18 of Best CFO Recruiting Firms Reviewed in 2025
10 Best CFO Recruiting Firms Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best services providers from the 18 we reviewed.
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Finding the right Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is crucial for your company’s financial health, but the process can be daunting. You want someone who not only understands numbers but also aligns with your company's culture. That's where CFO recruiting firms come in.
In my experience, these firms help you navigate the complexities of hiring by providing access to top talent and industry insights. They alleviate the burden, allowing you to focus on what you do best.
In this article, I’ll give you an unbiased review of the best CFO recruiting firms. You’ll learn which providers meet your specific needs, whether you’re in tech, finance, or any other industry. Let’s make finding your next CFO a little easier.
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Best CFO Recruiting Firms Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top selections of CFO recruiting firms to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Service | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for boutique service | Free consultation available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for data-driven insights | Discovery call available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for leadership advisory | No trial information available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 4 | Best for diverse industries | No free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for venture-backed firms | Discovery call available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for tech industry | Discovery call available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for global reach | Contact for consultation | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best for manufacturing expertise | Discovery call available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for mid-market firms | Discovery call available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for top-tier executives | Discovery call available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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Rippling
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Willo
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Boon
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.7
Best CFO Recruiting Firms Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best CFO recruiting firms that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews provide an overview of each provider’s key services, unique specialties, and pros and cons to help you find the best one for your needs.
Osborne Financial Search provides executive search services specializing in recruiting finance executives, including CFOs, VPs, and Directors of Finance. They primarily serve mid-sized and owner-managed companies, ensuring candidates align with their clients' culture and needs.
Why I picked Osborne Financial Search: Their boutique service approach caters specifically to mid-sized and owner-managed companies, providing a personalized recruitment experience.
The firm's quick turnaround time, typically presenting candidates within three weeks, ensures your team can fill critical roles promptly. They also offer a one-year replacement guarantee, adding value and assurance to their service.
Standout Services: Osborne Financial Search offers a quick candidate presentation within three weeks, enabling you to fill roles efficiently. They also offer a one-year replacement guarantee, which provides added security for your hiring decisions.
Target industries: Finance, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and retail.
Specialties: Executive search, finance recruitment, cultural alignment, quick turnaround, and personalized service.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Personalized recruitment service
- One-year replacement guarantee
- Quick candidate presentation
Cons:
- Focus on specific company sizes
- Pricing not transparent
ZRG Partners offers executive search services with a focus on finance leadership roles, including those of Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). They serve a diverse client base across various industries, providing tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of each organization.
Why I picked ZRG Partners: Their data-driven approach ensures your team gains valuable insights into the candidate market, enhancing recruitment decisions.
They utilize proprietary tools to analyze market trends and candidate data, providing a competitive edge in finding the right fit. This analytical focus allows your organization to make informed decisions based on real-time data.
Standout Services: ZRG Partners’ proprietary analytical tools provide your team with real-time insights into market trends and candidate data, enhancing recruitment strategies. Their tailored search solutions also ensure you find candidates who align with your company's strategic goals, improving the likelihood of successful placements.
Target industries: Finance, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and industrial.
Specialties: Executive search, data-driven insights, proprietary tools, finance leadership, and tailored solutions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored search strategies
- Proprietary analytical tools
- Data-driven recruitment approach
Cons:
- May not suit small firms
- Pricing not transparent
Egon Zehnder offers CFO recruiting services, specializing in executive search and financial leadership roles. They serve a wide range of industries, catering to organizations seeking top financial executives.
Why I picked Egon Zehnder: Egon Zehnder’s leadership advisory services help you align your financial leadership with your strategic goals. They provide insights into leadership potential and development, ensuring your team is equipped to navigate complex financial landscapes. The platform's extensive global network connects you with elite financial professionals.
Standout Services: Egon Zehnder provides leadership development programs that equip your team with the skills needed for strategic growth. They also offer succession planning services to ensure you have a pipeline of qualified leaders ready to step into critical roles.
