A particularly sensitive company context
Recruiting a CFO is never straightforward. In this case, the assignment carried an additional layer of complexity: the company was going through a management transition, with a new CEO arriving with different expectations and ways of working from those of his predecessor. Candidates seen during the previous six months had not moved forward - not for lack of interest in the role itself, but because the internal context raised legitimate questions.
This is precisely where Annie made the difference. Rather than focusing solely on the target profile, she took the time to explore a question that is rarely asked during a briefing meeting: why had previous candidates not wanted to proceed? Identifying the real barriers - the specificity of the business sectors, the challenges linked to the new leadership, the incoming CEO's redefined expectations - allowed her to build a tailored approach grounded in the reality of the situation, rather than a job description on paper.
Presenting the company: the art of building trust without rushing
One of the turning points of this success lies in a strategic question raised from the very start of the assignment: how should the company be presented to potential candidates, while giving them time to reflect before submitting their application?
In sectors as specialised as med tech or space defence, senior finance profiles are rare and highly sought after. They have the luxury of choosing. Pressuring them or overwhelming them with information at the first point of contact would have been counterproductive. Annie therefore built a progressive approach - transparent about the challenges of the ongoing transition, and respectful of each candidate's own pace of reflection. This way of working - reassuring without concealing, informing without rushing - overcame the reservations that six months of efforts had failed to address.
An advisory role through to the offer stage
The assignment did not end with the presentation of a shortlist. Once an offer had been made to the preferred candidate, the company's HR manager turned to Fed Finance Switzerland for guidance on a delicate question: should they follow up with the candidate immediately, or give her the weekend to reflect in peace?
This kind of question, apparently minor, can prove decisive. Following up too quickly can feel like pressure; too much silence can feed doubt. Annie acted here as a genuine advisor, guiding the client through this final stage with the same rigour applied to sourcing. The candidate took the time she needed - and said yes.
The result: 2 weeks, where 6 months had failed
From briefing to signed contract: two weeks. An exceptional turnaround on the Swiss finance recruitment market, where hiring processes for senior positions regularly exceed two to three months. This result was not down to luck: it came from active listening, a nuanced understanding of the human dynamics at play, and an accompaniment that goes well beyond presenting CVs.
The candidate has recently taken up her role. Early feedback is positive - and Fed Finance Switzerland continues to monitor her integration closely.
Hiring in French-speaking Switzerland in finance?
Fed Finance Switzerland supports companies of all sizes and sectors in recruiting finance profiles: CFOs, financial directors, management controllers, chief accountants, treasurers, financial analysts and many more. Our specialist consultants operate across French-speaking Switzerland - Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Sion - as well as in German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino.
Facing a complex, sensitive or urgent recruitment challenge? Let's talk.
Frequently asked questions about CFO recruitment in Switzerland
How long does it take to recruit a CFO in Switzerland?
Why work with a specialist finance recruitment firm in Switzerland? Senior finance profiles - CFOs, financial directors, management controllers - are scarce on the Swiss market. A specialist firm brings a network of qualified candidates, in-depth knowledge of the local business landscape, and sector expertise that accelerates the process while improving the quality of hires.
Why work with a specialist finance recruitment firm in Switzerland?
Who told us this story ?
Does Fed Finance Switzerland operate across the whole country?
Yes. Fed Finance Switzerland supports companies in French-speaking Switzerland (Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchâtel, Fribourg, Valais) as well as in German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino, for both permanent and interim recruitment assignments.
What finance profiles does Fed Finance Switzerland recruit?
Fed Finance Switzerland recruits across the full spectrum of finance and accounting roles: Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), chief accountants, management controllers, auditors, treasurers, financial analysts, administrative and financial directors, and capital markets profiles.
Who told us this story ?
Annie Pichon, Country Manager Switzerland, specialized in Finance and Accounting recruitment. You may take a look at her LinkedIn profile here.
