September 2024: Top 13 Accounting & Finance Recruiters, Headhunters, & Executive Search Firms

Updated: September 2024

Finance and accounting is a dynamic world. And finding the right talent can mean the difference between staying ahead of the curve and falling behind the competition.

The financial industry demands professionals with exceptional skills and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving landscape. 

And you're on the right page to find the best companies that will score the perfect candidates. 

We'll discuss 13 top executive search services that will connect you with the brightest minds in terms of:

• Experience

• Key services

• Notable clients

• Unique value points

Keep reading below to find the best executive search consultants.

TL;DR: Top 13 Accounting & Finance Recruiters, Headhunters, & Executive Search Firms

• Alpha Apex Group: Alpha Apex Group is a leading executive search firm for the accounting and finance sectors, specializing in matching firms with top-tier talent skilled in financial strategy, compliance, and innovation, ensuring organizations navigate fiscal complexities and achieve strategic growth with expert leadership.

• Professional Alternatives: Finance recruiters with industry experience, delivering consultative hiring services and personalized strategies for tailored results.

• LFG Global: Specializes in multi-disciplined outsourced solutions, offering agility and engagement while focusing on financial services recruitment.

• Bradsby Group: Known for its 100% full-desk recruiters, they build long-lasting client relationships and a collaborative, self-directed team.

• Korn Ferry: A leader in finance recruitment, leveraging a deep network, trusted referrals, and a customer-first, discrete approach.

• Tiger Recruitment: Specializes in sourcing finance professionals with a meticulous and innovative recruitment approach backed by in-depth industry knowledge.

Benefits of Hiring Accounting & Finance Recruiters, Headhunters, & Executive Search Firms

Hiring specialized executive search firms for finance is better than relying on your internal team to find accounting talent.

These specialized firms possess a deep understanding of the financial industry and its unique demands. Their extensive experience allows them to find qualified candidates with the precise skills you need.

And they have extensive networks and industry connections, which you might lack.

That way, they can access top-tier professionals for executive roles.

Side note: These people may not be actively seeking job opportunities through traditional channels. Or may not be job hunting at all.

Plus, executive recruiting firms go beyond the mere job description.

They can understand if your job truly aligns with a seemingly ideal candidate's career goals by evaluating their expertise in what does reconciling an account involve. This ensures that the candidate not only fits the role but also excels in specific accounting tasks critical to your business.

And that's what will drive your organization's success in today's demanding financial environment.

A Deep Dive into Accounting & Finance Recruiters, Headhunters, & Executive Search Firm

1. Alpha Apex Group

Alpha Apex Group, Leaders in Accounting / Finance Recruitment.

Alpha Apex Group is a preeminent executive search firm specializing in the accounting and finance sectors, renowned for connecting leading firms with exceptional finance and accounting talent. Their profound understanding of the financial landscape enables them to identify and attract individuals who excel in financial strategy, compliance, and innovation, addressing the nuanced challenges of today's economic environment.

Their approach is highly strategic, focusing on sourcing candidates with a balance of technical accounting expertise, strategic financial acumen, and the leadership capabilities necessary to guide firms through fiscal complexities, regulatory changes, and strategic growth initiatives. Alpha Apex Group's commitment to excellence and a rigorous candidate evaluation process ensure they deliver professionals capable of making a significant impact on the financial health and strategic direction of their clients' organizations.

Key services:

• Accounting and Finance Executive Search: Tailored recruitment strategies to identify and secure top talent in roles such as Chief Financial Officers, Financial Directors, and Senior Accountants.

• Leadership Assessment and Development: Comprehensive evaluation of candidates to ensure they align with the strategic needs and culture of the client, supported by opportunities for professional growth.

• Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis: Sourcing leaders capable of developing and executing comprehensive financial strategies that drive profitability and growth.

• Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management: Recruitment of professionals with expertise in navigating regulatory environments and managing financial risk.

• Innovation in Financial Processes: Identifying executives who can implement innovative financial processes and technologies to improve efficiency and transparency.

Why work with Alpha Apex Group:

Choosing Alpha Apex Group for your accounting and finance executive search needs means partnering with a firm that not only understands the intricacies of financial management but also the critical role of leadership in driving financial strategy and compliance. Their expertise in sourcing candidates who are leaders in their field ensures that organizations are equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of the financial landscape with confidence and strategic insight.

2. Professional Alternatives

Professional Alternatives is a leading finance recruitment agency known for its team of specialized recruiters.

Their consultants have industry experience from within the finance sector, which means they understand your needs first-hand.

Plus, their consultative approach is top-notch.

They'll deliver top talent through mixing personalized strategies and innovative hiring technology. This knowledge-driven approach will help you hire the right people for your accounting roles.

