Head of Finance and Controller recruiter for startups

Which finance hire you need first: Controller, Head of Finance, or VP Finance

Most startups that have just raised follow the same sequence. The first hire closes the books. The second owns the model.

• Controller: clean books, audit-ready close, first finance hire for most seed and Series A companies.
• Head of Finance: owns the model, the board deck and the next raise.
• VP Finance: the second layer, hired when a Controller and FP&A already report in.

Where startup finance leaders come from

Four backgrounds produce most first finance hires. Each is good at a different half of the job.

• Investment banking: modelling and raise support, lighter on the close.
• Big 4 audit: the close and controls, lighter on forecasting.
• FP&A at a scaled startup: already knows the board rhythm.
• PE portfolio ops: has fixed finance at a company your size before.

What a startup finance lead costs right now

Head of Finance pays a step above Controller. The map shows where your offer sits before you post it.

How a search works with us

1. 01Free market mapSend us the JD. We map who does this job today, where they sit and what they cost, before you sign anything.
2. 02One retainerA monthly retainer covers up to three open roles at a time. No placement fee, however many we fill.
3. 03EmbeddedWe work in your Slack and your ATS, design the interview loop and run it, then close the offer.
4. 04Step backWhen you stop hiring, we stop. The pipeline, notes and scorecards stay in your ATS.

GuaranteeFive qualified intros on your calendar in the first 30 days, or the next month is on us.

Questions founders ask about hiring finance

When should a startup hire a Controller?

Before the first audit or when the founder stops being able to close the month. For most, that’s right after a seed or Series A raise.

Head of Finance vs. CFO: what’s the difference?

A Head of Finance owns the model and the close. A CFO owns capital strategy and the board. Few startups need the second before Series B.

Can an ex-banker run startup finance?

Yes, for modelling and the raise. Pair them with a Controller or a strong accountant for the close.

What does a startup Controller cost?

NYC startups post a median $165–195k base for Controller and Head of Finance roles. That’s across 7 postings, August–September 2026.

Do you place fractional CFOs?

No. We fill full-time seats. For fractional finance leadership we’ll point you to firms that specialise in it.