A Process Built for Precision and Speed
Our search process is lean, structured, and calibrated to your business — completing most engagements in 8–12 weeks without sacrificing rigor or fit.
Search isn’t a transaction. It’s a judgment call.
01
Context Before Credentials
We begin every search by deeply understanding your business — not just your job description. The CFO you need is defined by where you’re going, not where others have been.
02
Curated, Not Broadcast
We don’t post jobs. We conduct targeted outreach to candidates we’ve already identified as credible fits — protecting your confidentiality and maintaining the quality of the slate.
03
Structured Assessment
Every candidate on our shortlist has completed a structured interview, reference validation, and scenario‑based evaluation before you meet them.
04
End‑to‑End Ownership
We run 10–15 searches per year by design. That keeps us focused, responsive, and deeply engaged with every client. You will never feel like a number.
How It Works
Our process is lean, structured, and built for speed without sacrificing precision. Every search follows a consistent framework, customized to your context.
Strategic Discovery
We begin with a deep‑dive into your business model, growth stage, capital structure, board dynamics, and the specific profile of CFO your company needs at this moment — not generically.
Market Mapping & Outreach
We activate our proprietary network and conduct structured outreach to CFOs who have operated in analogous companies at similar stages. No job boards. No spray and pray.
Evaluation & Presentation
Shortlisted candidates undergo structured interviews, reference checks, and scenario‑based assessments. You receive a curated slate — typically 3–5 candidates — with full evaluation notes.
Close & Integration
We manage the offer process, negotiation, and onboarding structure to ensure a smooth transition. We remain engaged through the first 90 days.
8–12
Week average timeline
100%
Search fill rate
3–5
Candidates per slate
12 mon
Replacement guarantee
What to Expect, Week by Week
Signed agreement, onboarding call, strategic discovery questionnaire sent.
Deep‑dive discovery session with key stakeholders; role brief finalized.
Market mapping underway; blind outreach to shortlisted candidates initiated.
First candidate interviews conducted; initial slate review call with client.
Structured assessments and reference checks on shortlisted candidates.
Curated slate of 3–5 candidates delivered with full evaluation notes.
Client interviews; debrief and selection facilitation.
Offer management, negotiation support, and onboarding structure.
Post‑placement check‑ins; onboarding engagement; 12‑month guarantee active.
We evaluate candidates across five dimensions
Our evaluation framework goes beyond the résumé. We conduct structured interviews, reference validation, and scenario‑based assessments before any candidate is presented.
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01
Strategic Fit
Does this CFO align with where the company is headed? We evaluate how candidates think about capital allocation, growth strategy, and long‑horizon decision‑making.
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02
Investor Fluency
Can they command the room? We assess how candidates communicate financial narratives to board members, LPs, and institutional investors.
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03
Operational Capability
Can they build the financial engine? We look for CFOs who have designed and scaled finance operations, controls, and reporting infrastructure.
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04
Cultural Alignment
Will they stay? We assess personality, values, and leadership style against the culture of your organization and your founding team dynamics.
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05
Cross‑Border Experience
Where have they operated? We evaluate international exposure, multi‑jurisdictional finance experience, and regulatory fluency.
Transparent, Performance‑Aligned Pricing
Fee Structure
25% of First‑Year Compensation
Success‑based fee calculated on the CFO’s total first‑year cash compensation package.
At Search Launch
25% Upfront
A launch retainer to initiate strategic discovery, market mapping, and outreach.
At Acceptance
75% at Placement
The balance is due upon accepted offer, reflecting our commitment to completing every search.
Guarantee
12‑Month Replacement
If the placed CFO departs within 12 months of start date for any reason, we conduct a full replacement search at no additional retainer.
What’s Included
Every search engagement includes the full suite of services from discovery to onboarding.
- Strategic discovery and role definition
- Proprietary market mapping and outreach
- Structured interviews and scenario assessments
- Reference validation and background review
- Curated shortlist with full evaluation notes
- Offer management and negotiation support
- 90‑day onboarding engagement
- 12‑month replacement guarantee
Let's Discuss Your CFO Search
If you're raising capital, scaling operations, or entering new markets, we should talk. The first conversation is always free, without obligation, and strictly confidential.
search@cfoplacement.com
Phone
+1 678 218 2492
Global Offices
Atlanta. London. Lagos