Executive Finance Leadership Recruitment

Harper May provides specialist executive finance recruitment services for companies seeking high-impact financial leadership. We specialize in placing Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Finance Directors, Financial Controllers, Head of Finance and other Senior Finance Leadership rols. Our data-driven search methodology connects businesses with candidates who possess the strategic vision, commercial acumen, and operational expertise necessary to scale and succeed.

What Finance Leadership Roles Does Harper May Recruit For?

We partner with organizations to secure leadership across the entire financial spectrum, ensuring each hire is a cultural and technical fit.

Role	Primary Strategic Focus	Best For
CFO	Board-level strategy, capital allocation, M&A	Scaling, fundraising, public markets
Finance Director (FD)	Operational control, team management, scaling	Growth-phase finance functions
Financial Controller	Financial integrity, compliance, audit	Robust reporting, internal controls
Fractional CFO	Agile, part-time strategic guidance	Startups, SMEs requiring senior expertise

Why Partner with Harper May for Executive Search?

We move beyond traditional database-led recruiting to deliver a bespoke, rigorous search process.

• Bespoke Market Mapping: We conduct a dedicated, active market map for every assignment to identify passive candidates, not just active job seekers.

• Proven Sector Expertise: Our consultants have deep-rooted experience in Technology, FinTech, Real Estate, Private Equity, and SaaS.

• Data-Driven Methodology: We utilize rigorous assessment techniques to ensure candidates can demonstrate measurable business outcomes.

• Cultural Alignment: We prioritize long-term retention by evaluating technical capability alongside leadership style and cultural compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I decide if I need a CFO or a Finance Director?

Generally, a CFO is a strategic partner focused on fundraising, board-level strategy, and capital markets, whereas a Finance Director focuses on the operational "engine room," reporting, and day-to-day team scaling.

2. What is the advantage of a Fractional CFO?

A Fractional CFO provides businesses with high-level strategic finance leadership on a part-time or project basis. It is ideal for startups or SMEs that need senior oversight without the cost of a full-time executive salary.

3. Does Harper May recruit for PE-backed businesses?

Yes. We have a dedicated practice for Private Equity-backed finance recruitment, specializing in hiring leaders who can deliver the rapid growth and rigorous reporting cycles required by PE firms.

4. How long does an executive finance search typically take?

While every assignment is unique, a thorough executive finance search typically takes between 8 to 12 weeks. This includes the initial briefing, comprehensive market mapping, rigorous candidate interviewing, and the final selection process. We prioritize quality and cultural fit over speed to ensure long-term retention.

5. How does Harper May handle confidential or sensitive executive searches?

We understand that executive roles are often sensitive. We provide a completely confidential search process, ensuring that the hiring company's identity is protected until the right time. We use discreet approaches to identify passive candidates who would not otherwise apply through public job boards."

6. Why should we use a finance-specialist recruiter instead of a generalist agency?

Finance is a highly technical field. A generalist agency may not understand the difference between IFRS and US GAAP, or the specific SaaS metrics required for a modern CFO. By using a specialist firm like Harper May, you are speaking to consultants who understand the technical, regulatory, and commercial nuances of your finance function.