Industries: Accounting, Construction, Events, Executive/Leadership, Finance, Human Resources, Management, Marketing / Creative, Medical/Healthcare, Real Estate, Retail, Sales, Collections, Credit, Insurance, Risk Management, Shared Services, Order to Cash, Financial Services, Commercial Banking

Key services:

• Remote Staffing

• Direct-Hire Recruiting

• Temp-To-Hire Staffing

• Temporary/Contract Staffing

• Retained Search

• Payrolling Solutions

Reason to work with Professional Alternatives: Their team of finance recruiters has hands-on industry experience and offers data-driven consultative hiring services.

3. LFG Global

LFG Global is an accounting recruiting firm known for its agility and customized human capital strategies.

Their expertise spans financial services recruitment, accounting, finance, IT, and multi-disciplined outsourced solutions.

This staffing firm has thorough market knowledge and global search capabilities.

That means they can get you timely, cost-effective assistance in planning and executing various financial initiatives. 

Industries: Retail and Commercial Banking, Capital Markets, Wealth Management, Insurance, Real Estate, Investment Banking, Electronic trading and Transactions, Private Equity, Mining, Metals, Logistic and Transportation, Energy, Chemicals, Automotive, Aerospace, Industrial, Consumer, Consumer Products, Digital, Marketing Services & Advertising, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Sports, Travel & Hospitality, Leisure, Professional Services, Life Sciences, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Technology, Software, Digital, Cloud, Payment and Transaction Processes, Communication, IT Professional Services, Systems and Devices, National, Municipal, Regional, and Local Government Institutions

Notable Clients: Bell, Pepsi, AON, Manulife

Key services:

• Financial Services Executive Search

• Talent Management

• Human Resource Strategy

• RPO Outsourcing

Reason to work with LFG Global: Specializes in multi-disciplined outsourced solutions in the accounting field.

4. Bradsby Group

Bradsby Group has created a solid company culture marked by long-lasting relationships with clients. Therefore, their 100% full-desk recruiters approach each search with nuance and data orientation.

But there's one more interesting aspect to Bradsby.

The agency was founded as an employee-owned firm.

This unique structure fosters a collaborative and motivated team of self-directed, entrepreneurial recruiters. This emphasis on collaboration and collective motivation helps the Bradsby Group suggest the best potential hires to accounting companies like you.

Industries: Accounting & Finance, Automation & Robotics, Building Materials, Cannabis, Construction, Digital Marketing & Creative, Energy, Food & Nutrition, Hospital & Healthcare, Industrial, Legal, Life Sciences, Supply Chain, Technology

Key services:

• Executive Search & Recruitment

• Human Resource Strategy

• Headhunting

• Executive Staffing

Reason to work with Bradsby Group: This employee-owned firm has a solid company culture and is highly motivated to ensure successful hires for all its clients.

5. Korn Ferry

Korn Ferry is a prominent finance recruitment leader.

To connect their clients with top finance talent, Korn Ferry leverages a deep network of industry professionals and trusted referrals.

That's how they hit two birds with one stone:

They ensure a customer-first approach and discreet practices.

Plus, their finance recruiters engage in meaningful interactions with both companies and candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Korn Ferry meticulously vets each candidate to ensure an exceptional fit between your talent needs and the candidate's professional goals. 

Industries: Consumer Markets, Financial Services, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Industrial, Sports, Technology, Specialties

Partners: Microsoft Alliance, Salesforce, Fortune, Duke University, Cleveland Clinic, Qualtrics

Key services:

• Talent Acquisition

• Leadership & Professional Development

• Workforce Transformation

• Talent Management

• Training & Certification

• Board & CEO Services

• Human Resources

Reason to work with Korn Ferry: Leverages a deep network and trusted referrals, employing discreet practices to ensure an exceptional fit between client needs and candidate goals.

6. Tiger Recruitment

Tiger Recruitment's Finance division specializes in sourcing temporary, contract, and permanent finance professionals across the US.

Their experienced finance and accounting recruiters boast a meticulous and innovative approach to recruitment.

These professionals understand the finance space and the intricacies of the job market. Plus, they focus on forging long standing relationships with employers, helping companies reach their business goals by hiring ideal candidates.

Industries: Finance And Accounting, Legal

Key services:

• Executive Search

• Business Support

• International Recruitment

• Human Resource

Reason to work with Tiger Recruitment: A finance recruitment agency with a meticulous and innovative approach to recruitment, backed by years of in-depth industry knowledge.

7. Goodwin Recruiting

Goodwin Recruiting boasts a diverse team of finance recruiters who understand the intricacies of financial job searches. Their nationwide network of recruiters spans markets from coast to coast, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

And here’s what makes them stand out:

They specialize in quickly filling finance roles with the right professionals and employ various search methodologies.

