Executive Search for CFO, Controlling, Accounting & Compliance

Name: Headhunter für CFO, Finance & Controlling in Berlin
Brand: Kooku

For PE portfolios, scale-ups and SMEs. CFO, controlling, accounting and compliance positions precisely filled – with a specialized finance headhunter. We usually conclude finance mandates after 30 to 45 days. Each occupation is secured for twelve months.

– First matching profiles in the first week

– Direct approach in the relevant finance market

– Twelve months of coverage for each cast

Request finance experts

Finance leadership. Precisely staffed.

95%

Success rate Finance

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

72 hours

until the first shortlist

Calibration and first profiles in 72 hours. Completion after 30 to 45 days. The time to hire is reduced by 28 percent 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

Finance Case Studies - Fast placements with measurable impact

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.

What do our customers say?

"By far the best finance headhunter I've worked with: professionally strong, fast, committed - and co-Managing Director and Compliance Officer filled in record time."

Amiran SheroziaEntrepreneur and investor in the FinTech sector

"Understands the requirements of both digital and financial roles - and finds the right balance between technical precision, cultural fit and speed. Combines empathy for candidates with a methodical, structured process."

Tobias HellmannDirector - Oetker Digital

"Jan Pautsch brings together network, expertise and speed. He was a reliable sparring partner for us in a strategic C-level appointment, who decisively advanced the process with a clear structure and deep understanding of the market."

Beatrice KahlChief People Officer - Xayn

"Thanks to the support of Kooku X, we were able to fill a crucial C-level position in the management team quickly and purposefully. The process was structured, focused and conducted at eye level.

René WendlerFounder - Zandura

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.

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.

Download the Finance 2025 salary benchmark now

20-minute assessment for your financial positions

Jan Pautsch

Director Kooku X

Jan Pautsch heads Kooku X and specializes in Finance & Transformation Leadership. With over 10 years of executive search experience, 150+ mandates and 500+ interviews p.a., he combines finance expertise with a systemic coaching approach.

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.

Latest updates from finance in our recruiting blog

Would you like to find out more about finance recruiting or explore the question of what actually constitutes successful recruiting in finance? Find out more in our blog posts:

Kooku Recruiting consultants advise bank employees on developing an optimal recruiting strategy

Recruiting for banks: Why interim recruiters are more successful than traditional headhunters

Finance Finding managers with AI expertise

Remote Work als Recruiting Booster - Erfahrungen aus dem Kooku Team

Remote work as a recruiting booster – experiences from the Kooku team

Leadership in transition, part 3: Flexible financial management for FinTechs – Fractional, Interim & Professionalization

Leadership in transition, part 2: Buy & build in FinTech – which financial profiles count now

Leadership in transition, part 1: What FinTechs need in terms of leadership now.

Jan Pautschspecializes in expert and executive searches

Now official: Kooku X Finance – specialized headhunting service for finance leads.

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 a precise stakeholder briefing, you will receive the first suitable profiles in the first week. We usually conclude mandates after 30 to 45 days. This shortens the time to hire by an average of 28 percent compared to the market.

What makes Kooku X different from other finance recruitment consultancies?

Transparent weekly KPI reports, data-driven market benchmarks and a proof-of-concept entry 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 digitization-driven finance roles in e-commerce, SaaS, manufacturing and private equity portfolios.

What quality assurance does Kooku X offer?

We secure every cast for twelve months. If a match ends during the probationary period, we cover a one-off follow-up search at no cost. If the employment relationship ends after the probationary period but within the first year, half of the commission paid will be credited towards a new executive search. This provides companies with clear and reliable security for every placement.

Which finance positions does Kooku X fill as a recruitment consultancy?

We recruit specialists and managers across the entire finance function: from Head of Controlling, Director Accounting and Head of Treasury to CFO. We have a particular focus on finance transformation, succession planning and regulatory roles such as Head of Compliance or ESG Reporting Manager.

How does Kooku X reach passive candidates in the finance sector?

By targeting the passive candidate market directly, we reach specialists and managers who are not actively looking. With over 500 interviews per year and 10+ years of executive search experience, we know the relevant finance market - we deliver the first suitable profiles within the first week.

For which companies is Kooku X suitable as a finance headhunter?

From PE portfolios and FinTech scale-ups to family businesses and SMEs: our recruitment agency for finance & accounting supports over 150 companies in sectors such as e-commerce, SaaS and manufacturing. We are particularly in demand for buy & build strategies, turnarounds and the development of controlling structures.

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!