The Challenge
A small Los Angeles division of a global manufacturing company headquartered in Asia needed to replace its longtime Controller, who was retiring after 20+ years. The division supported a manufacturing operation in Michigan, and the role oversaw accounting and finance, led a team of four, and reported to the site President.
The client had searched unsuccessfully for two months before engaging Alliance. Requirements included a CPA, manufacturing or distribution experience, systems implementation experience, career stability, and the ability to lead independently without a local finance mentor.
The search was further complicated by a five-day onsite schedule, a preference for local candidates within ten miles, and the client being new to Alliance and outside its typical geographic market.
The Solution
Alliance began with three discovery conversations to understand the company’s history, culture, team dynamics, hiring process, and interview outcomes. Alliance then streamlined the process by serving as the first interview, followed by an onsite meeting with all four leaders.
Alliance secured exclusivity and established weekly progress reviews. Sourcing expanded beyond the client’s prior reliance on Indeed, with a focus on qualified local candidates.
After presenting several strong profiles, Alliance encouraged the client to consider a non-CPA candidate who met every other requirement and was seeking a long-term opportunity with a smaller organization.
The Outcome
The client followed Alliance’s recommendation and interviewed the non-CPA candidate, extending an offer within two hours of the meeting. Since joining, the placed Controller has built the accounting processes needed to support the company’s Americas operations, creating structure for a business historically centered in Asia.
She has helped transition reporting and processes to better support the US organization across the full operating cycle, from manufacturing and distribution in Asia through consumer delivery in the United States.