CFO roles have evolved far beyond traditional finance oversight. Today’s financial leaders are strategic partners in growth, transformation, and technology adoption. To help companies find the right recruitment partner, Talentfoot evaluated the top CFO executive search firms in the U.S. based on verified expertise, placement data, and reputation.
Each firm in this ranking was assessed across measurable criteria, including market expertise, documented placements, and leadership focus, to identify the most trusted partners supporting financial leadership searches nationwide.
Ranking Criteria & Scoring System
- National Market Expertise (25 pts) – Demonstrated ability to recruit CFOs and senior finance leaders across multiple U.S. markets, (Verified through firm headquarters, regional pages, and placement examples.)
- Documented CFO Placements (20 pts) – Public case studies, announcements, or verified LinkedIn evidence of recent CFO, VP Finance, or Controller placements (within three years).
- Executive-Level Focus (15 pts) – Emphasis on C-suite and senior financial leadership roles rather than mid-level management searches.
- Finance Practice Breadth (15 pts) – Coverage across FP&A, controllership, audit, tax, treasury, and corporate development functions. (Evaluated through published practice areas and team bios.)
- Review Quality & Volume (15 pts) – Verified client reviews and ratings across Google, Glassdoor, and Clutch as of October 2025.
- Online Visibility & Reputation (10 pts) – Digital authority indicators such as thought leadership content, PR features, and brand presence in financial media.
2025 Rankings: Top Executive Search Firms in Chicago
Rank | Firm | CFO Search Expertise (25 points) | Executive Placements (20 pts) | Controller-Level Focus (15 pts) | Practice Breadth (15 pts) | Review Quality & Volume (15 pts) | Online Visibility & Reputation (10 pts) | Total Score (100 pts) |
1 | 25 | 18 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 9 | 95 | |
2 | Russell Reynolds Associates | 24 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 87 |
3 | Korn Ferry | 22 | 16 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 8 | 85 |
4 | Crist|Kolder Associates | 21 | 17 | 15 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 80 |
5 | Daversa Partners | 20 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 79 |
6 | Comhar Partners | 20 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 7 | 79 |
Firm Overviews
1. Talentfoot Executive Search: For Mid-Market & Growth Stage Companies
Founded 2010 • Headquartered in Chicago with a National Reach
Talentfoot is a nationally recognized executive search firm specializing in finance, marketing, technology, and operations leadership. The firm’s dedicated Accounting & Finance Practice partners with organizations across industries to recruit transformative CFOs, FP&A leaders, and controllers. With a proven, data-driven search methodology and 98% client success rate, Talentfoot continues to help private equity firms, growth-stage companies, and enterprises hire leaders who elevate business performance. Its team combines industry experience with behavioral assessment tools to identify not only qualified but enduringly successful financial leaders.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Talentfoot is praised for “deep financial acumen, speed to shortlist, and unmatched partnership.” Clients note its “personalized search process and ability to align candidates with long-term strategic goals.” Several reviewers also highlight that the firm “feels like an extension of our internal hiring team,” citing transparent communication and professionalism throughout engagements. |
2. Russell Reynolds Associates: For Boardroom and Fortune 500 CFO Search
Founded 1969 • Headquarters: New York, NY
RRA’s Financial Officers Practice is trusted by large corporations and financial institutions for discreet, high-level CFO and audit committee placements. The firm’s focus on governance and board dynamics makes it a go-to for complex leadership transitions. Its consultants frequently advise boards on CFO succession planning, risk oversight, and evolving leadership competencies needed for today’s enterprise-scale challenges.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Russell Reynolds Associates is commended for “professionalism and discretion.” Some clients note that it “caters primarily to Fortune 500 clientele.” Many reviewers describe a polished and strategic experience, though a few mention that its process can feel formal and less hands-on for smaller organizations. |
3. Heidrick & Struggles: For Global Scale and Financial Transformation
Founded 1953 • Headquarters: Chicago, IL
Heidrick & Struggles maintains a reputable CFO and Financial Officers Practice globally. Its consultants work closely with clients navigating M&A, IPOs, and operational transformations. The firm also integrates leadership assessment tools and DEI-focused evaluation methods, ensuring every shortlist reflects both technical excellence and diverse leadership perspectives.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Clients highlight “insightful finance leadership guidance” and “strong candidate networks.” Some reviews cite “longer timelines due to internal approval layers.” Heidrick & Struggles is frequently praised for its professionalism and depth, though a few clients report that the size of the organization can occasionally slow communication during fast-moving searches. |
