From Vacancy to Visionary: How We Helped a Firm Find Their Perfect CFO

Brief
A rapidly evolving portfolio business approached us with a pressing need: they required a CFO who could not only manage the finance function, but shape it for the future. With increased complexity, external investment, and ambitious growth plans, this hire would be central to long-term success. The challenge lay in securing a candidate with strategic depth, leadership maturity, and the adaptability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Approach
We began with an in-depth discovery phase, aligning with senior stakeholders on expectations, priorities, and long-term outcomes over two weeks. With clarity on the scope, we mapped the market across relevant sectors, identifying a carefully screened longlist of high-impact candidates. This part of the process was accelerated compared to our peers—we managed to map the whole market from scratch in two weeks. We did so to eliminate bias as much as we could. 

Through structured interviews and assessment against a tailored candidate assessment framework, we shortlisted individuals who brought the ideal blend of experience, ambition, and cultural alignment. We also provided close guidance on market conditions, compensation expectations, and candidate engagement strategies. 

After four weeks of interviews, the client had two candidates they preferred, so we moved forward to referencing and offer negotiation. Croft & Co. managed every step of the process to ensure a seamless candidate experience. 

Results
The outcome was a standout hire: a seasoned CFO who brought technical excellence and commercial insight. Within weeks of joining, they began reshaping the function, implementing key systems and building a high-performing team. The business has since credited this hire as pivotal in unlocking their next growth phase.

The whole process was run at a cheaper price point than other executive search firms and in a shorter timeframe, whilst still maintaining that accurate and detailed approach.

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