Financial executives, such as CFOs, Controllers, and Finance Directors, play a critical role in shaping the financial strategy and stability of an organization. Given their high level of responsibility, they do not take new career opportunities lightly. Before accepting a role, they carefully evaluate whether the company’s values, leadership, and future prospects align with their professional goals and personal standards.

Understanding what financial executives prioritize helps companies not only attract strong candidates but also reduce turnover and enhance leadership stability. Organizations that invest in creating an appealing environment for financial executives gain a competitive advantage in today’s tight labor market.

Working with a staffing and recruiting partner experienced in financial placements can be instrumental in this process. A specialized firm can help you better understand market expectations, refine your search criteria, and position your opportunity to appeal to top talent.

Key Factors Financial Executives Consider

Company Financial Health

One of the first aspects a financial executive will review is the organization’s current financial standing. Candidates look for evidence of sustainable profitability, strong cash flow, and a manageable level of debt. Red flags like inconsistent revenue, poor margins, or reliance on unstable funding sources can quickly dissuade top candidates.

Financial executives may also seek access to financial records, annual reports, and information about the company’s capital structure before making a decision. They want assurance that they are stepping into a role where they can add value rather than constantly put out fires.

An experienced staffing firm can help communicate your company’s financial story clearly and effectively to candidates, highlighting strengths while addressing potential concerns upfront.

Leadership and Management Team

The quality of the leadership team is another top priority. Financial executives want to work alongside strong, visionary leaders who are committed to the company’s success. They assess the CEO’s leadership style, the collaboration between departments, and whether decision-making is inclusive and strategic.

Executives also consider how much influence they will have within the leadership team. They seek roles where their financial expertise is respected and where they will have a genuine voice in shaping strategy, rather than simply reporting numbers.

Recruiting firms can help organizations present their leadership team in the best possible light and ensure that candidates have a realistic understanding of who they will be working with and how decisions are made.

Company Culture and Values

Culture matters significantly to financial executives. They look for organizations with a strong ethical foundation, transparent communication practices, and a commitment to employee development. Companies that foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation are particularly attractive.

Executives want to ensure that the organization’s stated values match the reality of day-to-day operations. During the interview process, they often ask questions about internal communication, conflict resolution, and the company’s approach to balancing short-term results with long-term growth.

A staffing partner can help by thoroughly vetting candidates to ensure cultural fit and by advising companies on how to showcase their unique culture during the recruitment process.

Strategic Vision and Growth Potential

Financial executives are motivated by the opportunity to help a company grow and achieve its strategic goals. As such, they carefully assess the organization’s long-term vision, business plan, and market position. Companies that are stagnant, lack clear direction, or fail to invest in innovation are less appealing.

Conversely, businesses with a compelling growth story—whether through new market expansion, mergers and acquisitions, or product innovation—tend to attract ambitious financial leaders who want to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team.

Staffing firms can work closely with organizations to craft compelling narratives around growth initiatives and strategic goals that will resonate with executive candidates.

Role Clarity and Expectations

Unclear or overly broad job descriptions are a major red flag for executive candidates. Financial leaders want to fully understand the scope of the role, the key responsibilities, and how success will be measured. They also want clarity on who they will report to, the size and structure of the finance team, and what resources will be available.

Setting clear, realistic expectations from the outset is crucial. Companies that can articulate the challenges the new executive will face, as well as the support they will receive, build credibility and trust.

Partnering with a staffing firm ensures the role is accurately defined and marketed to candidates. Recruiters can also help manage expectations on both sides, creating smoother transitions and stronger long-term fits.

Compensation, Incentives, and Benefits

While salary is not the only factor, it remains an important consideration. Financial executives expect compensation packages that reflect their level of expertise, responsibility, and the value they will bring to the company.

Beyond base salary, executives evaluate bonus structures, equity options, long-term incentives, retirement plans, and other benefits. They also consider work-life balance elements, such as flexible working arrangements, paid time off policies, and healthcare coverage.

A staffing and recruiting partner can provide valuable insights into current market compensation trends and help companies craft offers that are competitive, attractive, and in line with executive expectations.

How Companies Can Attract Top Financial Talent

To attract strong financial executives, companies must go beyond offering a competitive salary. Building a strong leadership team, maintaining financial stability, fostering a healthy culture, and communicating a clear strategic vision are critical.

Companies should also prepare to be transparent during the recruitment process. Providing access to financial documents, involving key leaders in the interview process, and answering candidates’ questions openly can set an organization apart.

Working with a specialized staffing firm like Burchard & Associates gives companies access to a deeper network of vetted executive talent, expert market insights, and support throughout every stage of the search process—from defining the opportunity to successfully onboarding the new hire.

Final Thoughts

Recruiting top financial executives requires understanding what these leaders value most in an employer. Financial health, strong leadership, a positive culture, strategic vision, role clarity, and competitive compensation are key factors executives assess before committing to a new opportunity.

Partnering with an experienced staffing and recruiting firm ensures companies are equipped to meet these expectations, attract exceptional financial leaders, and set the stage for long-term organizational success.

Ready to find your next financial leader?

Burchard & Associates specializes in connecting companies with top-tier accounting and finance executives. Let us help you identify and secure the right leader to drive your business forward. Contact us today to get started.