How We Work

Our Search Process

Every search follows a rigorous, proven structure designed to deliver quality and speed without compromise. Here's exactly what happens from your first call through placement and beyond.

Built for Precision

A Process Designed to Solve the Quality vs. Speed Tradeoff

Most executive searches force a tradeoff: move fast and sacrifice quality, or vet thoroughly and wait months. Our process is structured to eliminate that compromise. By running a low-volume desk with airtight exclusivity, we dedicate the focused attention required to deliver deeply vetted candidates on an accelerated timeline.

Every step below is designed with one goal — to present you with 5 to 8 candidates within two weeks who are technically qualified, culturally aligned, and genuinely excited about the opportunity. Not 20 unscreened resumes. Not a single "perfect" candidate you're pressured into hiring. A thoughtful, well-researched shortlist that gives you real options.

Here's exactly how it works, step by step.

Discovery

Initial Discovery Call

Every engagement starts with a 30 to 45-minute conversation — not a sales pitch, but a genuine exploration of fit. We learn about your company, your growth stage, your culture, and your specific hiring needs. We also share how Altitude works and what the process looks like, so you can decide whether this is the right partnership for you.

  • Company & culture — growth stage, team dynamics, what success looks like
  • Hiring context — what's driving the need, timeline, past experiences
  • Mutual fit — determining if this is the right partnership for both sides
  • Process overview — how Altitude works, what to expect, and next steps

Alignment

Detailed Job Intake & Scorecard

If there's a mutual fit, we move to a deep-dive intake session. This is where we define exactly what success looks like in the role — not a laundry list of responsibilities, but the specific outcomes this person needs to deliver in their first 12 to 24 months. We build a performance scorecard, define non-negotiables, discuss compensation range and equity, and establish the communication cadence for the search.

  • Performance profile — outcomes-based definition of what "great" looks like in year one
  • Non-negotiables — the technical and cultural must-haves that define your shortlist
  • Compensation & equity — realistic range aligned with market data
  • Exclusivity agreement — the framework that allows for a focused, strategic search

Week 1–2

Research & Market Mapping

This is where the CPA background matters most. We review over 1,000 profiles to understand the full landscape of available talent in your niche. This isn't a keyword search — it's a comprehensive market mapping exercise that identifies the strongest potential candidates while also providing you with data-driven intelligence about who's out there, what they're earning, and what it would take to move them.

1,000+ Profiles reviewed per search — providing market intelligence alongside candidates, not just a list of names

Week 1–2

Candidate Outreach & Screening

From the research phase, we personally reach out to the strongest passive candidates — not with a mass InMail blast, but with personalized, credible outreach that gets responses because we can speak their language. We then screen 20 to 30 candidates through 30 to 45-minute video calls, evaluating technical qualifications, cultural fit, motivation, compensation expectations, and closability.

  • Technical assessment — cost accounting, close processes, manufacturing operations knowledge
  • Cultural evaluation — values alignment, leadership style, team dynamics
  • Motivation & closability — ensuring candidates are genuinely interested, not just exploring
  • Compensation alignment — confirming expectations match your range before presentation
20–30 Candidates screened through thorough 30–45 minute video calls before a single resume reaches your desk

Week 2

Shortlist Delivery

Within two weeks of kickoff, we present 5 to 8 highly vetted candidates ready to interview — each with a detailed profile that goes beyond the resume. You'll understand not just what they've done, but why they're a fit for this specific role, at this specific company, at this specific stage. Ninety percent of placements come from this first batch.

90% Of placements come from the first batch of candidates presented — because real vetting produces real results the first time

Ongoing

Interview Support & Weekly Syncs

Once your interviews begin, we stay deeply involved. We maintain a tight feedback loop with weekly check-ins — not vague status updates, but substantive conversations about what you're hearing, what's working, and what needs adjustment. We coach on both sides of the table, helping candidates prepare while keeping you informed about market dynamics and competitive offers that could affect your search.

  • Weekly syncs — consistent feedback loop to keep the search on track
  • Candidate coaching — interview preparation and guidance for candidates
  • Market intelligence — real-time insights on competitive dynamics and offers
  • Quick iteration — adjusting search parameters based on your feedback

Closing

Offer, Negotiation & Post-Placement

When you've identified your hire, we manage the offer process — navigating compensation negotiations, counter-offer situations, and transition logistics. But the relationship doesn't end at acceptance. We stay engaged through the candidate's notice period and early months in the role to make sure the placement succeeds. Even candidates who weren't selected leave the process saying it was one of the best recruiting experiences they've had — which reflects directly on your employer brand.

  • Offer management — compensation negotiation and counter-offer strategy
  • Transition support — staying engaged through notice period and early months
  • 3-month guarantee — replacement guarantee with extended structures available
  • Candidate experience — every candidate treated exceptionally, protecting your brand

The Outcome

A Hire Who Drives Real Results

From first call to placement — and through the months that follow — you have a partner committed to making sure the right person ends up in the seat.

What Makes This Different

Three Commitments You Can Count On

Complete Transparency

Weekly syncs with real market intelligence. You'll always know exactly where the search stands, what we're hearing from candidates, and what the data tells us about your market.

Relentless Accountability

We don't run when searches get tough. We own the process from start to finish — iterating based on your feedback, adjusting when needed, and staying committed until the right hire is made.

Exceptional Candidate Experience

Every candidate — even those who aren't selected — is treated with respect and professionalism. The way your recruiter represents you is a direct reflection of your brand, and we take that seriously.

The Results This Process Delivers

Proven Performance Across Every Metric

70 - 90 %

Of Our Candidates Get Interviewed

0 %

Fill Rate From First Short List

0 %+

Offer Acceptance Rate

6 - 12 Wks

Typical Search Timeline

What They Say

Finance Leaders Who've Worked With Sabina

Ready to Start Your Search?

Let's Run This Process For Your Team

Book a 30-minute discovery call. We'll discuss your hiring needs, walk through our process in detail, and determine whether Altitude is the right partner for your search.