All this makes Goodwin Recruiting a one-stop solution for organizations seeking financial consulting services.

Industries: Information Technology, Hospitality, Professional Services, Financial Services, Senior Living, Healthcare, Government, Industrial

Key services:

• Executive Search & Recruitment

• RPO Outsourcing

• Talent Management

Reason to work with Goodwin Recruiting: Goodwin Recruiting has a nationwide network of recruiters covering diverse markets who leave no stone unturned when filling finance roles.

8. American Association of Finance & Accounting

The American Association of Finance & Accounting (AAFA) is an alliance of executive search firms specializing in the recruitment and staffing of finance and accounting professionals.

Founded in 1978, AAFA has decades of experience.

And it spreads across over 40 metropolitan areas, staffed by over 200 specialized Accounting & Finance professional recruiters.

AAFA offers Accounting & Finance candidates a National Partner with local knowledge, which is a genuine competitive edge for job seekers.

Their broad range of skilled recruiters with industry specialization also accelerates the hiring process for clients. Plus, AAFA ensures candidates are qualified and actively seeking career advancement, which helps your company reach its business goals faster.

Industries: Finance & Accounting

Key services:

• Executive/Strategic Hires

• Contingent Searches

• Consulting

Reason to work with the American Association of Finance & Accounting (AAFA): Provides access to a vast national network of extensively screened candidates actively seeking career advancement in their dream jobs.

9. Yolk

Yolk Finance & Accountancy is a recruiting agency based in South Wales, offering industry-leading services for finance roles.

Yolk specializes in Graduate, Part Qualified, and Qualified finance and accountancy roles across various sectors in the accounting industry.

And it has two unique value points:

Firstly, their team focuses on finding the perfect fit for every requirement and ensures smooth post-placement support.

Secondly, Yolk has strong relationships with high-profile, respected employers, providing job seekers with access to the best accounting positions in the industry.

Industries: Finance & Accountancy, Technology & Digital, Legal, Marketing, Sales, Engineering & Technical, Office Support & HR, Public Sector & Not-for-Profit

Notable Clients: BBC, Pepper Money, Wealthify, Starlink Bank

Key services:

• Retained Search

• Talent Management

• Human Resource Strategy

• Headhunting

Reason to work with Yolk: Offers industry-leading services for finance roles in South Wales, ensuring a perfect fit and smooth post-placement experience.

10. Morgan McKinley

Morgan McKinley is a renowned global corporate recruiter.

Their vast database of 1.5 million active and passive job seekers offers a broad range of potential candidates.

Plus, their recruitment consultants are specialists in various niche areas, having either worked in those fields or gained extensive industry knowledge through years of recruiting experience.

This comprehensive understanding allows them to effectively match job seekers and businesses.

Plus, Morgan McKinley's approach to recruiting focuses on diversity and new skill sets from diverse backgrounds. 

Industries: Banking & Financial Services, Technology, Life Sciences & Engineering, Projects & Change, Business Support, Accounting & Finance, HR, Legal, Risk & Compliance, Sales & Marketing, Supply Chain & Procurement

Notable Clients: Mylan Respiratory, Ipsen Pharma Singapore Pte. Ltd., Manulife International Limited, Workvivo

Key services:

• Executive Search

• Contract recruitment

• Permanent recruitment

• Talent

• Solutions

Reason to work with Morgan McKinley: Boasts a global database of 1.5 million active and passive job seekers. This accounting staffing agency also specializes in diverse skill sets from various backgrounds.

11. Talentfoot

Talentfoot is an expert and finance and accounting hiring, though it has clients from a broader range of industries.

Its expertise lies in filling roles for some of the nation's leading organizations, ranging from temporary data entry positions to top-level CFO roles.

Their network of over 80,000 quality candidates means they excel in various key finance verticals, including banking, commercial finance, and wealth management.

Plus, this consulting firm's real-world experience in the finance industry allows them to understand your company's unique challenges. And then help you employ true business leaders who will help you solve those challenges.

Industries: Financial Services/Fintech, Insurance, Consumer Goods, SaaS, Marketing Services, Martech/Adtech, Healthcare + Life Sciences, Professional Services, Private Equity/Venture Capital

Key services:

• C-Suite

• Executive Search

• Staffing Solutions

• Leadership Assessments

• Freelance & Contract

Reason to work with Talentfoot: Utilizes a network of over 80,000 quality candidates to excel in filling roles in banking, commercial finance, and other key finance verticals.

12. Iconma

ICONMA is a global information consulting management firm offering Professional Staffing Services and Project-Based Solutions.

