Portland Market Insight

From global consumer brands to high-tech manufacturers and sustainability-driven startups, Portland companies require finance and accounting leaders who can operate with precision across diverse, evolving environments.

Pacific Executive Search (PES) partners with organizations throughout the Portland metro — including finance teams based in Lake Oswego, Hillsboro, and central Portland — to deliver professionals who bring discipline, clarity, and industry fluency.

Whether you're a privately held company optimizing systems, a capital-backed firm scaling through acquisition, or a public business navigating regulatory complexity, PES provides the specialized expertise to identify the right finance leadership — fast.

Roles We Excel at Placing

From specialized accountants to senior finance executives.

Executive & Senior Leadership

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
VP of Finance / Finance Director
Controller / Assistant Controller
Chief Accounting Officer (CAO)
Finance & Accounting Manager
Head of FP&A / FP&A Director
Finance Transformation & Operational Excellence Leaders

Accounting & Reporting

Accounting Manager / Senior Accountant / Staff Accountant
Cost Accounting & Inventory Specialists
Fixed Assets / GL / Consolidations Accountants
SEC Reporting & External Reporting Managers
Audit Readiness & SOX Compliance Specialists
Revenue Recognition & Technical Accounting Experts

FP&A, Corporate Development & Strategy

FP&A Analysts / Senior Analysts / Managers
Corporate Development & M&A Associates
Finance Business Partners
Financial Modeling & Valuation Specialists

Integration, Systems & Process Improvement

ERP / Financial Systems Specialists (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Workday, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Sage MAS500, Intacct, Epicor, BlackLine)
Post-Acquisition Integration Leaders
Systems Implementation Project Managers

Tax, Treasury & Compliance

Tax Accountants & Managers
Treasury Analysts / Cash Managers
Risk & Compliance Officers
CPA, CMA, or CFA Certified Professionals

The PES Advantage

We're not staffing. We're not retained. We're specialized headhunters.

Our focus is placing Accounting and Finance professionals who can step into complex businesses and lead with impact. With deep experience in the Portland market — from Lake Oswego's finance corridor to the tech and manufacturing zones west of the city — we understand how to align leadership with industry, culture, and growth goals.

What sets us apart:

  • Specialized Headhunting: Focused exclusively on Accounting and Finance roles.
  • Targeted Recruiting: We identify and engage leaders before they enter the market.
  • Proprietary Technology: Continuous mapping of finance talent across industries and ownership structures.
  • Relationship-Driven Results: Long-term partnerships with top-performing professionals.

Take the Next Step

Schedule a confidential consultation with our Portland-based team.

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Industries We Support in Portland

We recruit Accounting & Finance leaders across a range of sectors.

Consumer Products & Retail
Technology & Electronics (Silicon Forest)
Advanced Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Clean Energy & Renewables
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Professional & Financial Services
Private Equity Portfolio Companies

Specialized Headhunting Works Better

See how our specialized approach compares to traditional recruiting methods for accounting and finance roles.

Specialized Headhunting (PES)

Our Advantage:

  • PES LogoStaffing firms prioritize speed and volume — we focus on alignment, long-term value, and impact.
  • PES LogoOur search process is calibrated for quality, not just availability. We don't fill seats — we find problem-solvers.
  • PES LogoWe specialize narrowly in Accounting & Finance, which means we can assess nuance staffing firms often miss.
  • PES LogoBecause we actively source and re-engage known candidates, we deliver faster without compromising fit.

Staffing Agencies

Where Staffing Agencies has its place:

  • Temporary, contract, or urgent fill-in roles
  • Entry-level or interchangeable positions
  • Organizations that prioritize speed over specialization

Limitations:

  • Focus is typically on speed and volume — not long-term fit
  • Often draws from active candidate pools only
  • Shallow vetting and limited insight into leadership traits

FAQ: Finance & Accounting Recruiting in Portland

Common questions about our specialized recruiting services in the Portland metro area

  • What industries do you specialize in for Portland-based finance roles?
    We recruit across consumer products, apparel, clean energy, manufacturing, logistics, and real estate. Our Portland practice focuses on aligning finance leadership to the operating culture and regulatory demands of these diverse sectors. Our specialized approach means we already know top talent in each vertical.
  • Do you place talent in areas outside the downtown core?
    Yes — we frequently place professionals in suburban hubs like Lake Oswego, Hillsboro, and Beaverton. We align your role's location and hybrid structure with candidate preferences and commuting realities. Learn more about our collaborative approach in our guide on working effectively with recruiters.
  • Do you recruit for ERP-heavy or integration-focused roles?
    Absolutely. We specialize in placing technical accounting, financial systems, and post-acquisition integration leaders. Our candidate network includes experts in NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Workday, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Sage MAS500, and BlackLine.
  • How do you approach passive candidates in the Portland market?
    Our headhunting model targets professionals who are not actively applying. We've built long-term relationships in Portland's accounting and finance community — which gives us access to top talent before they hit the market. Read more about why specialization matters in recruiting.
  • Do you support hybrid or remote hiring models?
    Yes. Most professionals we work with in the Portland area are open to hybrid roles, especially those living outside the urban core. We tailor outreach based on geography, commuting preferences, and office flexibility.
  • Do you support growth companies and private equity firms?
    Yes. We have extensive experience supporting PE-backed firms and mid-sized growth businesses in Oregon — especially those undergoing transformation, audit readiness, or leadership transitions post-acquisition. View examples of our successful executive placements in similar environments.