How to Choose a Finance and Accounting Search Firm?
When choosing a search firm, you should carefully evaluate the firms you are considering before entering into a relationship. Following are some questions we believe may be helpful:
- What will the search firm's overall approach be? You are entitled to know which candidates and companies will be targeted and the strategy behind this approach. There should be general consensus between client and search firm.
- Exactly who will be doing the work? Does search firm have a team approach or is a single recruiter working on the assignment. If more than one recruiter will be involved, find out who will be responsible for which areas of the search and the experience level of each person involved.
- How many other assignments is the person who will be responsible for your search engaged in now? Determine where the priority for your search intersects with that of other recruiting assignments for the recruiter(s) and the search firm.
- Can we check with current references? Speak with a few recent clients of the search firm. Find out how quality-oriented the search firm is and what the end result netted.
- When should you expect to see candidates? Find out which status updates you will receive and when will you receive them. Is the search firm willing to share detailed information as to whom they have contacted.
- How is the final candidate finalists determined? Once the search firm has narrowed to a candidate group of potential candidates, find out how they narrow this to the final three or four you will meet. What is the process for face-to-face interviews, candidate testing, background and reference checks.
- Does the search firm have values consistent with your organizations? The search firm will be an extension of your company until you begin meeting candidates. You will want to select a firm with whom you would enjoy working with on a day-to-day basis and whom you expect would treat potential candidates with a high level of service and professionalism just as you would treat your employees and customers.
- Is the search firm a member of any professional associations or have they won any awards or commendations? A reputable search firm will have affiliations with professional trade associations and if performing at a high level should have awards, commendations or other type of support from the business community.
Pinnacle Search has been a valuable partner for sourcing qualified and skilled talent in our accounting and finance divisions. They have consistently placed reliable and proven personnel who have surpassed my expectations in their given discipline. I have always been able to discuss our hiring needs professionally and confidentially with Pinnacle Search. In my opinion, Pinnacle Search is the most complete solution for recruiting of qualified accounting personnel - Linda G, Controller, Medical Device Manufacturing