Target industries: Finance, healthcare, technology, consumer products, and energy.
Specialties: Executive search, leadership development, succession planning, financial leadership roles, and global network access.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Focus on financial roles
- Tailored executive search
- Leadership advisory services
Cons:
- Focus on premium services
- Higher costs possible
Cowen Partners provides executive search services specializing in CFO and financial leadership roles. They cater to a broad range of industries, helping companies of various sizes find top-tier financial managers.
Why I picked Cowen Partners: They offer expertise across diverse industries, making them a versatile choice for your recruitment needs. Their focus on matching candidates with your company culture ensures a good fit for your team.
Cowen Partners leverages their industry insights to identify leaders who can drive growth and innovation.
Standout Services: Cowen Partners’ cultural fit assessments help you ensure candidates align with your company values and work environment. Their industry-specific insights also provide a comprehensive understanding of market trends, enabling informed strategic decision-making.
Target industries: Finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, and retail.
Specialties: Executive search, cultural fit, industry insights, financial leadership, and growth strategies.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored search strategies
- Broad industry coverage
- Focus on cultural fit
Cons:
- May not suit niche industries
- No public pricing information
True Search offers executive search services specializing in finance leadership roles, including CFOs, for venture-backed companies. They serve a wide range of industries, offering tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of growing firms.
Why I picked True Search: True Search’s specialization in venture-backed firms helps your team find candidates who understand the unique challenges of scaling businesses. They offer a collaborative approach, ensuring candidates align with your company's vision and culture.
The platform's industry expertise supports your organization in identifying leaders who can drive growth and innovation.
Standout Services: True Search offers a collaborative search process that enables your team to find candidates who align with your company's culture, involving stakeholders throughout the recruitment journey. Moreover, their industry expertise offers valuable insights into market trends, aiding in strategic decision-making and helping you attract top talent.
Target industries: Technology, healthcare, finance, consumer goods, and life sciences.
Specialties: Executive search, venture-backed firms, collaborative process, industry expertise, and finance leadership.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Collaborative search approach
- Strong industry expertise
- Specializes in venture-backed firms
Cons:
- May not suit large corporations
- Pricing not transparent
Grayhawk Search offers finance executive recruitment services, specializing in strategic roles such as Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Vice Presidents (VPs), and Directors. They serve clients in the United States, Canada, and Europe, with a focus on sectors such as corporate finance and accounting.
Why I picked Grayhawk Search: Their focus on the tech industry ensures your team finds candidates with the right expertise and innovation skills. They employ a targeted search strategy to engage passive candidates, increasing your chances of finding top talent.
Grayhawk's scientific testing and validation process ensures candidates are a good cultural fit for your organization.
Standout Services: Grayhawk Search offers scientific testing and validation to help you ensure candidates are a good fit for your company's culture and role requirements. They also provide a targeted search strategy that focuses on attracting passive candidates and expanding your access to top-tier talent.
Target industries: Technology, finance, corporate finance, M&A, and accounting.
Specialties: Executive recruitment, CFO roles, targeted search, scientific validation, and finance leadership.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- High client success rate
- Scientific testing process
- Focus on tech industry
Cons:
- Focus on specific sectors
- Pricing not transparent
Stanton Chase provides CFO and financial executive recruitment services, with a focus on strategic leadership and diversity. They cater to businesses of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Why I picked Stanton Chase: Stanton Chase stands out for their global reach and extensive network, which helps you find top financial leaders with a focus on diversity. Their team of over 30 consultants brings a deep understanding of the skills necessary for successful CFOs.
Stanton Chase's tailored search services and leadership assessments align with the evolving role of CFOs, emphasizing strategy and innovation.
Standout Services: Stanton Chase’s tailored search services help you identify top financial leaders by focusing on strategic leadership needs. Their leadership assessments also provide valuable insights into candidates' abilities, ensuring they align with your company’s strategic goals.
