Executive Search Services
Controller Executive Search — Powered by True Headhunting
The Controller is the financial backbone of every organization — owning the close, managing compliance, and ensuring the numbers are right. Pacific Executive Search delivers Controllers and Assistant Controllers through proactive headhunting, reaching proven professionals who aren't on the market.
Why Great Controllers Are So Hard to Find
Controllers are the most in-demand finance role we see — and the hardest to fill through traditional recruiting. The best Controllers are entrenched at their current companies, highly compensated, and too busy running the month-end close to browse job boards.
Staffing agencies flood your inbox with active candidates who may lack the depth you need. Retained firms charge large upfront fees and may take months. Our headhunting methodology bypasses both problems: we directly identify the Controllers who match your requirements — industry, ownership structure, ERP systems, team size — and engage them personally.
Controller Profiles We Place
Corporate Controller
Owns the full accounting function — close, consolidations, audit, compliance. Typically CPA with Big 4 or large public company background.
Assistant Controller
Supports the Controller on day-to-day operations — journal entries, reconciliations, close process. Often the bridge between staff accountants and executive leadership.
PE Portfolio Controller
Manages accounting for sponsor-backed companies — lender reporting, board packages, cash management, purchase accounting, and multi-entity consolidation.
Divisional / Regional Controller
Runs the accounting function for a business unit or region. Common in multi-site manufacturers, property companies, and franchise organizations.
Our Controller Search Process
- 1
Define the Seat
We scope the Controller role with your leadership — reporting structure, ERP environment, team size, ownership type, and the specific problems this person needs to solve.
- 2
Map the Market
We identify every Controller and senior accounting leader in the relevant geography and industry who matches your criteria — active and passive.
- 3
Headhunt Directly
Senior headhunters reach out personally to top targets. No spray-and-pray InMails. Confidential, direct conversations.
- 4
Deliver a Shortlist
You receive 3-5 vetted candidates with detailed profiles — background, motivations, compensation, systems experience, and our assessment of fit.
Headhunting vs. Traditional Controller Recruiting
Staffing Agencies
- • Post and wait
- • Resume matching
- • Volume-based submissions
- • Limited screening depth
Retained Search
- • Large upfront retainer
- • Generalist researchers
- • Months-long timelines
- • Handoff to juniors
Pacific Executive Search
- • Proactive headhunting
- • A&F specialists only
- • Senior-led, start to finish
- • Shortlist in ~14 days
Controller Search
Start Your Controller Search
Tell us about the role. A senior headhunter will respond within 24 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions — Controller Search
- Why are Controllers so hard to find through traditional recruiting?The best Controllers are deeply embedded in their current companies — running the close, managing audits, overseeing compliance. They're not browsing job boards. Our headhunting methodology reaches them through direct, confidential outreach and relationships built over decades.
- What types of Controller roles do you fill?Corporate Controllers, Assistant Controllers, PE Portfolio Controllers, and Divisional/Regional Controllers. We match your specific requirements — ERP systems, team size, industry, and ownership structure. See our Controller search page for profile details.
- How quickly can you deliver Controller candidates?We typically present a shortlist of 3-5 vetted Controller candidates within 14 days. Because we proactively headhunt rather than waiting for applicants, we launch your search on day one.
- Do you screen for specific ERP or systems experience?Yes. We routinely screen for NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Workday, BlackLine, Sage, and Microsoft Dynamics experience. ERP proficiency is often a make-or-break requirement for Controller roles, and we assess it early in the process.
- Do you charge an upfront fee for Controller searches?No. We operate on a performance model — you pay when you hire. This means we have to deliver results, not just process. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
