The Perfect CFO to Complete An Aggressive Growth Strategy

Challenge

Qualus, a leading provider of specialized engineering and technical field services faced a significant challenge in finding the ideal CFO for its aggressive growth strategy. This predicament arose because the initial head of finance , who was hired with this objective in mind, resigned within three weeks of starting the job. The situation was further complicated because the incoming chairman and CEO had a personal association with a previous controller who was keen on becoming the new CFO. However, despite relocating his family and assuming the coveted position, he failed to deliver the necessary results.

The root of this problem lies in the fact the this company is rapidly evolving. The CEO along with the private equity investor, had been actively sourcing and integrating small engineering firms to foster growth.

The ideal CFO would be instrumental in creating scalable financial systems and processes for these acquisitions while keeping the core business on track. Unfortunately, the initial and subsequent CFO hires could not fulfill these crucial duties, resulting in significant financial repercussions.

Given the gravity of the situation, the CEO realized that he needed to find the right CFO to carry out the critical financial duties required to steer the company toward success. This time he knew that he had to review candidates carefully and pinpoint the skills critical for their growth prospects.

The CEO needed a strategic, driven CFO who would stay through the transition from emerging brand to established industry leader and help the private equity firm realize its monumental growth ambitions. This would be a chance for an ambitious individual to step in, apply their expertise and take on the formidable challenge of creating a robust financial framework capable of navigating the company’s growth trajectory.

With the CEO’s needs transparently crystallized, it was evident that finding the right CFO would require a frank and no-nonsense search for financial talent attracted to a ground-floor opportunity; one who would be motivated and driven to deliver the vision of the CEO and ownership team.

The Search Partner

The CEO has expressed great satisfaction in working with TRANSEARCH throughout the years, citing their unwavering commitment to getting things done and done right. He has praised the firm’s tenacity and resilience, remarking that TRANSEARCH never gives up on their clients. This undoubtedly fostered a sense of trust and confidence in the CEO, which has led him to utilize TRANSEARCH for multiple executive searches.

Moreover, the CEO noted that TRANSEARCH’s approach to the search process was not so rigid as to hinder their ability to be flexible. This further impressed him, demonstrating the firm’s ability to adapt to unique circumstances and tailor their services to meet clients’ needs.

Given these positive experiences, it is no surprise that the CEO chose to work with TRANSEARCH again in the search for his new CFO. This decision was based on the firm’s track record of success, its commitment to excellence, and its ability to navigate even the most complex searches. By working with TRANSEARCH again, the CEO can rest assured that his organization will be in good hands and that they will find the ideal candidate for the job.

Solution

TRANSEARCH was faced with the challenge of finding a highly qualified CFO candidate with the requisite industry experience and a proven track record of successfully scaling organizations. Additionally, the candidate needed to build a strong rapport with the CEO, share the same vision, and align their financial and commercial perspectives.

To accomplish this task, TRANSEARCH began by conducting an in-depth analysis of the client’s unique requirements and challenges. Leveraging the firm’s deep industry expertise, and vast network of contacts, TRANSEARCH identified several potential candidates who met the client’s criteria.

With a specific focus on attracting a senior candidate, who had already succeeded at a larger organization, TRANSEARCH designed a compelling value proposition and target audience messaging emphasizing the role’s potential to lead and transform. The messaging was crafted to attract high-performers who would see the position as an opportunity to bring their experience to a larger stage, allowing them to make a significant impact.

TRANSEARCH was also mindful of the diversity requirements and actively sought out qualified diverse candidates. Considering the location-based constraints, TRANSEARCH searched for and eventually found the right candidate with the necessary professional gravitas and seniority to collaborate effectively with the CEO.

Results

TRANSEARCH accomplished remarkable results in hiring a new CFO for the client. The challenging process involved finding an exceptional candidate who possessed the expertise and proficiency required to help scale the business from its present 250-person firm to a 1,200-person firm. Despite the relocation obstacle, TRANSEARCH worked diligently to locate the perfect candidate.

The client chose a candidate with a unique skill set that would enable this executive to bring a strategic commercial perspective and strong financial insight to the company. Although the potential CFO lacked standalone CFO experience, the client understood that they had found a candidate they could mold and develop and who was looking for mentorship.

Overall, thanks to TRANSEARCH’s rigorous and thorough search process, the client got the perfect candidate that would help their company grow exponentially. The successful placement of the new CFO paved the way for continued success and growth, thanks to TRANSEARCH’s outstanding results.

Months To complete the seach

candidates identified and screened

candidates were narrowed down to the short list

Industry

AEC