Behind the Desk: Interim Treasury and Risk in London

Welcome to Behind the Desk, a JSS series spotlighting the expertise that powers our team and yours. In this edition, we feature Jenny Gilmore, a specialist in Interim Treasury and Risk recruitment. She shares her insights into the Treasury market in London, her thoughts on its future, and practical advice for professionals and businesses looking to grow in 2025.

Meet Jenny: Interim Treasury and Risk Recruitment Specialist

I’m a Senior Consultant at JSS Search, leading the Interim Treasury and Risk offering across all industries. I recruit temporary day-rate and off-payroll workers, as well as fixed-term contracts. While we operate across the UK, we also have experience working with businesses in Europe and the US.

Since 2021, I’ve specialised in Interim Treasury recruitment, covering roles from mid-level positions up to £55,000 per annum through to senior roles like Senior Treasury Project Managers – meaning I’ve worked across the entire market for most of my career.

Navigating Interim Recruitment in Treasury and Risk

What roles do you specialise in?

I work with a range of businesses, from FTSE-listed and PE-backed firms to privately-owned companies and not-for-profits. Each has its own structure and challenges, but the Treasury itself remains consistent.

Because of this, Treasury recruitment tends to follow the Treasurer, not the business per se. The Treasurer often dictates how the function is structured, so hiring decisions depend on who’s leading the team rather than the company itself.

What led you to specialise in Interim Treasury recruitment?

I started out working for a charity that focused on inclusive recruitment. Through this, I was partnered with a banking client, giving me my first exposure to financial services.

I initially worked in interim hospitality recruitment when I moved to London in 2021. However, with the volatility of COVID-19, I wanted something more stable and worked my way into finance recruitment. I joined a leading tax and treasury firm, where I started with junior corporate roles as a treasury analyst and assistant manager. Over time, I took on more senior roles, eventually covering the whole market.

 Joining JSS Search introduced me to the financial services treasury, an entirely different market from the corporate side of treasury. The two rarely overlap, so I’ve been focused on building a strong network of FS interim professionals.

How has your experience shaped your approach?

I genuinely enjoy helping people find work. It’s incredibly rewarding. I also like listening and learning from Treasury professionals—understanding their experiences helps me match them with the right opportunities.

Treasury is all about relationship management. If a candidate can articulate their skills and experience well to me, they can do the same with their stakeholders—making them valuable wherever they go.

What makes interim Treasury recruitment unique?

Interim professionals often stay out of internal politics and can navigate complex structures quickly. However, they sometimes struggle to have their ideas taken on board since they’re not seen as long-term stakeholders. In reality, every interim professional I work with is deeply invested in their work and thinks long-term for the business.

As more organisations embrace contractors, mindsets are shifting. But when an interim is the only Treasury professional in the business, they often have to push harder for their case to be heard. Strong stakeholder management is key, and successful interims are comfortable challenging the status quo.

The Interim Treasury Market: Trends and Challenges

How does the interim market differ from permanent Treasury recruitment?

Interim roles fall into several categories:

• Business-as-usual (BAU) cover – Maternity, paternity, and planned leave, where a professional steps in with advance notice.

• Transformation projects – Optimising, automating, or driving efficiencies, whether through tech changes or Treasury policy updates.

• Treasury management systems (TMS) work – With more TMS providers than ever, experienced consultants are in demand.

• Senior advisory roles – Experienced Treasurers offer governance advice or assess Treasury functions.

• Emergency hires – When someone leaves unexpectedly or an audit flags issues, interim professionals step in fast.

 Many interims excel in high-pressure situations and can start almost immediately. That’s where our network is invaluable—I keep in close contact with professionals, so I always know who’s available, their rate expectations, and where they’d be the best fit. That’s how I can fill an interim role in as little as a week.

What roles are in high demand right now?

 The middle management market is especially active, with many Senior Managers and Directors looking for interim opportunities. These professionals are often used for projects or transformations where they can showcase their expertise.

At the more senior level—Group Treasurers and Finance Directors—it’s a busier market, but hiring is more selective.

Have you noticed any shifts in what businesses are looking for?

Pre-Covid, qualifications were a top priority, but that’s changed. Companies now recognise that many Treasury professionals are qualified by experience, especially in interim roles, where adaptability is key.

For interims, it’s all about deliverables. I match candidates who can confidently do at least 80% of the role from day one. Unlike permanent hires, interims rarely have time for training—they need to hit the ground running.

How has the Treasury sector evolved recently?

The interim market moves in cycles—demand spikes when permanent hiring slows. Last year, cost-cutting meant fewer interim roles. But at the start of 2024, confidence began returning and hiring managers felt more settled about the economic and political landscape. Now, companies are making more strategic hiring decisions.

I also anticipate some churn over the next few months as people start to move on and feel more settled post-economic and political events, including two significant elections and a new budget. This move in permanent hires also impacts the interim market, causing a need for immediate, short-term work.

What challenges do businesses face when securing interim talent?

Budget constraints and lack of senior buy-in are the biggest issues. Treasurers often need to justify why they’re hiring, especially to leaders with less Treasury understanding.

That’s where I come in—helping companies see the flexibility of interim hires. Off-payroll professionals aren’t a headcount cost; they’re an external expense, which is easier to justify on a P&L. This often makes interim solutions more appealing.

Looking Ahead: Emerging Trends and Skills

What trends should Treasury professionals be aware of?

One key shift is the rise of experience with Requests for Proposals (RFPs), which formalises Treasury projects involving signficant improvements and system implementations. Utilising RFPs in your current firm can give you an edge in interviews, especially at the Director level.

How is technology shaping Treasury?

AI is a growing topic, but the real focus is still on Treasury systems. More businesses are investing in TMS and automation, so having practical systems experience is becoming a must-have skill.

What advice would you give Treasury professionals looking to go interim?

Learn to market yourself effectively. Highlight your key projects, deliverables, and Treasury IT  experience on your CV. And most importantly—be comfortable challenging the norm. Interim roles often require pushing for change or navigating businesses in a state of change, so strong stakeholder management is key.

Final Thoughts

The interim Treasury market is evolving, and businesses are becoming more open to flexible talent solutions. Whether you’re a company looking for immediate support or a professional considering an interim move, understanding these trends will help you stay informed and make strategic decisions.

If you’d like to discuss interim Treasury opportunities or market trends, please reach out to Jenny at Jenny.Gilmore@jss-treasury.com.

WRITTEN BY

Senior Consultant, Treasury

Jenny Gilmore