Conducting an executive search for a CFO to champion financial best practices and support organisational transformation
The Brief
A major not-for-profit organisation undertook a transformative restructuring, creating a new standalone Chief Financial Officer (CFO) role to separate the functions previously held by a dual COO/CFO. As part of a broader reimagining of the organisation, the Board sought a strategic and innovative CFO with experience in transformative environments, who could embed financial best practices and drive financial literacy across all departments.
Future Leadership™ partnered with the organisation’s senior leadership to identify a leader capable of navigating complex financial challenges in the not-for-profit sector, and bringing a fresh approach to operational excellence in line with the organisation’s mission.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
The Future Leadership™ team, led by senior advisors, conducted a thorough briefing with the organisation’s leadership to define role specifics and ensure alignment with the organisation’s transformative goals. The search process included:
- Comprehensive Market Search: Identifying candidates from diverse backgrounds across Australia with expertise in finance, particularly those familiar with best practices and transformative environments.
- Wide Outreach and Application Review: Over 100 applications were received, and candidates were screened for their strategic vision and ability to build financial awareness across a large organisation.
- Targeted Shortlisting and Interview Process: After presenting a strong shortlist of eight candidates, four were selected for in-depth panel interviews. The assessment criteria focused on leadership alignment, strategic financial management, and adaptability to the not-for-profit sector.
Future Leadership™ maintained close collaboration with the organisation’s Board, ensuring a transparent and efficient selection process.
Emerging Capabilities
Accounting Standards
Skilled in applying established accounting standards to ensure compliance, accuracy, and consistency in financial reporting.
Managerial Finance
Proficient in managing financial resources to support strategic goals, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment decisions.
Financial Statements
Experienced in preparing, interpreting, and analysing financial statements to provide insights into organisational performance.
Certified Public Accounting (CPA)
Qualified in public accounting practices, with expertise in auditing, financial reporting, and tax assessments.
Quantitative Finance
Skilled in using quantitative techniques to analyse financial data, aiding in decision-making for investments and risk management.
The Outcome
Future Leadership™ successfully appointed an accomplished CFO with extensive experience across international healthcare, FMCG, defence, and retail sectors. The chosen candidate demonstrated a strong understanding of financial transformation in complex settings and an authentic, people-centred leadership style. Key outcomes included:
- Strategic Financial Insight: The CFO brought best practices from both corporate and not-for-profit sectors, enhancing the organisation’s financial management and decision-making processes.
- Enhanced Financial Literacy: Initiated programs to build financial awareness and understanding across the organisation, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency.
- Alignment with Organisational Mission: The CFO’s empathetic and optimistic approach aligned seamlessly with the organisation’s values, supporting both the team and mission-driven goals.
Feedback from the Board underscored the success of Future Leadership’s search process, highlighting the appointee’s positive impact and alignment with the organisation’s vision for growth and sustainability.
