“I’ve always been so impressed by your network, deep firsthand understanding of what ‘great’ looks like for PE and your ability to run down trusted back channels from trusted sponsors and that all came to bear here in such a meaningful way.”
TRUSTED BY HUNDREDS OF PRIVATE EQUITY FIRMS AND THOUSANDS OF PROACTIVE BUSINESSES
Why Trust BluWave for your Temporary CFO?
You need a full-time CFO who can drive results, and BluWave already knows the top executive recruiters for the world’s best finance leaders. We’ll connect you with a short list of expert CFO recruiting firms within 24 hours of contacting our team. Get matched by industry, company size, revenue models and specific business needs with firms from our exclusive, pre-vetted network.
300+
Interim CFOs
40+
Industries
<24 H
Get connected
Advantages
CFO Recruitment with BluWave
Generalist CFO Search firms
Expedient hiring process
✅ Lightning-fast placement process
❌ Lengthy drawn-out hiring process
Proven candidates
✅ Expert-vetted firm recommendations
❌ Risky commitments to untested firms
Local market expertise
✅ Local experts who know your market
❌ Remote recruiters with no local knowledge
Extensive network
✅ Strong network of proven specialists
❌ Limited word-of-mouth references
Project-specific vetting
✅ Tailored hires for specific projects
❌ Generic candidates lacking specialization
Simple, consultative process
✅ BluWave’s hands-on, white-glove service
❌ Self-serve hiring with little guidance
Best-fit matching
✅ Connect with best-fit, pre-vetted recruiting firms
❌ Difficult evaluations and slow processes
Marketing looks good.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia. She packed her seven versalia.
They have done a nice job for us. They have sent us good candidates, been responsive to our questions and requests and helped drive the discussion.
Founder and Partner, PE Firm
I worked with the recruiting firm on a daily basis and was impressed with all three team members.
PortCo Talent Principal, PE Firm
They provided good summaries of each candidate at or above what we are used to seeing. We really liked working with them and they managed the process very well.
SVP, PE Firm
CFO RECRUITING SERVICES
Identifying Ideal CFO Candidates
Recruiters specialize in identifying CFO candidates with the expertise to align with your organization’s financial strategy, culture and long-term business objectives.
Advising on CFO Compensation
Executive recruiters offer compensation benchmarks and negotiate salary packages that attract top-tier CFO candidates while maintaining industry standards.
CFO Succession Planning
Executive recruiters facilitate CFO succession planning to ensure a seamless transition during leadership changes, maintaining financial continuity and organizational stability.
Managing CFO Onboarding
A recruiter supports CFO onboarding, helping them integrate quickly into your organization, set strategic priorities and build key relationships from the start.
CFO Interview Process Support
From screening to final interviews, recruiters assist in conducting a comprehensive interview process to thoroughly vet CFO candidates for technical and cultural fit.
Evaluating CFO Leadership Skills
Ensure the right fit by evaluating a CFO’s leadership qualities, their ability to drive organizational growth and to lead financial teams in achieving strategic outcomes.
Assessing Financial Acumen
Recruiters assess candidates’ proficiency in financial forecasting, risk management and long-term strategic planning to ensure they meet your company’s financial needs.
Cultural Fit Evaluation
Recruiters ensure that potential CFO candidates align with your company’s values and culture, fostering long-term success through strong leadership and cohesive teamwork.
Providing Market Insights
Recruiters provide valuable market insights on CFO talent availability, industry trends and financial leadership demands to help guide informed hiring decisions.
Ensuring Long-Term CFO Retention
Recruiters design strategies that foster long-term retention of CFOs, offering insights into leadership development and crafting roles that encourage career growth.WHEN TO HIRE A CFOYour CFO retired and you need an immediate replacementYou need a CFO with specific industry experience for your growing businessYou’re expanding into new marketsYou want a thorough evaluation of your internal CFO candidate poolHIRE A CFO
WHEN TO HIRE A CFO
Your CFO retired and you need an immediate replacement
You need a CFO with specific industry experience for your growing business
You’re expanding into new markets
You want a thorough evaluation of your internal CFO candidate pool
“Businesses facing CFO vacancies should engage specialized recruiting firms to help them find their next permanent hire. They know the world’s top finance leaders and can ensure the chosen candidate’s skills and experience align closely with the company’s needs.”
