By Gaynor Brindley, published 8 December 2025
As we move through 2026, I’ve found that engaging interim finance professionals is increasingly valuable for UK businesses navigating periods of change. The pace of technological advancement here is remarkable. According to Accountancy Age, nearly half of UK accountancy firms plan to invest up to £100,000 in AI-driven accounting tools this year. Interim hires with expertise in these technologies, whether AI-powered financial analytics, cloud-based accounting systems, or next-generation ERP integrations allow businesses to implement new systems efficiently, optimise processes, and upskill permanent teams without the long-term commitment of a full-time appointment.
From a governmental perspective, the regulatory environment in the UK is evolving rapidly. As reported by Stable Payments, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Corporation Tax will become mandatory in 2026 for companies above a certain size, requiring digital record-keeping and quarterly submissions. Additionally, according to ICAEW, planned reforms to Directors’ Reports and strategic reporting exemptions for medium-sized companies will significantly alter reporting obligations. Interim finance specialists can help businesses navigate these changes, ensuring compliance, establishing the right digital accounting infrastructure, and guiding teams through new reporting requirements ahead of deadlines.
Economically, many UK firms are under pressure to modernise swiftly yet cost-effectively. For example, KARF highlights how KCOM, a regional communications and IT services provider, recently implemented new reporting dashboards with external finance support, reducing reporting cycles and freeing in-house teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Interim finance hires make this possible by bringing targeted expertise precisely when it is needed, without the delays or costs associated with permanent recruitment.
In my experience, the greatest advantage of interim finance hires in the UK is their ability to deliver immediate value while enabling businesses to adapt rapidly. They offer a combination of specialised knowledge, from AI-enabled accounting to compliance with evolving tax and reporting regulations and economic insight, helping organisations embrace change confidently and remain competitive in a fast-evolving market.