Target industries: Finance, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
Specialties: Strategic leadership, diversity recruitment, CFO roles, financial executive roles, and leadership assessments.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Leadership assessments
- Tailored search services
- Experienced consultants
Cons:
- Focus on large companies
- Potentially lengthy search process
hireneXus is a specialized recruiting agency focused on placing top financial leaders, including CFOs, VPs of Finance, and Controllers. They serve a diverse client base across various industries, including healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and private equity, providing tailored recruitment services.
Why I picked hireneXus: hireneXus’ expertise in manufacturing ensures your team finds candidates with the right technical and leadership skills. They offer a personalized recruitment process that aligns with your company's strategic goals.
With a focus on industry-specific knowledge, hireneXus connects you with candidates who can drive operational excellence.
Standout Services: hireneXus offers tailored recruitment services that allow your team to find the right fit by focusing on your specific industry and business needs. Additionally, their industry-specific insights provide valuable information on market trends, enabling informed strategic decision-making and helping you attract top talent.
Target industries: Healthcare, IT, manufacturing, private equity, and finance.
Specialties: Executive search, CFO roles, tailored recruitment, industry insights, and financial leadership.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Diverse industry coverage
- Personalized recruitment process
- Manufacturing industry expertise
Cons:
- May not suit all industries
- Pricing not transparent
JM Search provides executive recruiting services specializing in CFOs and financial executives across diverse industries. They serve private equity-backed, private, and public companies, emphasizing strategic and operational capabilities in economic leadership.
Why I picked JM Search: JM Search excels in serving mid-market firms by tailoring recruitment solutions to meet specific needs. Their team of former C-level executives and experienced recruiters ensures candidates align with your strategic goals.
JM Search's insights into compensation trends help you stay competitive in attracting top talent.
Standout Services: JM Search offers insights on compensation trends to help you understand market standards and attract top candidates. Additionally, their customized recruitment solutions ensure that your team finds candidates aligned with your strategic and operational goals.
Target industries: Consumer, healthcare, technology, financial services, and private equity.
Specialties: Executive recruiting, CFO roles, strategic alignment, compensation insights, and financial leadership.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Compensation trend insights
- Experienced C-level recruiters
- Focus on mid-market firms
Cons:
- Focus on specific industries
- Pricing not transparent
Crist|Kolder Associates offers CFO recruiting services, specializing in high-level placements for public companies and large private equity-owned firms.
They also cover other finance leadership roles, such as Treasurers and Controllers, with an emphasis on succession planning. Their main client base includes companies of all sizes, from small to large-cap.
Why I picked Crist|Kolder Associates: Crist|Kolder Associates focuses on top-tier executive placements to ensure your company finds leaders who can drive strategic growth. With expertise in succession planning, they help you prepare for leadership changes effectively.
Their deep industry knowledge supports your team in identifying candidates who fit well with your organizational goals.
Standout Services: Crist|Kolder Associates’ succession planning helps you prepare for future leadership changes, ensuring continuity and stability. Their high-level executive placements also focus on finding candidates who can drive strategic growth and meet your organizational needs.
Target industries: Finance, technology, healthcare, consumer products, and industrial.
Specialties: Executive search, succession planning, CFO roles, finance leadership, and strategic growth.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Deep industry knowledge
- Expertise in succession planning
- Focus on top-tier executives
Cons:
- No public pricing information
- Focus on large companies
Other CFO Recruiting Firms
Here are some additional CFO recruiting firms that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out:
- CFO Search Inc.
For North America focus
- CFO Recruit
For personalized approach
- Pierpoint International
For scalable recruitment solutions
- Bedford Group TRANSEARCH
For data-driven search
- Heidrick & Struggles
For global executive reach
- Calibre One
For tech and digital sectors
- BridgeStreet Partners
For boutique service
- N2Growth
For leadership development
What Are CFO Recruiting Firms?
