Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Accounting & Finance Recruitment Experts
Founded in 1998, Access Search has established itself as a trusted partner in connecting elite accounting and finance professionals with organizations seeking exceptional talent. Our team brings decades of experience from prestigious institutions like the Big 4 accounting firms, investment banking, and corporate finance, enabling us to accurately assess candidates' technical skills and cultural fit. We employ a rigorous, six-step process that begins with understanding client needs and culminates in successful placements through thorough candidate evaluation and transparent communication. Our national network through the American Association of Finance and Accounting provides access to pre-vetted professionals across 35+ metropolitan areas in the US and Canada.With specialized expertise in interim staffing and contract-to-hire solutions, we help organizations navigate time-sensitive projects and critical compliance requirements. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our meticulous interview process, which evaluates both technical capabilities and long-term career aspirations to ensure lasting matches. As a Chicago-based firm, we combine local market knowledge with nationwide reach to deliver tailored solutions for Fortune 500 companies and growing businesses alike.
Services
Executive Search
Contract Staffing
Interim Placements
National Network Access
Finance Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- Our team includes former Big 4 accountants and Fortune 500 finance professionals
- We maintain a national network through AAFA affiliation with 35+ locations
- We implement a proprietary six-step candidate evaluation process
- We specialize in complex accounting assignments including SOX compliance and forensic accounting
- Our consultants average 15+ years of industry-specific experience
Services
Executive Search
Our executive search service identifies top-tier accounting and finance leaders for permanent placements. We specialize in C-suite roles, controllerships, and senior financial management positions. Our process combines industry expertise with an extensive network of passive candidates to deliver leaders who match both technical requirements and organizational culture. With decades of experience in financial services and corporate accounting, we ensure successful long-term matches for critical leadership roles.
Contract Staffing
Our contract staffing solutions provide immediate access to experienced accounting and finance professionals for temporary assignments. We specialize in placing experts for month-end closes, audit preparations, system implementations, and special projects. Our candidates come pre-vetted through our rigorous evaluation process, ensuring they can seamlessly integrate into client teams. This service offers flexibility for organizations facing time-sensitive needs while maintaining the highest standards of professional quality.
National Network
As Chicago's representative for the American Association of Finance and Accounting (AAFA), we offer nationwide access to pre-qualified accounting and finance talent. This network connects clients with professionals across 35+ major metropolitan areas in the US and Canada. Our affiliation enables efficient placement of candidates for relocation opportunities while maintaining consistent service standards. This service is particularly valuable for Fortune 500 companies with multi-location needs and professionals seeking national career opportunities.
Candidate Assessment
Our comprehensive candidate assessment process evaluates both technical capabilities and career alignment. Through structured interviews, we analyze accounting expertise, leadership potential, and professional aspirations. This multi-dimensional approach ensures candidates possess not only the required technical skills but also the personal motivations that align with client organizations. Our assessment methodology has been refined over 25 years to predict long-term placement success and reduce turnover risk.
Finance Consulting
Our finance consulting services provide specialized expertise for complex accounting projects and compliance initiatives. We offer professionals with experience in SOX compliance, forensic accounting, revenue recognition, and international tax standards. Our consultants deliver strategic financial analysis, system implementations, and process improvements that drive organizational efficiency. This service combines deep technical knowledge with practical business insight to solve complex financial challenges for our clients.
People
Andrew Georgelos
Managing Director
Andrew Georgelos leads executive search initiatives with 20+ years of finance and recruitment expertise. He specializes in placing senior accounting professionals and has worked with Fortune 500 companies across multiple industries. His background includes leadership roles in corporate finance before transitioning to executive search.
Brian Jannusch
Managing Director
Brian Jannusch specializes in executive placements for financial leadership roles. With extensive experience in public accounting and corporate finance, he helps organizations find strategic finance partners. He previously worked in Deloitte's audit practice before joining Access Search.
Cathryn Burns
Managing Director
Cathryn Burns focuses on executive search for accounting and finance leaders. Her career spans both corporate finance roles and executive search, giving her unique insight into candidate and client needs. She has placed professionals in Fortune 500 companies and mid-sized organizations.
Vijay A. Bhagavan
Managing Director
Vijay Bhagavan leads search initiatives for financial professionals with expertise in international accounting standards. He previously worked in KPMG's audit practice and brings deep technical knowledge to executive placements. His focus areas include controllerships and financial reporting roles.
Lee C. Black
Managing Director
Lee Black specializes in executive search for finance leaders with experience in both public accounting and corporate environments. He has placed professionals in Fortune 500 companies and understands the technical and cultural requirements for successful placements.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We focus exclusively on accounting and finance roles across industries including corporate finance, public accounting, and financial services.
Do you offer temporary staffing solutions?
Yes, our Contract Services division provides interim professionals for special projects, month-end closes, and contract-to-hire transitions.
How do you evaluate candidates?
We conduct in-depth interviews assessing technical skills, career goals, and cultural fit through our proprietary six-step evaluation process.
Do you work nationally?
As AAFA members, we have access to accounting and finance talent in 35+ major cities across the US and Canada.
What experience do your recruiters have?
Our team includes former Big 4 accountants, investment bankers, and corporate finance professionals with average 15+ years industry experience.
What types of positions do you fill?
We place professionals in roles ranging from staff accountants to executive leadership including controllers, CFOs, and audit directors.
