How does Harper May vet for technical competency?

We utilise competency-based interviews, technical case studies, and thorough executive referencing to ensure candidates possess the technical and commercial weight required for the role.

What is the typical timeline for an executive finance search?

A standard executive search takes between 8 to 12 weeks, ensuring a deep market map and a rigorous vetting process for all shortlisted candidates.

Do you provide interim finance solutions?

Yes, we can deploy experienced interim CFOs and Finance Directors within 48 to 72 hours to manage transitions or urgent business transformations.

Finance Recruitment Services

At Harper May, we specialise in building high-performance finance functions that act as the primary engine of enterprise value. We understand that effective financial leadership is the backbone of business growth, risk management, and long-term stability. Our comprehensive recruitment services are designed to bridge the gap between your organisation’s strategic goals and the human capital required to achieve them in a complex, 2026 global economy.

Ready to professionalise your finance function with elite leadership? Start the Conversation with our specialist search team today.

Architecting the Modern Finance Function

The role of finance has transitioned from a back-office reporting function to a front-line strategic partner. Whether you are scaling a venture-backed startup, managing a multinational entity, or navigating a Private Equity transformation, the quality of your finance team determines your "Speed to Exit" and your operational resilience.

At Harper May, we don't just "fill roles." We consult on the architecture of your finance team. Our CFO Recruitment process begins with an assessment of your 3-year Value Creation Plan (VCP). Do you need a "Growth CFO" to lead an international expansion, or a "Technical CFO" to clean up legacy systems and prepare for an IPO? By aligning the hire with the business outcome, we ensure that every placement becomes a high-impact asset.

Strategic Pathways to Financial Excellence

We have organised our recruitment expertise into distinct, high-impact pathways to ensure you get the specific type of leadership your business needs.

1. Executive Finance Leadership

This pathway is designed for board-level and senior operational appointments. If you are looking to appoint a CFO or a Finance Director, this is your starting point. We focus on finding leaders with the vision, commercial acumen, and "Boardroom Weight" to drive your company’s future. Through our specialised Executive Finance Recruitment service, we identify individuals who can translate granular data into strategic narratives for investors and stakeholders.

2. Industry-Specific Technical Talent

Sector-focused expertise is critical for roles that require deep-rooted technical knowledge. If you need a finance professional who understands your industry's specific KPIs—whether that is SaaS metrics, Banking regulations, or Real Estate development finance—our industry clusters are tailored for you. Our Industry Finance Recruitment division ensures that technical competency is vetted by consultants who speak your sector's language.

The Harper May Methodology: Search, Not Selection

Recruiting for finance requires a deep understanding of both human capital and financial complexity. We are not a generalist agency; we are a specialist partner. Our methodology is built on four pillars of excellence:

Data-Driven Market Mapping: We don't rely on existing databases. We conduct a bespoke market map for every assignment to ensure you see the "Passive Talent"—those currently excelling in their roles who are not active on job boards.
Sector-Specific Fluency: We speak the language of EBITDA, Net Interest Margin, and Token Economics. Our consultants possess deep-rooted experience in your specific industry, ensuring we can vet for technical competency.
Digital Seniority Assessment: In 2026, a finance leader who cannot leverage AI and automated data governance is a liability. We vet every candidate for their "Digital Seniority," ensuring they can lead a modern, tech-enabled finance function.
Cultural Alignment: We prioritise long-term retention. By assessing leadership style and cultural compatibility alongside technical skill, we ensure our placements fit the unique "pulse" of your organisation.

Does your board require a confidential briefing on current market talent? Start the Conversation with our Directors.

Bespoke Finance Hiring Solutions

Every business stage requires a different approach to human capital. We provide flexible Finance Hiring Solutions that adapt to your specific growth trajectory. This includes:

Retained Executive Search: For mission-critical C-suite appointments.
Interim Management: Deploying "Ready-Now" leaders to manage transformations or gap periods.
Project-Based Hiring: Supporting "Buy and Build" strategies during rapid M&A cycles.

This flexibility is underpinned by our commitment to Market Insight & Strategic Partnerships. We provide our partners with real-time data on salary benchmarks, competitor moves, and talent availability, ensuring you make informed hiring decisions that stand up to board-level scrutiny.

Technical Integrity and Forensic Accounting Leadership

A high-performing finance function is only as strong as its technical foundation. This is where the appointment of a heavyweight Financial Controller Recruitment specialist becomes vital. These leaders ensure that the "Engine Room" of the business—from statutory reporting to internal audit—is functioning at institutional-grade standards.

In 2026, technical integrity also includes ESG Reporting and AI Governance. We find the controllers who can bridge the gap between traditional technical accounting and the new era of data-driven transparency.

The First 100 Days: A Blueprint for Success

We don't stop at the signed contract. We support our clients and candidates through the critical first 100 days of an appointment:

Month 1: Diagnostic & Control. The new hire audits the quality of data, identifies immediate "Quick Wins" in cash management, and establishes a relationship with the Board.
Month 2: Systems & Reporting. Standardising the board pack and implementing the KPIs required for real-time visibility.
Month 3: Strategic Launch. Moving from "Clean-up" to "Value Creation," launching the first major initiatives of the finance transformation plan.

Ready to view our current shortlist of elite finance leaders? Explore our candidate profiles and Request a Candidate Profile today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes your Executive Finance Recruitment from other agencies? We utilise a proactive, search-led methodology rather than relying on active applicants. We map the entire market to find the top 1% of passive talent.
How do you vet for technical competency in 2026? We use a combination of competency-based interviewing, technical case studies, and deep-dive reference checks that focus on specific financial outcomes and system implementations.
What is included in your Finance Hiring Solutions? We offer everything from retained executive search and interim leadership to bespoke market mapping and salary benchmarking for entire finance departments.
Do you support international finance requirements? Yes. Through our Market Insight & Strategic Partnerships, we help UK firms expand internationally by providing local market data and headhunting leaders with cross-border experience.
How do you handle confidential searches? We operate with absolute discretion. Confidential mandates are managed through private networks without public advertising, ensuring your search remains anonymous.
Can you help us benchmark salaries for our finance team? Yes. We provide bespoke salary benchmarking and market intelligence reports to ensure your remuneration packages are competitive for the 2026 talent market.