Case Study | Financial Controller

Client Overview

A growing West End-based property developer with a particular focus on airspace development had ambitious plans to scale the business significantly over the next three to five years. With a strong pipeline of development projects, the business required a Financial Controller to help implement best-in-class financial processes and support the company's expansion plans.

The Challenge

The developer needed a Financial Controller with direct property development experience — someone with not only the technical capability to lead the finance function, but the potential to grow into a Finance Director as the business matured. The specialist nature of the role, combined with the competitiveness of the market for development finance professionals, made this a particularly demanding search.

Our Approach

Leadership Joseph Morris led the assignment, meeting with the client at the outset to establish a detailed brief covering the key skills, behaviours, and cultural attributes required. Joseph advised on a retained search approach to ensure access to the strongest candidates in the market rather than simply those actively looking.

Methodology

• Competitive Market Mapping
• Executive Search Framework
• Consultative Process

Results

• Search completed within six weeks
• 100% shortlist-to-interview rate
• 100% retention — candidate placed in 2023 remains in post
• 18 candidates engaged; 13 met with Joseph face-to-face prior to shortlisting

Key Success Factors

A thorough market mapping exercise identified and assessed a wide candidate pool, with each individual graded against the agreed criteria before shortlisting. Joseph's retained approach and direct headhunting methodology ensured the client had access to the best available talent — resulting in a well-matched placement with exceptional retention.