Case studies
Independent Age
Roles
- Interim Financial Controller
- Permanent Financial Controller
- Permanent Systems Accountant
Client profile
Independent Age is a UK-based charity with offices in London, Newcastle and Glasgow. It offers targeted information and support for older people, as well as providing services to help users get through tough times, for example, or get more involved in their local communities.
Assignment
Independent Age’s current Head of Finance had a good personal experience as a candidate working with Robertson Bell in the past, so when he needed to recruit for three new positions he reconnected with our team. The charity was searching for three roles: an interim Financial Controller, a permanent Financial Controller and a permanent Systems Accountant.
Robertson Bell worked on an exclusive basis for these searches.
Considerations and challenges
The charity required a quick solution to its hiring needs, so an interim Financial Controller was needed as soon as possible. This was a particular challenge as few qualified interim candidates were available at the time, meaning we had to move quickly in order to secure top talent.
The candidate profiles for all three roles were specific, with the organisation having a clear idea of what they wanted. Independent Age wanted candidates who had similar experience, meaning we were looking for people to make a somewhat horizontal career move.
This was made more challenging by the salaries, which were competitive for similar roles in the industry, but not high enough to persuade candidates based on financial benefit alone.
In addition, it is quite rare for a charity of this size to have a permanent Systems Accountant within their organisation. This meant there were fewer qualified candidates to choose from when it came to this role.
Solution
Due to the urgency Independent Age had for an interim Financial Controller, we dedicated an entire resourcing team to finding a shortlist of candidates. It was all hands on deck to ensure we reached the most suitable talent.
In order to overcome some of the challenges set out above, our consultants made sure to sell the benefits of these roles. The organisation was going through an exciting time, and our team was able to spark candidates’ interest by focusing on the projects Independent Age was working on.
The consultants also highlighted the culture of the organisation, as well as the attractive flexible and remote working options, with little expectation to attend the Central London offices in person.
When it came to the Systems Accountant role, we communicated with the client throughout, so they had the best idea of the current state of the market. Our consultants challenged the person specification using their expert market knowledge, allowing them to cast a wider net and ensure a strong shortlist of suitable candidates was provided. This led to four appointable candidates interviewing and a successful placement being made at the first time of going to market.
Outcome
Within a matter of weeks, the interim Financial Controller was in position at Independent Age. This candidate made such an impact that they were also considered for the permanent position, which led to them being offered the role. Robertson Bell provided a complete shortlist for this role so that the client had the best idea of the available talent.
By making the changes to the Systems Accountant requirements the organisation was able to choose from experienced candidates who each brought something different to the role. Robertson Bell’s unrivalled knowledge of the market was pivotal in this case and the same results are unlikely to have been realised from another agency.
The relationship between Independent Age and Robertson Bell remains strong, and the client has already returned to us for help with another role, which has again been filled. We are also in discussion to support with two more positions, helping the client to recruit quickly. Robertson Bell’s inimitable approach combined with our experience in the charity and third sector makes us uniquely able to reach and secure talented candidates.