Keenan Kolinsky
Managing Director, Head of Research & Operations
Client Success Stories
Crucial Financial Leadership Hire in Manufacturing Industry
Upgrading Financial Leadership for a Manufacturing Business
The search culminated in the successful placement of a financial controller who not only met the technical and experiential criteria but also matched the company’s culture and growth aspirations. This strategic hire enabled the manufacturing business to enhance its financial reporting, treasury management and overall operational efficiency, positioning it for accelerated growth and potential acquisitions.
Maintaining Rapid Healthcare Services Growth with Specialized CFO
Finance Leader for Rapidly Growing Healthcare Portco
The search firm BluWave placed successfully identified a CFO candidate with the relevant skills and experience. This CFO not only had expertise in multi-site healthcare but also had a track record of managing cash transactions and technology integration. This strategic recruitment met the client’s immediate needs and positioned the portfolio company for continued growth and operational efficiency.
Connecting PE Firm with Top Talent for a Vital CFO Role in the Software Sector
Seeking Financial Leader with B2B Software Experience
The client and firm were a natural fit, enabling them to choose the best candidate, in a short amount of time. The hired executive not only had the required financial acumen, but also their understanding of the software industry and experience with private equity-backed enterprises. The successful placement gave the portfolio company the leadership it needed to navigate its next phase of growth and development.
Hiring a strong CFO is essential for an organization to thrive. Some benefits include access to years of experience and industry expertise, the ability to predict and forecast instead of reacting, improved processes and internal systems, better data and accurate reporting.
BluWave Founder and CEO, Sean Mooney, describes the importance of a great CFO for both PE-backed companies and independent companies alike. Hear the benefits that a PE-grade CFO can have on your organization.
The private equity firm successfully engaged a CFO with deep experience in PE fund management, streamlining the transition process. With the new CFO in place, the firm is well-positioned to handle fund compliance, tax matters and internal reporting as it continues its growth and investment activities.
Connect with PE-credentialed service providers in hours
Select and hire a PE-grade resource that fits your needs
FAQs: BluWave CFO Recruiters
What does a CFO recruiter do?
A CFO recruiter specializes in finding and vetting top financial leaders for organizations. They assess candidates’ experience, leadership skills and cultural fit, ensuring the CFO hire aligns with the company’s financial goals and strategic vision.
When should a company hire a CFO recruiter?
Companies should consider hiring a CFO recruiter when experiencing leadership transitions, needing specialized financial expertise, or planning for rapid growth. A CFO recruiter helps ensure the right fit for your company’s financial needs.
How do CFO recruiters find top talent?
CFO recruiters use their industry networks, proprietary databases and direct outreach to find top CFO talent. They also evaluate candidates through interviews, reference checks and skill assessments to ensure qualifications align with the company’s needs.
A CFO recruiter saves time by handling the search and vetting process, ensures access to a broader pool of qualified candidates and provides insights into industry trends and compensation, helping companies secure top-tier financial leadership.
When you contact BluWave, we’ll provide a short list of exact-fit candidates within 24 hours of your initial scoping call with us. Each option you receive will be hand-selected from our pre-vetted network of experienced professionals. We never provide generalist candidates. You’ll only meet individuals who are experienced with your industry and familiar with the exact needs of your situation.
How long does it take to hire a CFO with a recruiter?
The timeline for hiring a CFO through a recruiter typically ranges from 60 to 120 days. This includes the search, interviews and negotiations, ensuring the company finds the right candidate without rushing the process.
What qualities do CFO recruiters look for?
CFO recruiters focus on leadership ability, strategic financial management and industry-specific experience. They also look for soft skills like communication, adaptability and the ability to drive organizational change and long-term growth.
Can a CFO recruiter help with interim CFO placements?
While CFO recruiters also perform interim CFO placements, BluWave already knows the top temporary financial leaders for your industry, company size and exact situation. The BluWave team will quickly identify candidates who can step into temporary roles to manage financial operations during periods of transition or while searching for a full-time CFO.
How much does it cost to use a CFO recruiter?
The cost of using a CFO recruiter varies but is generally a percentage of the CFO’s first-year salary, typically ranging from 20% to 35%. This fee covers the search, screening and placement services provided by the recruiter.
How do CFO recruiters assess cultural fit?
CFO recruiters assess cultural fit by thoroughly understanding the company’s values, work environment and leadership style. They match candidates who not only have the financial expertise but also align with the company’s long-term goals and workplace culture.
