Your partner for Finance Executive Search. Top leader for CFO, Controlling & Transformation

Direct approach for finance roles in transformation phases – data-based, clear, binding.

96 % success rate. Ø 27 days time-to-hire. More than 150 companies trust Kooku X.

Why Kooku X?

95%

Occupancy rate

Over 10 years of experience, 500+ projects, 95% success rate – thanks to a precise approach, systematic discussions and KPI-based project tracking.

View success cases

28%

Shorter time-to-hire

First shortlist in 72 hours, usually completed in < 30 days. Our processes reduce the time-to-hire by 28 % on average.

Process explained

150+

Companies trust us

From PE portfolios to scale-ups, from corporations to SMEs: finance organizations in transition rely on Kooku X.

Discover references

How we work in finance recruiting

Precision Briefing
Role & context briefing with hiring team and stakeholders.
Market Intelligence & Sourcing
Benchmarking & data analysis define the relevant target market.
Candidate Calibration
Test profiles in 24 h, feedback loop sharpens matching & shortlist.
Offer & Onboarding Support
Closing, cultural fit check and support until the successful ramp-up phase.

We fill these finance roles

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Digital CFO with transformation DNA: combines ESG reporting, AI-supported forecasts and capital market strategy to measurably increase profitability and company value.

Head of Controlling

Data-driven controller lead that automates BI tools, establishes rolling forecasts and thus increases decision-making speed and cost transparency throughout the company.

Director FP&A / Finance Manager

Scenario planner with startup and corporate experience: models cash runways, creates investor reports and translates figures into clear growth roadmaps.

Head of Tax / Group Tax Lead

In-house tax expert for Pillar Two, Transfer Pricing and Digital Taxes - reduces risks and optimizes the global tax rate.

Finance Transformation Lead

Brings RPA, BI & AI into your financial processes - hands-on.

Head of Treasury

Liquidity & FX specialist implementing robust hedging strategies and cash management frameworks in light of the interest rate turnaround.

VP Finance (International)

Leads global finance organizations, harmonizes IFRS reporting in 20+ countries and manages cross-border cash pools and PE exit readiness.

Director Accounting / Chief Accounting Officer

Governance champion for HGB & IFRS - establishes fast-close processes, fulfills CSRD obligations and ensures auditable financial statements without surprises.

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M&A / Corporate Development Manager

Orchestrates buy & build strategies, leads due diligence streams and models synergy potentials up to post-merger integration.

Director Investor Relations

Aligns equity story, ESG KPIs and capital market communication - increases analyst coverage and lowers cost of capital.

Head of Compliance / Risk

Implements effective ICS and AML frameworks, manages regulatory BaFin audits and minimizes operational risk in real time.

ESG / Sustainability Reporting Manager

Translates CSRD and EU taxonomy requirements into auditable financial KPIs, seamlessly anchors “green data” in the BI system.

What do our customers say?

“By far the best finance headhunter I have worked with. Professionally strong, fast, committed.”

“Understands both digital and financial roles. Combines empathy with system.”

“Jan Pautsch brings together network, expertise and speed. He provided us with decisive support in a strategic C-level appointment.”

“Thanks to Kooku X, we were able to fill a key role in the leadership team in a short space of time. Fast, focused, trustworthy.”

Your contact Jan Pautsch manages Kooku X

From design to finance. Jan Pautsch set up Kooku X to rethink executive search in transformation. His background in design, his experience in recruiting and his coaching expertise combine to achieve a clear goal: better appointments through better conversations.

More than 10 years of executive search experience
Network of 150 + digital companies
500 + candidate interviews p. a.

20-minute finance talent assessment

Arrange a 20-minute assessment

Take advantage of a non-binding 20-minute assessment with Jan Pautsch:

→ Where do you currently stand?

→ What is realistically achievable?

→ What do benchmarks & the talent market look like?

At the end, you will receive a clear action plan – before you embark on a detailed search briefing.

FAQ - Your most important questions for the Finance Headhunter

What does a finance headhunter cost?

Traditional headhunters usually charge 25% of the target annual salary - around €18,750 for an annual salary of €75k.

How do I find the best finance headhunter for a CFO search?

Look for specialization (Finance & C-Level), demonstrable KPI success (95% fill rate) and audit-ready reporting. Kooku X combines 10 years of executive search expertise with weekly reports and > 150 reference projects - a clear benchmark for “best finance headhunter”

How long does a CFO Executive Search at Kooku X take?

Thanks to AI-supported sourcing and close stakeholder briefing, we deliver initial shortlists in 7 days and usually close search mandates within 30 days - that's 28% less time-to-hire than the market average.

What makes Kooku X different from other finance recruitment consultancies?

Transparent weekly KPI reports, data-driven market benchmarks and a proof-of-concept approach ensure predictable results. Our team of 25 specialists works cross-functionally with sales, tech and finance recruiters.

Does Kooku X also offer interim CFOs or freelance controllers?

Yes. Through our interim recruiting unit, we often provide interim CFOs, controllers or project FP&A leads within 72 hours - flexibly billable at a daily rate.

What quality guarantees do I receive?

We guarantee at least 3 qualified candidates in the proof-of-concept month. We achieve a 95% completion rate across all projects.

What happens in the 20-minute Finance Talent Assessment?

Together, we analyze your vacancy roadmap, talent pool availability and salary benchmarks. At the end, you will receive an action plan with a time-to-hire estimate - without obligation, before you start a search briefing.

Which industries and company sizes does Kooku X work for?

From FinTech scale-ups to DAX companies: over 150 companies already rely on our network. Our focus is on digitalization-driven finance roles in e-commerce, SaaS, manufacturing and private equity portfolios.

Not sure yet?

Use one of the following options to obtain further information or call us directly:

+49 30 99 404 3660.

We look forward to getting to know you!

Your partner for Finance Executive Search. Top leader for CFO, Controlling & Transformation

Why Kooku X?

95%

Occupancy rate

28%

Shorter time-to-hire

150+

Companies trust us

How we work in finance recruiting

Precision Briefing

Market Intelligence & Sourcing

Candidate Calibration

Offer & Onboarding Support

We fill these finance roles

What do our customers say?

Your contact Jan Pautsch manages Kooku X

Your contact Jan Pautsch manages Kooku X

20-minute finance talent assessment

Arrange a 20-minute assessment

Take advantage of a non-binding 20-minute assessment with Jan Pautsch:

→ Where do you currently stand?

→ What is realistically achievable?

→ What do benchmarks & the talent market look like?

At the end, you will receive a clear action plan – before you embark on a detailed search briefing.

FAQ - Your most important questions for the Finance Headhunter

What does a finance headhunter cost?

How do I find the best finance headhunter for a CFO search?

How long does a CFO Executive Search at Kooku X take?

What makes Kooku X different from other finance recruitment consultancies?

Does Kooku X also offer interim CFOs or freelance controllers?

What quality guarantees do I receive?

What happens in the 20-minute Finance Talent Assessment?

Which industries and company sizes does Kooku X work for?

Not sure yet?