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Case Study: Finance Manager Placement by Emerald Zebra

Emerald Zebra successfully filled the role of Finance Manager (Cyprus) for an international group of companies operating in the oil and gas, marine, and manufacturing sectors. The role demanded extensive experience in financial management, compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and working within an international group of companies. The process spanned three months from the onboarding of the vacancy to the hired candidate starting in the role.

The Recruitment Journey

  • 100 Applications Received
    The job posting attracted significant interest, with 100 professionals applying for the role. However, not all candidates met the highly specialized criteria of the job.
  • 25 Candidates Rigorously Screened and Shortlisted
    Marie Pavlou and the recruitment team carefully screened the applicants, focusing on experience in IFRS, previous roles in international companies, and leadership in financial reporting and compliance.
  • 13 Candidates Submitted to the Client
    Out of the shortlisted candidates, five highly qualified professionals were presented to the client, each meeting the core requirements of the role and demonstrating potential to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-industry environment.
  • 8 First-Round Interviews Conducted
    The client proceeded with interviewing all five shortlisted candidates, assessing their technical expertise and cultural fit within the organization.
  • 3 Candidates Advanced to Second Interviews
    The second round focused on deeper discussions around their financial leadership experience, internal control frameworks, and ability to liaise with external auditors, banks, and law firms.
  • 1 Successful Hire
    Following a thorough evaluation, the client selected the top candidate—a highly experienced Finance Manager with a strong background in IFRS compliance and international financial management.

"This was a fantastic recruitment process, with the client being clear on their requirements from the start. We focused on finding a candidate who could balance technical accounting expertise with leadership and strategic thinking. In the end, we found the perfect match. It’s always rewarding to place someone in a role where they can truly make an impact."

Summary

  • Timeframe: 3 months from vacancy onboarding to hire
  • Applications (external and internal talent pools): 100
  • Candidates Screened: 12
  • Candidates Submitted: 5
  • First Interviews: 5
  • Second Interviews: 3
  • Successful Placement: 1

This case study highlights Emerald Zebra’s expertise in identifying top talent for specialized finance roles, ensuring a seamless recruitment process from start to finish.

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