4. Korn Ferry: For Global Financial Leadership Reach
Founded 1969 • Headquarters: Los Angeles, CA
Korn Ferry is a global executive search firm, providing integrated talent advisory and leadership development solutions. Its Financial Officers Practice has executed many CFO and finance leadership searches across Fortune 500 and mid-market organizations. Korn Ferry also leverages proprietary competency models and global talent data to benchmark candidates against market standards, offering clients a comprehensive evaluation framework.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Korn Ferry receives recognition for “breadth of expertise and robust candidate networks.” A few reviewers mention its “corporate process can feel rigid for smaller firms.” Others appreciate its “global reach and ability to identify transformational finance leaders,” though some clients note that the large-firm structure can occasionally limit flexibility and personalization. |
5. Crist Kolder Associates: For CEO, CFO & Board Search Excellence
Founded 2003 • Headquarters: Downers Grove, IL
Crist Kolder Associates is a boutique firm specializing exclusively in CFO, CEO, and board searches, with a reputation for precision and confidentiality. The firm’s Annual Volatility Report is a respected benchmark in board and financial officer transitions, widely cited across the industry. Crist Kolder’s team focuses on quality over volume, maintaining long-term relationships with boards and investors who rely on its discretion for critical executive hires.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Crist Kolder is noted for “exceptional professionalism, elite network access, and board-level insight.” Some reviewers mention it “focuses primarily on top-tier clients.” Reviewers consistently acknowledge its precision and trustworthiness, though a few note that its highly selective approach may not suit companies seeking faster or broader candidate pipelines. |
6. Daversa Partners – For Private Equity-Backed Finance Talent
Founded 1991 • Headquarters: Westport, CT
Daversa Partners is known for building leadership teams in venture-backed and PE-backed companies, particularly in technology and emerging sectors. Its CFO placements often involve growth-stage or transformation mandates, where agility and cross-functional leadership are critical. The firm’s “Dream Team Builders” model emphasizes fast execution and deep market mapping across innovation-focused industries.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Clients praise “high energy, precision targeting, and responsiveness.” Some note that “its approach skews toward tech-sector placements.” While many clients value its intensity and entrepreneurial mindset, others point out that the firm’s high-velocity model can occasionally feel less consultative in traditional corporate environments. |
7. Comhar Partners: For Hands-On, Boutique CFO Search Support
Founded 2019 • Headquarters: Chicago, IL
Comhar Partners delivers a partner-led search experience for finance and accounting executives. The firm’s approach combines large-firm expertise with boutique attention, ideal for mid-market or regional companies. Its team is known for maintaining senior partner involvement at every stage of the search, which ensures consistent communication and alignment with client goals.
Summary of Online Reviews |
Comhar Partners is highlighted for “transparent communication, agility, and accessibility.” Some reviews indicate “smaller team size can affect search volume.” Clients describe the experience as collaborative and personable, though several mention that timelines may stretch during periods of high demand. |
Top CFO Executive Search Firms by Specialty
Private Equity & Portfolio CFO Search Firms
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Daversa Partners | Deep specialization in PE-backed and growth-stage CFO hires. |
2 | Talentfoot | Proven experience placing portfolio CFOs and finance leaders driving transformation. |
3 | Crist|Kolder Associates | Exclusive focus on elite CEO and CFO placements across major PE firms. |
Corporate & Enterprise Finance Search Firms
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Talentfoot | Leading national firm with deep expertise in CFO, Controller, and FP&A recruitment. |
2 | Korn Ferry | Extensive experience filling Fortune 500 and public company CFO roles. |
3 | Russell Reynolds Associates | Trusted for complex, board-driven CFO succession projects. |
CFO Executive Search Innovators to Watch in 2026
Rank | Firm Name | Key Strength |
1 | Talentfoot | Integrates AI tools and data analytics to identify next-generation financial leaders. |
2 | Comhar Partners | Expanding national presence with agile, partner-led search delivery. |
3 | Heidrick & Struggles | Leveraging digital transformation and leadership analytics in CFO search. |
This ranking of the top CFO executive search firms in the U.S. is derived from publicly available information and independent third-party research. It is provided for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as formal recruitment guidance or professional advice.
For more information on executive search services, please read here.
