Conducting an Executive Search for a CFO to Drive Financial and Service Excellence in Regional Victoria’s Healthcare Network
The Brief
Established in November 2021, a regional healthcare network integrated multiple hospitals and health services to form a unified health service organisation. Due to the recent resignation of the incumbent, the network sought a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead Finance, Resources, and Planning teams. Reporting directly to the CEO and Board, the CFO would be responsible for all financial functions and strategic oversight, ensuring operational excellence across the organisation’s diverse services.
Future Leadership™ engaged in a targeted executive search to identify an accomplished finance leader skilled in change management, project oversight, and governance frameworks. The role required a dynamic CFO who could foster cultural development and service-focused leadership within the finance team, contributing to the network’s long-term vision of community-centred healthcare.
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
Future Leadership™ leveraged its established relationship with the healthcare network and familiarity with its operational environment to drive a customised search. Key steps included:
- Specialised Talent Pool Utilisation: Using our existing network of finance and corporate services executives, along with online advertising, to attract candidates with the right experience and cultural fit.
- Comprehensive Shortlisting and Assessment: Five qualified candidates were shortlisted, each assessed on financial expertise, change management skills, and alignment with the organisation’s mission.
- In-depth Evaluation: Candidates completed psychometric assessments, and Future Leadership™ provided the Board with detailed reports to support their decision-making.
The Executive Search team targeted search and close collaboration with the healthcare network’s leadership enabled an efficient and effective appointment 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
The appointed CFO brought over 16 years of experience in finance, management, and governance within the public sector. Known for a collaborative approach and problem-solving acumen, the CFO was a natural fit for leading Grampians Health’s financial and corporate services functions. Key achievements included:
- Financial and Operational Strategy: Implemented forward-thinking financial strategies and systems transformations to enhance service delivery and resource management.
- Governance and Risk Management: Strengthened governance frameworks, ensuring transparency and accountability in financial operations.
- Cultural and Service Excellence: Fostered a culture of excellence and team engagement, aligning financial practices with the organisation’s community-focused mission.
Feedback from the CEO and Board emphasised the CFO’s positive impact on financial stability and service efficiency, underscoring Future Leadership’s success in matching the role’s strategic requirements.
