California Accounting & Finance Executive Search — Powered by True Headhunting
From Los Angeles to the Bay Area, California's diverse economy demands finance leaders who can navigate complexity and drive growth. Pacific Executive Search is the state's specialized Accounting & Finance executive search firm — powered by proactive headhunting, not job boards or passive recruiting.
Southern California Executive Search
Our headquarters in Los Angeles gives us deep, long-standing relationships across Southern California's finance community — from the entertainment and media hubs of Century City and Burbank, to the aerospace corridor in the South Bay, to the growing tech and e-commerce companies in Playa Vista, Irvine, and beyond.
Key markets: Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, San Diego, Santa Barbara
Industries served: Entertainment, Aerospace, Consumer Products, E-commerce, Real Estate, Private Equity Portfolio Companies, Manufacturing, Financial Services
Northern California Executive Search
Our growing presence in Northern California extends our executive search and headhunting practice to the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, and surrounding regions. The technology, biotech, and venture-backed ecosystems in Northern California create exceptional demand for finance leaders at every stage — from startup CFOs to enterprise Controllers.
Key markets: San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Palo Alto, Menlo Park
Industries served: Technology, Biotech/Life Sciences, Venture Capital, SaaS, Clean Energy, Healthcare, Professional Services
Why Headhunting Beats Traditional Recruiting in California
California is the most competitive finance talent market in the country. The best Controllers, CFOs, and FP&A leaders aren't scrolling job boards — they're heads-down at their current roles. Traditional recruiters and staffing agencies can't reach them. Retained firms charge large upfront fees with no guarantee of results.
Our headhunting approach is different. We proactively identify, engage, and recruit finance leaders through direct outreach and relationships built over decades. Our proprietary methodology and technology investment lets us move faster and more precisely than generalist firms — delivering candidates you can't access on your own.
Staffing Agencies
- • Post jobs and wait
- • Resume matching
- • Volume-based
- • Junior researchers
Retained Firms
- • Large upfront fee
- • Some outbound recruiting
- • Handoff to junior staff
- • No guaranteed timeline
Pacific Executive Search
- • Proactive headhunting
- • Direct candidate engagement
- • Senior-led, start to finish
- • Specialized in A&F only
Finance & Accounting Roles We Place Across California
Private Equity & Portfolio Company Executive Search
California is home to some of the most active PE and VC firms in the world. We specialize in placing Controllers, CFOs, and finance leaders in private equity-backed portfolio companies — professionals who can hit the ground running in fast-paced, value-creation-focused environments. Learn about our portfolio company practice →
California Executive Search
Start Your California Executive Search
Ready to hire a finance leader who will drive real results? Let's talk about your search.
Frequently Asked Questions — California Executive Search
- What makes Pacific Executive Search different from other California recruiting firms?We are headhunters, not staffing agents. Every search starts by mapping the market and directly engaging finance leaders who aren't on job boards. We specialize exclusively in Accounting & Finance, which gives us deeper relationships and sharper candidate assessment than generalist firms. Learn more about our executive search process.
- Do you recruit across all of California or just Los Angeles?We serve all of California. Our headquarters in Los Angeles gives us the deepest presence in Southern California, but we actively recruit across the Bay Area, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, San Diego, and Orange County. Visit our Los Angeles page for city-specific information.
- What finance roles do you place most frequently in California?Our most common California placements are Controllers, CFOs, FP&A Directors, and VP of Finance roles. We also regularly place Accounting Managers, Tax Directors, Treasury leaders, and SEC Reporting specialists. See our full service lineup.
- Do you work with private equity-backed companies in California?Yes — PE portfolio company placements are one of our core specializations statewide. We understand sponsor reporting, value creation timelines, and the specific finance profiles PE firms need. Learn more about our portfolio company practice.
- How long does a typical executive search take in California?Most searches produce a vetted shortlist within 2-3 weeks. The full process — from scoping to accepted offer — typically takes 4-8 weeks depending on role seniority and market conditions. Because we headhunt proactively, we move faster than firms that rely on applicant flow.
- Do you charge an upfront retainer fee?No. Unlike retained search firms, we operate on a contingency-plus model — you pay when you hire. This means we have to earn the placement, not bill for the process. Schedule a consultation to learn more about our engagement structure.
Looking for more comprehensive hiring information? Explore our complete recruiting FAQ for detailed business education and strategy insights.
