Retained vs.
Contingency Search
Understanding the two types of executive search — and why CFO Search uniquely delivers both at the highest level of quality.
Three Ways to Work With CFO Search
We are one of the only CFO search firms in the country that offers all three engagement models — giving you maximum flexibility and zero compromise on quality.
Contingency Search
You pay absolutely nothing unless we deliver your perfect CFO. No retainer, no upfront cost, zero financial obligation until you make the hire. This is our signature offering and the reason we were founded.
- ✓ Zero upfront cost — no retainer
- ✓ Pay only when you hire our candidate
- ✓ No risk — no financial obligation
- ✓ Same quality candidates as retained
- ✓ Ideal for most CFO searches
Retained Search
For organizations requiring maximum dedication, confidentiality and depth of search. Our fully retained option provides exclusive focus, a dedicated search team and comprehensive market coverage.
- ✓ Exclusive, dedicated search team
- ✓ Highest level of market coverage
- ✓ Maximum confidentiality and discretion
- ✓ Deep passive candidate access
- ✓ Ideal for sensitive or board-level roles
Hybrid Search
The best of both worlds — a small upfront engagement fee secures dedicated search resources and priority attention, while keeping your total risk and investment significantly lower than a fully retained engagement.
- ✓ Small upfront fee, balance on hire
- ✓ Priority attention and dedicated resources
- ✓ Lower total cost than full retained
- ✓ Flexible engagement terms
- ✓ Popular with PE-backed companies
The Only Firm That Does Both — At the Highest Level
Most firms specialize in one model. We deliver world-class results on every type of engagement because our process, people and candidate pool don’t change.
The Same Candidate Pool
Whether retained or contingency, our clients access the same 94,000+ candidate database and the same deep passive candidate network. Your engagement model doesn’t limit your options.
CFO-Only Expertise
We only recruit CFOs. Not VPs of Sales, not Engineers, not Marketers. Every recruiter on our team lives and breathes CFO placement every single day — that depth of specialization is unmatched.
Proven Track Record
500+ placements since 2008 across every industry and every market. We have been retained on some of the most complex CFO searches in the country and delivered — every time.
Let’s Start Your
CFO Search Today
Contact us today — call, email or send a message. We respond the same day, every day. No retainer, no risk, no obligation whatsoever.
777 Main Street, Suite 600
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Retained vs. Contingency Search
CFO Search uniquely offers both contingency-based and retained executive search for CFO positions. Our contingency option provides zero financial risk — you pay nothing unless we deliver the right candidate. Our retained option provides exclusive, dedicated search resources for the most critical or confidential searches. Related: Our Process | About Us