CFOs are one of the most in-demand positions across every industry. Bloomberg has dubbed the role as ‘Chief Future Officer’ as it evolves beyond financial management. Companies are actively switching from traditional recruitment to headhunting services to find their ideal candidate.
Headhunters enable companies to curate the role of CFO to match their specific needs and skills gaps. Today’s CFOs are taking on greater strategic and operational responsibilities, leveraging technology to provide more accurate forecasting with data-driven insights.
Recruiting CFOs has changed in recent years as more candidates are applying for positions from diverse backgrounds. Gone are the days when accountancy was the only route to becoming a CFO.
Companies are choosing to use a CFO headhunter as they recognise the role as a steppingstone to becoming CEO. The CEO-CFO relationship is crucial for ensuring the success of the position with headhunting making it easier to find a suitable candidate.
Agencies like FD Capital are responding to the demand for CFOs by launching dedicated CFO headhunting services. Current geopolitical challenges and economic uncertainty have boosted the value of recruiting a CFO.
What is a CFO Headhunter?
A CFO headhunter is a specialist recruiter who works with companies to identify potential candidates, streamlining the traditional recruitment process. Headhunters are also known as ‘executive recruiters’, typically focusing on leadership and high-level role.
Headhunters have an extensive network of professionals that they can approach for suitable positions, including off-market and passive candidates who aren’t exposed to traditional recruitment marketing. These high-quality candidates are prepared to apply for new positions that offer career progression.
A CFO headhunter will focus solely on recruiting for CFO positions, giving them a unique market insight into the evolution of the role. Today’s CFOs are moving outside the financial department to become a corporate face of the company, interacting with stakeholders, and offering financial credibility. Headhunters will have a network of CFOs who specialise in niches from debt refinancing to rapid growth.
Using a headhunting service can be more time and cost-effective than traditional recruitment, including for companies on a tight deadline. CFO headhunters can recruit a CFO on a part-time, full-time, or remote contract.
The Benefits of Using a CFO Headhunter
It’s a common misconception that only multinational companies can afford a headhunting service. Headhunting is an investment that reflects the value of hiring a CFO. Today’s CFOs interact with every part of the business, engaging with stakeholders and future-proofing the company. Outsourcing recruitment to a headhunter streamlines the process and enables the company exactly what they want in their CFO.
The importance of the CEO-CFO relationship is why using a headhunter can be beneficial. Their partnership is at the core of the company’s success with a CFO’s forecasting and analytical insight providing a foundation for the CEO’s decision making. CEOs will typically want a CFO who can fill their skills gap, whether it’s investor relations or developing supply chain resilience.
More CFOs are stepping into the shoes of their CEO, being prepared to inherit the role. Headhunting enables companies to plan for this by laying out exactly the experience, skills, and characteristics they desire in a CFO. The headhunter can match this information with their talent pool of potential candidates.
One of the most practical benefits of headhunting is that it provides access to passive candidates who are leaders within their industry. It provides a virtual guarantee of the position being filled by a suitable candidate.
Headhunting is the best option for companies that want to discreetly recruit a CFO. A CFO headhunter will ensure confidentiality throughout the recruitment process. It’s an ideal option in cases of an unexpected departure or where a company doesn’t want to advertise openly to their competitors.
Why CFOs Work with Headhunters
It’s not just companies that benefit from using a headhunting service. Working with a headhunter is a win-win for the company and the candidate. It allows CFOs to keep their options open and build their profile within the industry.
A headhunter will only approach a candidate if they believe the position would be desirable to the candidate. It offers a passive way for CFOs to progress their career without spending time engaging in traditional recruitment.
There are several benefits for CFOs who work with a headhunter:
. Career Progression without Actively Applying
Headhunters streamline the recruitment process for both candidates and companies. Candidates can continue to focus on their day job while the headhunter connects them with positions that are suitable for their experience and future career progression. It can open new avenues for employment, including lucrative positions with top companies and scaling businesses.
. Receive Career Advice and Feedback
CFOs are often mentors, but that doesn’t mean they have all the answers. Working with a headhunter can provide you with career advice and feedback, particularly for senior professionals applying for their first CFO positions. Headhunters will identify any gaps in your CV and provide feedback on how to improve your portfolio
Our headhunting service supports CFOs and financial professionals with career growth guidance. We provide personalized tips – from a review of your CV to creating tailored answers for the job position you are applying for. Our candidates also receive specialized advice on how to enhance their portfolios, as well as enhancing their ability to answer interview questions confidently and successfully!
. Avenues for New Career Opportunities
The benefit of working with a headhunter is that you’ll get access to positions that aren’t advertised. You can continue to explore traditional recruitment, while working with a headhunter to secure a position within your desired niche or industry.
. Headhunters are Invested in Finding the Best Match
Headhunters are determined to match candidates with the right position. They’re motivated recruiters whose success depends on making a successful match that works for both the company and the candidate.
Identifying and Recruiting a Chief Financial Officer – What You Need to Know
Headhunting is an effective option for companies of every size, whether you’re hiring a remote part-time CFO or a full-time CFO. Streamlining the recruitment process means companies save time and money by working with a headhunting service. It guarantees the role will be filled by a suitable candidate that meets the company’s requirements.
Start the process of headhunting a CFO today by contacting recruitment@fdcapital.co.uk.