows both the legacy data and the new processes.
Growth or special projects
Additional entities, an acquisition or audits temporarily push up posting volume.
Interim bookkeeper or interim finance manager?
| Interim bookkeeper | Interim finance manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Day-to-day bookkeeping | Closing, reporting, steering |
| Responsibility | For postings and reconciliations | For numbers, processes and reports |
| Fits when | Vacancy, backlog, peaks | Build-up, system change, funding round |
If planning and reports for management or investors are also missing, take a look at Interim Accounting & FP&A. For overall responsibility for finance, an Interim CFO may be the right choice.
What to look for when choosing
- System knowledge: does the person know your accounting software?
- Industry: is there experience with your business model, for example subscriptions or retail?
- Clear tasks: define what should be done by when.
- Access and data protection: who may access which data? A data processing agreement is part of it.
- Handover: documentation so the next step runs smoothly.
How an engagement runs
First you clarify tasks and period. Then comes onboarding to systems and chart of accounts. During the engagement the interim bookkeeper works through the agreed tasks and documents special cases. At the end there is a handover.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an interim bookkeeper cost?
It depends on experience, scope and duration. Usually billing is per hour or day. Ask for a clearly defined scope of work.
How quickly can an engagement start?
That depends on availability and the task. Interim engagements usually start much faster than a permanent hire.
What is the difference to a tax advisor?
The tax advisor advises on tax questions and prepares financial statements and returns. An interim bookkeeper works in the day-to-day business and handles the daily postings.
Can an interim bookkeeper work remotely?
Yes, if your bookkeeping is digital and access is properly regulated. Receipts and bank data must then be available electronically.
