The VP of Finance leads the finance function's day-to-day work. Hiring one well means matching finance leadership to what the business needs. Here is how.
Define the level and need
A VP of Finance typically leads finance operationally — planning and analysis, reporting, budgeting, and the finance team — while a CFO owns financial strategy and direction at the executive table. Before hiring, be clear which you need, or whether in a smaller business you need someone who is both, potentially growing into a CFO. Then define the specific finance need — building the function, strengthening reporting and controls, or supporting growth — because these shape the profile.
Technical strength and leadership
The strongest VPs of Finance combine genuine financial and technical capability — command of the numbers, planning, and reporting — with the leadership to build and run an effective finance team and deliver reliably. Finance is delivered through people and process, so a leader strong technically but weak on leadership, or vice versa, falls short. Assessing for both dimensions is central to the hire.
Accuracy and reliability
Finance depends on accuracy and reliability — the business relies on the numbers being right and the financial management being sound. A VP of Finance must own the accuracy of reporting, the rigour of processes, and the dependability of the finance function. Assessing a candidate's track record of running finance reliably and getting the numbers right, with evidence, matters greatly, because errors and unreliability in finance carry real consequences.
How the search works
Match the candidate's experience to your business's stage and finance needs, and a retained search can find a VP of Finance who combines technical strength, leadership, and reliability — and, where relevant, the potential to grow into a CFO role.
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We recruit CFOs and VPs of Finance across beauty and consumer businesses.
Explore Finance Executive Search →Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when hiring a VP of Finance?
Strong financial and technical capability combined with the leadership to run a finance team and deliver reliable financial management — matched to your stage and needs, and assessed on a track record of accuracy and reliability.
Should you hire a VP of Finance or a CFO?
A VP of Finance leads finance operationally (planning, reporting, budgeting); a CFO owns financial strategy and direction at the executive table. Decide based on whether you need operational finance leadership or strategic — or, in a smaller business, someone who is both.
Related: What Does a VP of Finance Do? · How to Hire a CFO · CFO vs Financial Controller
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