They connect clients with exceptional financial talent and customize services to maximize your budget.

Here’s their unique value proposition:

Their recruitment consultants specialize in niche areas and understand the unique needs of both job seekers and businesses.

ICONMA promotes a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and continuous training and growth opportunities for employees. So, they won't just connect you with solid potential candidates; they ensure these people become valuable, long-term employees that grow your company. 

Industries: Accounting/Finance, Information Technology, Engineering, Business Professional, Creative, Call Center, Healthcare, Scientific/Clinical, Direct Hire Services, Payroll Services, Government Services

Key services:

• Staffing Services

• Executive Search

• Talent Management

• Human Resource

Reason to work with ICONMA: Customizes services to provide enhanced productivity and cost savings, focusing on collaboration, teamwork, and a healthy work-life balance.

13. Alliance Resource Group

Alliance Resource Group is a top accounting recruiter in Southern California, offering thorough interim, staffing, and executive recruitment solutions.

They prioritize a high-touch approach and sophisticated screening process, coupled with unparalleled industry knowledge.

Alliance Resource Group also builds trusting relationships with the region's top financial talent.

That's how they can practice smarter financial recruiting to drive success for both candidates and organizations. 

Industries: Accounting & Finance, Tax, Treasury, Internal Audit, Financial Reporting, Business Systems

Key services:

• Executive Search

• Interim Professional Solutions

• Interim Support Solutions

Reason to work with Alliance Resource Group: Offers a high-touch, sophisticated screening process and unparalleled industry knowledge. 

Key Factors in Choosing an Accounting & Finance Recruiters, Headhunters, & Executive Search Firm

Your hiring needs are unique, so here are some key factors to consider before choosing an accounting and finance headhunter.

1. Specialty and Expertise

• Sector specialization: Ensure the firm specializes in finance and accounting roles.

• Role level: Some recruitment firms specialize in executive roles, while others may focus on mid-level or entry-level positions.

• Industry experience: A firm experienced in your specific industry (e.g., tech, healthcare, manufacturing) will have a better understanding of nuances and demands.

2. Track Record and Reputation

• Success rate: Review the firm's placement rate and retention rates.

• Testimonials & references: Speak to past clients about their experiences.

• Awards & recognition: Accolades can indicate a high level of professionalism and excellence.

3. Recruitment Process

• Methodology: Understand their process. Is it comprehensive? Do they use modern tools and technologies?

• Duration: A faster process might be appealing, but it's essential it's not at the expense of quality.

• Candidate assessment: How do they evaluate candidates' skills, cultural fit, and potential?

4. Network and Database

• Size and quality: A vast network can increase the pool of candidates. However, a narrow network is more specialized and can help you fill executive positions or niche roles.

• Active vs. passive candidates: A good firm can reach passive candidates who might not be actively looking but are the perfect fit.

5. Cultural Alignment and Understanding

• Company values: The firm should understand and align with your company's culture and values.

• Communication style: Their communication style should resonate with how your company operates. You may want a hands-on approach, while certain recruiting companies prefer to limit their clients' involvement.

6. Cost Structure

• Pricing model: Understand if they charge a retainer fee, a contingency fee, or a hybrid of both.

• Hidden costs: Be clear on any additional costs that might not be obvious upfront.

7. Transparency and Communication

• Regular updates: Choose a firm that will keep you informed about progress.

• Honesty: You want a firm that will be straightforward about challenges or any issues that arise.

8. Flexibility and Customization

• Tailored solutions: Every company is unique. The firm should offer customizable solutions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

• Adaptability: Ensure the headhunters can adapt quickly if your requirements change during the search.

9. Geographical Presence

• Local agencies: Local agencies offer deep insights into the local job market, regulations, and cultural nuances. They also offer an on-the-ground presence necessary for positions where face-to-face interactions, local networking, and immediate accessibility to the recruitment agency are crucial. Local agencies could be a good choice for small to medium-sized businesses focused on local operations.

• Global recruiting agency: These agencies are best when hiring for positions that require international expertise or when expanding into new global markets and seeking candidates with multi-regional experience. A global agency also helps you fill specialized roles or senior executive positions where the ideal candidate might be located in another country.

10. After-Placement Support

• Guarantee period: Some firms offer a replacement guarantee if a candidate leaves within a certain period.

• Onboarding support: Assistance with the onboarding process can help ensure a smooth transition.

Which Accounting Firm Will You Pick?

As you can see, these 13 accounting and finance recruiting firms are accomplished headhunters.

They have extensive market knowledge, their database of top-tier professionals extends to the hidden job market, and they strive to place each candidate on the right career path.

However, you must use your company's needs as a compass.

Follow the factors above, and you'll be able to pick the best advisory services.

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