Finance
Recruitment Agency
Find the best finance recruitment agencies for CFO, Finance Director, and FD recruitment. Compare specialist agencies for fractional, interim, and permanent finance leadership.
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- ✓ No agency fees - browse finance candidates directly
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What Companies Get
Browse CFO & Finance Director Jobs
Skip the finance recruitment agency and connect with CFO opportunities directly on Fractional Quest.
What is a Finance Recruitment Agency?
A finance recruitment agency specialises in placing CFOs, Finance Directors, Financial Controllers, and other senior finance professionals. Unlike generalist recruiters, they understand financial qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA), sector-specific experience, and can assess candidates for fractional, interim, or permanent roles.
The best CFO recruiters have deep networks in the finance community, often coming from Big 4 or industry finance backgrounds themselves. They understand the difference between a PE-backed CFO, a VC-backed scale-up FD, and a public company Group Finance Director.
The finance recruitment agency market includes both traditional executive search firms and newer fractional/interim specialist networks. Fees typically range from 15-25% for contingent search, with retained search costing £15,000-£40,000 for senior CFO roles.
Not sure what CFO level you need?
Get free advice on fractional vs full-time CFO, and what qualifications to prioritise.
Why Use a Finance Recruitment Agency?
Working with a specialist CFO recruiter provides key advantages over hiring directly.
Qualified Candidates
Finance recruitment agencies pre-screen for ACA, ACCA, and CIMA qualifications. They verify Big 4 and industry experience before presenting candidates.
Sector Expertise
Specialist CFO recruiters understand the difference between PE-backed, VC-backed, and public company finance roles. They match candidates to your specific needs.
Salary Benchmarking
Finance recruitment agencies know current CFO salaries and day rates by sector, company stage, and location. They can advise if your budget is realistic.
Technical Assessment
Top finance recruiters assess technical skills: M&A experience, fundraising track record, systems implementation, and board reporting capabilities.
Confidential Search
If you're replacing an existing CFO or FD, agencies can run a confidential search without alerting the market or your current team.
Replacement Guarantee
Most finance recruitment agencies offer 3-6 month replacement guarantees. If the CFO doesn't work out, they'll find a replacement at no extra cost.
Ready to Hire a CFO?
Most companies don't need to pay a finance recruitment agency. Let's discuss your specific needs.
Best Finance Recruitment Agencies
Compare specialist CFO and Finance Director recruiters, from job boards to retained executive search.
Fractional.Quest
Browse fractional CFO and Finance Director roles directly. No agency fees - connect with candidates directly.
The Fractional CFO Network
Specialist network focused on fractional and interim CFO placements. Strong in PE/VC-backed companies.
FD Capital Recruitment
Established finance recruitment agency with deep CFO and FD networks across the UK.
Marks Sattin Executive
Leading finance executive search firm with strong presence in London and Big 4 networks.
Michael Page Finance
Global recruitment firm with dedicated finance executive practice covering all levels.
Robert Half Executive Search
Specialist finance recruiter with strong focus on qualified accountants and finance leaders.
Direct Hire vs Finance Recruitment Agency
| Factor | Direct Hire | Finance Recruiter |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (your time only) | 15-25% of year 1 compensation |
| Time to hire | 6-12 weeks | 3-6 weeks |
| Candidate quality | Depends on your network | Pre-vetted, qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) |
| Market knowledge | Limited visibility | Full market access + salary benchmarks |
| Negotiation support | Self-managed | Agent-assisted rate negotiation |
| Technical assessment | Self-assessment | Finance-specific technical screening |
Finance Recruitment Questions
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