Matrix, a tech services company with a turnover of £40 million, is supported by private equity and operates from its headquarters in Milton Keynes, with an additional office in Basingstoke. To support its expanding operations, Matrix recently established a crucial Head of Finance role following the appointment of a new CFO. The aim was to enhance the finance team’s capabilities and relieve the CFO of operational management duties, allowing him to focus on strategic objectives. Leaving this position vacant could have led to operational inefficiencies, hindering the company’s growth trajectory and affecting its profitability.
The Challenge
Matrix encountered a difficult recruitment environment due to a marked skills shortage in the local market for Chartered ACA-qualified professionals. The requirement was specific: a Chartered ACA-qualified Head of Finance with experience in private equity within SME tech businesses. However, such candidates were in short supply, making it essential for Matrix to partner with a specialised finance recruiter with a broad network of both active and passive candidates. Internal recruitment efforts alone lacked the reach to secure the niche expertise needed for this pivotal role.
Our Strategy
Recognising the complexities of Matrix’s recruitment needs, we developed a tailored strategy:
Specialised Candidate Pooling:
- Utilised our extensive network and industry connections to access highly qualified Chartered ACA candidates with relevant experience.
- Refined Candidate Screening: Implemented a rigorous screening process to ensure potential hires not only met the technical and experiential criteria but also aligned with Matrix’s culture and strategic goals.
- Strategic Outreach: Employed targeted outreach strategies, including passive candidate engagement, to tap into a wider talent pool beyond the reach of internal resources.
- Collaborative Consultations: Worked closely with the CFO and key stakeholders to refine role specifications and ensure alignment with broader strategic objectives.
The Solution
Through our strategic approach, we successfully identified and secured a highly skilled Chartered ACA-qualified Head of Finance who matched Matrix’s requirements. The candidate brought private equity experience and a strong background in managing finance operations within SME tech environments, making them well-equipped to support the CFO and contribute to Matrix’s strategic goals.
The Results
Matrix filled the Head of Finance position with a candidate who exceeded expectations in both qualifications and strategic leadership capabilities. This recruitment success allowed the CFO to refocus on strategic objectives, resulting in improved operational efficiency and positioning Matrix for sustained growth. The impact was immediate: a streamlined finance operation, enhanced strategic financial planning, and reinforced investor confidence.
Conclusion
By leveraging our specialist network and strategic approach, we delivered a recruitment solution that enabled Matrix to overcome significant market challenges and successfully fill a critical leadership position. Our partnership exemplifies the value of aligning bespoke recruitment strategies with client business objectives for enhanced growth and operational success.