Why traditional job ads are no longer sufficient for recruiting in the finance sector
The “post and pray” method has long since ceased to work – and this is especially true for finance departments. Good candidates are rarely actively looking for a job and do not use traditional job portals. Without targeted direct approaches, there is no flow of applicants.
Top financial professionals want to be found – not search
What's more, expectations of employers have changed. Passive candidates want to be approached professionally, on an equal footing, and with relevant information about the position. Those who fail to offer this lose out at the first contact.
What is active sourcing in financial recruiting?
Active sourcing describes the targeted, direct approach of potential candidates who are not currently actively looking for a job – so-called passive talent. This is particularly important in the recruiting of financial professionals such as accountants, controllers, or finance managers, as many skilled workers are open to new challenges but are not actively searching on job platforms.
Typical steps in active sourcing:
- Identification of suitable candidates – via platforms such as LinkedIn, XING, internal talent pools, or specialized databases.
- Analysis of qualifications and career situation – to assess suitability for the open position.
- Direct approach – individually tailored messages that address professional topics and motivational factors.
- Relationship building – through personal conversations, feedback processes, and long-term talent retention.
Unlike traditional job advertisements, the company or recruiter takes an active role in the recruiting process. This not only increases the fill rate, but also the quality of the applicants.
Your advantages of active sourcing in the recruitment of financial professionals
1. You reach passive job seekers
The best candidates are not actively looking for a job. Active sourcing allows you to reach these “hidden candidates” discreetly and in a targeted manner. In the financial sector in particular, many professionals are loyal but open to the next step in their career – if they are approached professionally.
2. You secure a competitive advantage
When filling CFO positions, controlling management or accounting roles, speed is of the essence. Whoever reaches candidates first has the best chance of success. Active sourcing puts you in direct contact with candidates – without detours via job portals or lengthy application processes.
3. You improve the quality of applicants
You decide who you want to approach. No compromises, no wasted effort. Instead of unspecific applications, you receive tailored profiles that match your company's professional and cultural requirements.
Successful active sourcing is more than just sending standard messages. It requires tact, market knowledge, and a deep understanding of the target group. The approach must be tailored to the position, career situation, and personality of the candidate.
When is active sourcing particularly useful?
- For hard-to-fill financial positions (e.g., accountants with consolidation experience, senior controllers)
- For time-critical new hires (e.g., succession in finance management or CFO positions)
- When no suitable applications are received
- When discretion is required (e.g., in the case of confidential company changes)
Why Schulmeister? – Your partner for active sourcing in the finance sector
We specialize in recruiting in the finance sector – with offices in Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, Graz, Hamburg, and Prague. Our active sourcing team talks to specialists and executives in finance and controlling on a daily basis and knows the mechanisms of the hidden market.
Our advantages for you:
- Extensive network in finance and accounting
- Discreet, professional direct approach
- High placement rate for senior finance positions
- Personal advice and fast processes
Our candidates trust our market knowledge – and our clients feel it too. We are more than a service provider: We are your partner for recruiting success.
Frequently asked questions about recruiting in finance & active sourcing
What is active sourcing? Active sourcing is a recruiting method in which potential candidates are actively identified and approached directly – instead of just waiting for applications. Karriere.at explains more about this method in this article on active sourcing.
How does direct candidate approach work? The right target group is identified and contacted individually via business networks, talent databases, or specialized recruiting service providers such as Schulmeister – discreetly, professionally, and with relevant information about the position.
What should you do if no applications are received? If no qualified applicants respond to a job advertisement, active sourcing is an effective alternative. This allows you to reach talent who are not actively looking but are open to a change.
How can I receive more qualified applications? Through targeted direct approaches instead of mass advertising. The more tailored the approach, the higher the chance of finding a real match.
For which finance positions is active sourcing particularly useful? For specialized or management positions such as IFRS experts, accountants with consolidation experience, or finance managers.