CFO recruiting firms are specialized agencies that focus on finding and placing Chief Financial Officers and other finance executives. They might offer things like:
- Executive search and placement
- Talent assessment and evaluation
- Leadership development programs
- Interim CFO placements
Companies seeking top financial leadership usually turn to CFO recruiting firms. These firms help address the challenge of finding qualified candidates with the right mix of skills and experience for financial leadership roles.
CFO Recruiting Firms Selection Criteria
When selecting the best CFO recruiting firms to include in this list, I considered common business needs and pain points that these providers address. This included tasks such as identifying qualified financial leaders and ensuring a cultural fit. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Services (25% of total score): To be considered for inclusion in this list, each provider had to offer these basic services:
- Executive search
- Talent assessment
- Leadership development
- Interim placements
- Cultural fit evaluation
Additional Standout Services (25% of total score): To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique or especially valuable services, such as:
- Succession planning
- Diversity recruitment
- Market trend analysis
- Customized search strategies
- Data-driven insights
Industry Experience (10% of total score): To get a sense of the industry experience of each provider, I considered the following:
- Years in business
- Number of successful placements
- Client industry diversity
- Expertise in niche markets
- Reputation in the industry
Onboarding (10% of total score): To evaluate the onboarding experience for each provider, I considered the following:
- Ease of initial contact
- Clarity of process
- Speed of service initiation
- Availability of resources
- Support during onboarding
Customer Support (10% of total score): To assess the level of customer support each provider offers, I considered the following:
- Availability of support staff
- Response time to inquiries
- Quality of communication
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Follow-up services
Value For Price (10% of total score): To evaluate the pricing and potential ROI of working with each provider, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Transparency of fees
- Cost versus benefit analysis
- Flexibility in pricing models
- Client testimonials on value
Customer Reviews (10% of total score): To get a sense of the overall satisfaction of existing customers, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Satisfaction with service quality
- Timeliness of placement
- Success rate of placements
- Overall experience with the provider
- Willingness to recommend to others
How to Choose a CFO Recruiting Firms Provider
It’s easy to get bogged down in long lists of services and complex pricing structures. To help you prioritize the things that matter most for your business, keep the following factors in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Business Objectives | Ensure the firm understands your strategic goals and can align candidates with your company's vision. |
| Service Scope and SLAs | Review the range of services offered and any service level agreements to ensure they meet your needs. |
| Support Availability | Check if support is available when you need it, especially during critical hiring phases. |
| Costs and Pricing Structure | Look for transparent pricing that fits your budget and offers flexibility in payment terms. |
| Communication and Reporting | Ensure the firm provides regular updates and clear communication throughout the recruitment process. |
| Industry Expertise | Choose a firm with experience in your industry to leverage their knowledge and network. |
| Cultural Fit | Assess how well the firm can evaluate candidates' fit with your company culture. |
| Track Record | Investigate the firm's history of successful placements in similar roles and industries. |
Key CFO Recruiting Firms Services
When selecting a CFO recruiting firm, keep an eye out for the following key services:
- Executive search: Identifies and recruits top financial leaders who align with your company's strategic goals.
- Talent assessment: Evaluates candidates' skills and potential to ensure they meet your organization's needs.
- Leadership development: Offers programs to enhance the skills and effectiveness of your financial leaders.
- Interim placements: Offer temporary financial leadership solutions to fill gaps quickly.
- Cultural fit evaluation: Assesses candidates' compatibility with your company culture to ensure long-term success and alignment.
- Succession planning: Helps prepare your organization for future leadership changes by identifying potential successors.
- Diversity recruitment: Focuses on building a diverse financial leadership team, enhancing innovation, and promoting inclusivity.
- Data-driven insights: Utilizes analytics to provide valuable market and candidate insights for informed decision-making.
- Market trend analysis: Keeps you informed about industry trends, helping you stay competitive in talent acquisition.
- Customized search strategies: Tailors recruitment approaches to fit your specific industry and business requirements.
