How We Work

Search done deliberately.

We don't post and pray. Every search begins with a deep-dive brief, moves through a proprietary mapping process, and closes with a shortlist built on judgment — not volume. Here's exactly how we work.

The Process

Four phases. One outcome.

Great executive search isn't about moving fast — it's about moving right. Our process is designed to surface the best candidates, not just the most available ones, and to give you the context you need to make a confident decision.

01
Week 1

Discovery & Position Brief

Before we touch the market, we spend real time understanding your organization. This isn't a form — it's a working session that shapes everything that follows.

  • In-depth intake with hiring manager and key stakeholders
  • Culture, values, and organizational context
  • Capital structure, investor expectations, growth stage
  • Compensation benchmarking and competitive landscape
  • Success profile: what does great look like in Year 1?
02
Weeks 2–4

Market Mapping & Sourcing

We go directly to the talent — not to job boards. Our network in finance and accounting is deep, and we know how to identify passive candidates who aren't actively looking but would move for the right opportunity.

  • Proprietary network outreach — direct, personal contact
  • Sector-specific research to map the full candidate universe
  • Referral sourcing from trusted contacts in your industry
  • No mass applications — every candidate is individually approached
03
Weeks 3–5

Assessment & Vetting

We interview extensively before anyone reaches your desk. Our goal: give you a shortlist where you could hire any of the candidates presented.

  • Structured competency interviews with every candidate
  • Technical finance and accounting assessment where relevant
  • Cultural and leadership fit evaluation
  • Reference intelligence — proactive, not just verification
  • Honest written assessment of each candidate's strengths and risks
04
Weeks 5–8

Presentation, Offer & Close

We present a curated shortlist — typically three to five candidates — with full write-ups and context. And we don't disappear at offer stage.

  • Shortlist presentation with detailed candidate profiles
  • Interview coordination and feedback management
  • Offer structuring and negotiation support
  • Candidate management through resignation and start
  • Post-placement check-ins through the first 90 days
Why Gratus

What makes us different.

🎯
Sector Fluency

We're not generalists. Our practice is built around finance and accounting in complex industries — we speak the language, know the titles, and understand what good looks like in these roles.

🤝
Real Relationships

Our candidates aren't database entries — they're people we know. When we reach out to a passive candidate, they take the call because they know us. That's a different quality of talent pipeline.

📊
Transparency Throughout

We share our candidate process in real time. You'll always know where we are, who we've spoken to, and what the market is telling us — with no surprises at shortlist stage.

Efficiency Over Volume

Our average is approximately four resumes per hire. We're not optimizing for activity — we're optimizing for the right candidate. Fewer, better options means less time reviewing and faster decisions.

🔒
Confidentiality First

Senior searches are sensitive. We approach the market with discretion, protect candidate identities until both sides are ready, and treat every engagement as confidential by default.

📍
Boutique Accountability

When you work with Gratus, you work with us — not a junior researcher. Our principals are on every search, personally invested in the outcome, and available when you need us.

Ready to Start

Let's put this process to work for you.

Tell us about your search and we'll share how our approach applies to your specific situation.

Begin a Search