Background: Post-Acquisition Growth Driving Demand for Modern Reporting
A leading British manufacturer and supplier of handcrafted garden products, recently expanded through acquisition, sought a Commercial Accountant to strengthen financial reporting and deliver greater insight into performance.
The Challenge
- The company’s location in a more rural area restricted the available candidate pool, with few local businesses offering transferable finance experience.
- The role required advanced technical expertise – from Power BI to cost accounting, stock reporting, and margin analysis – narrowing the field of suitable candidates.
- A fully office-based position made attraction harder in a market where hybrid roles are more in demand.
- Following a recent competitor acquisition, the business needed stronger commercial finance capability to modernise reporting and provide greater insight into performance.
How Headstar Stepped In
Headstar provided a retained search solution:
- Allocated full business resources to sourcing suitable candidates, recording comprehensive candidate feedback (such as salary, reasons for leaving and job requirements) to provide valuable client insight into the market search.
- Focused on candidates with relevant manufacturing and product-based finance experience.
- Ensured highly advanced Excel and strong Power BI skills were a non-negotiable requirement.
- Tested candidates on real examples of how they had driven positive impacts through reporting tools.
The Impact
- Choice of talent – Presented multiple candidates from varying backgrounds, offering clear comparison of skills and experience.
- Best of both worlds – Successful hire combined financial accounting and commercial finance experience.
- Smooth transition – Headstar managed the smooth resignation process, minimising risk of a counter-offer.
- Modern reporting tools – The new hire quickly delivered improved dashboards and financial insights, increasing savings and revenue growth.
In the Words of the Client
“The consultants took time to understand the role and profile we needed, and presented candidates who fit the bill. The approach was personable, honest and straightforward.”
Client Representative (Finance Director)
Find Out More
To explore how Headstar can help you attract commercially minded finance professionals who drive better reporting and decision-making, speak to our recruitment team today.