Benefits of CFO Recruiting Firms
Partnering with a CFO recruiting firm offers several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Access to top talent: Leverage executive search services to find highly qualified financial leaders who match your strategic goals.
- Time-saving recruitment: Benefit from interim placements and quick candidate presentations, reducing the time to fill critical roles.
- Improved cultural fit: Use cultural fit evaluations to ensure candidates align with your company values and work environment.
- Enhanced leadership skills: Take advantage of leadership development programs to strengthen your financial team's capabilities.
- Diverse leadership team: Engage in diversity recruitment efforts to foster innovation and inclusivity within your organization.
- Informed hiring decisions: Utilize data-driven insights and market trend analysis to make well-informed recruitment choices.
- Future-ready leadership: Implement succession planning to ensure your organization is prepared for future leadership transitions.
Costs and Pricing Structures of CFO Recruiting Firms
CFO recruiting firms typically offer a custom price to accommodate various business needs, sizes, and circumstances. Providers generally work within one of the following pricing structures:
- Contingency fee: You pay only when a successful placement is made, usually as a percentage of the candidate's first-year salary.
- Retainer fee: An upfront fee is paid to engage the firm's services, often split into installments throughout the search process.
- Flat fee: A fixed price is agreed upon for the recruitment service, regardless of the candidate's salary or hiring timeline.
- Hourly rate: You pay based on the hours the firm spends on your recruitment project, offering flexibility in managing costs.
- Project-based pricing: Costs are determined by the specific scope and requirements of the recruitment project.
Key Factors That Influence CFO Recruiting Firms' Pricing
Beyond the specific pricing model, here are some additional factors that can influence the cost of CFO recruiting firms:
- Level of position: Senior-level roles, such as CFOs, typically command higher fees due to the complexity and importance of the search.
- Industry specialization: Niche industries may incur higher costs due to the need for specialized knowledge and networks.
- Geographic location: Searches in regions with a limited talent pool may require additional resources, which can impact the cost.
- Customization needs: Tailored recruitment strategies and services can increase costs as they require more personalized attention.
Being aware of these factors before you start seeking out custom quotes from providers helps you get a sense of what to expect, and compare and contrast quotes more effectively.
CFO Recruiting Firms: FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about CFO recruiting firms:
How do CFO recruiting firms find candidates?
CFO recruiting firms use a combination of strategies to find candidates. They leverage their extensive networks and databases to identify potential candidates. They also employ targeted search techniques to identify passive candidates who may not be actively seeking new roles. Additionally, they assess candidates’ qualifications and cultural fit to ensure they meet your team’s needs.
What should I expect during the recruitment process?
During the recruitment process, your firm will work closely with you to understand your specific needs. They’ll conduct a detailed search to identify suitable candidates and present you with a shortlist. The firm will handle initial interviews and assessments, providing you with insights and recommendations. You’ll have the final say in selecting the right candidate for your team.
How long does it typically take to fill a CFO position?
The time it takes to fill a CFO position can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the role and market conditions. On average, the recruitment process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to complete. Working with a recruiting firm can expedite the process by leveraging their expertise and resources.
Can a recruiting firm help with interim CFO placements?
Yes, many CFO recruiting firms offer interim placement services. If you need temporary financial leadership due to a vacancy or special project, these firms can quickly connect you with qualified interim CFOs. This allows your team to maintain continuity and stability during transitions or while searching for a permanent hire.
How do I choose the right CFO recruiting firm for my needs?
To select the right recruiting firm, consider factors such as industry expertise, service offerings, and pricing models. Look for a firm that understands your business objectives and has a strong track record in your industry. It’s also important to assess their communication and support throughout the recruitment process to ensure a smooth partnership.
What are the costs involved with using a CFO recruiting firm?
Costs can vary based on the pricing model and specific services you require. Common pricing structures include contingency fees, retainer fees, and flat fees. It’s important to discuss pricing upfront and understand any additional costs that may arise. Be sure to evaluate the value and return on investment the firm can provide for your business.
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