When the accounting manager announced her departure with the annual closing just around the corner, Anker STI chose to bring in an interim manager. This gave them time for a thorough recruitment process and resulted in structure, progress, and an unexpected bonus.
Losing your chief accountant just before the annual closing is hardly anyone's ideal situation. At Anker STI, one of Oslo's largest providers of student housing and real estate, that's exactly what happened. The financial system had recently been implemented and was still new to many in the organization, and with complex reporting requirements on the horizon, it was crucial to act quickly but wisely.
"We knew that three months was going to pass quickly and wanted to make the recruitment process thorough. That's why we contacted Interimleder AS," says CFO Lasse Thorstensen.
He hadn’t worked with Interimleder before, but quickly gained confidence in their process:
"They quickly understood our needs. They were professional, pleasant and easy to work with. Everything went smoothly."
Shortly afterwards, Stein Haarbye was introduced, an experienced finance professional with a background in auditing and consolidated accounts. He started in mid-November and went straight into a busy period:
"I felt like I was stepping into a well-prepared situation," says Stein, "but then the annual accounts and new reporting routines kicked in. Luckily, I've been through most of it before, so I just had to roll up my sleeves and deliver."
Haarbye's experience quickly became crucial. He went straight into complex subject areas, with both VAT-liable and VAT-exempt activities, property value assessment for tax purposes, and consolidation, without batting an eyelid.
"I didn't have my heart in my throat or google what to do. I knew what was needed," he says.
That confidence was noticed by the client.
"That's really what interim management is all about, that you get someone who has done this before. And it shows," says Thorstensen.
Stein didn't just deliver on what was expected. He also initiated improvements in reporting, structure and workflow. That was noticed.
"Stein is absolutely super. We have been very, very satisfied. We actually got more than we asked for," says Thorstensen.
According to plan, the assignment was to last until April 30, with a one-month overlap with the incoming accounting manager. But when management saw what Stein could contribute, the assignment was extended twice.
"He also took on other tasks. He has simply been a bonus for us."
Anker STI is far from alone in experiencing the benefits of bringing in an experienced manager during a transition phase. There are more than 3,000 senior executives, specialists and operational middle managers in Interimleder's database, many with long experience from demanding roles in the business world. Some are active consultants, others are between jobs, and many have deliberately chosen interim management as a flexible and meaningful career path.
Stein Haarbye is one of them. After being downsized from a permanent position, he did what many others do: He applied for new jobs, but there was no response.
"I noticed that it's difficult to get a permanent job when you're over 60, even if you have a lot of experience," he says openly.
Instead of giving up, he decided to take a new approach. He registered with Interimleder and was soon contacted about the opportunity at Anker STI.
"As an interim manager, I can use my expertise to the full. I now see my age as a strength. Not a limitation. I see this as a good way forward and hope for more assignments like this in the future."
For Interimleder AS, interim management is about more than filling a void.
"The aim is not just to cover an absence, but to add value. With Stein, Anker got an experienced professional who could take responsibility immediately, clean up and improve, and at the same time give security to the next manager," says Bengt Heggertveit of Interimleder AS.
The assignment at Anker STI shows how the right person, at the right time, can do more than just keep the wheels turning, and actually become a competitive advantage.
Situation and challenge
Anker STI found itself without an accounting manager just before the annual closing. A new financial system had recently been implemented, and there was a need for both continuity and a safe handover to a new manager.
The solution
Interimleder AS introduced Stein Haarbye, an experienced economist who took responsibility from day one. He ensured stable operations, improved structure and reporting, and provided valuable support to the incoming accounting manager.
The result
The client was very satisfied. The transition was seamless, reporting strengthened and the assignment provided added value far beyond what was originally expected.
About Interimleder AS: Interimleder AS is Norway's leading specialist in interim management. Since its inception in 2001, the company has helped companies find experienced managers and specialists who can step in quickly, take responsibility and create value from day one. Our interim managers combine operational power with strategic insight and deliver leadership when it really counts.