Retained CFO Search for Boards, PE Firms & Growth-Stage Businesses
Permanent and interim CFO placements with rigorous vetting and discreet outreach. 21-day slate. 90-day onboarding included.
Start a Confidential CFO Search → Or call Jason directly: (312) 404-2862
Jason Raclaw -
Founder, BCT Staffing.
20+ years placing PE-grade finance leaders.
9 US Offices Nationwide
Boutique. Specialized. Discreet.
Trusted by PE Operators & Boards
21-Day
Slate Standard
Onboarding Coaching Included
Why most CFO searches fail — and how we fix it
- 60% of CFOs fail in their first 18 months. Most failures happen in onboarding, not in hiring.
- Generic search firms send resumes. You vet. You waste 6 weeks.
- Confidential CFO transitions leak. Markets, lenders, and teams hear before you're ready.
- Structured 90-day onboarding coaching for every placed CFO. Pacing, stakeholder map, first-quarter wins.
- Multi-layer vetting: financial acumen, leadership style, board readiness, references. Done before you see them.
- Sealed search by default. Discreet outreach. Identity never disclosed without consent.
- Higher retention. Boards keep the CFO they hired.
- Boards meet only placement-grade candidates. Time-to-hire collapses.
- Transition handled professionally. Reputation protected.
Book a confidential 30-minute intake call with Jason
No sales call. No pitch deck. A working conversation about your search, your timing, and what a successful slate looks like.
Meeting type: "30-Min Confidential CFO Search Consultation"
Prefer email? Reach Jason directly at jraclaw@bctstaffing.com or call (312) 404-2862.
BCT vs. Generic Search Firms — What Actually Changes
| Feature | BCT Staffing | Generic Search Firm | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vetting depth | Multi-layer (financial, leadership, board-readiness, references) | Resume + ref check | Reduces 18-month turnover from 60% to under 20% |
| Confidentiality | Sealed search by default; identity protected | Standard outreach | Protects incumbent leadership + candidate reputations |
| Speed to slate | 21 days for 3-5 pre-vetted candidates | 45-60 days, larger unfiltered slate | Operating partners hire faster, hold investment thesis on schedule |
| Onboarding | 90-day structured coaching included | Not included | First-year retention rises; placement value protected |
| Industry focus | Finance leadership in PE portfolios only | Generalist across function and industry | Deeper passive network; better pattern recognition on what works |
| Fee structure | Retained, 3 milestones, aligned to first-year cash comp | Contingency or undisclosed retained | Aligns incentives — we get paid to find the right person, not any person |
How We Work — 4 Steps, 21 Days to Slate
Jason Raclaw — Founder, BCT Staffing
Jason has spent 20+ years placing finance leaders into PE-backed portfolio companies, restructuring engagements, and growth-stage businesses. Before founding BCT, he led senior search practices in Chicago and partnered with PE operating partners across the Midwest.
His placements have included CFOs, COOs, CROs, and Controllers across manufacturing, healthcare services, business services, distribution, and consumer.
What operating partners and CFOs say
“Jason and the BCT team are proven industry leaders and trusted resources. Jason's professionalism, responsiveness, and insightful guidance have made him an invaluable partner for both career development and organizational growth. Jason excels at helping organizations identify and secure top-tier talent, ensuring the right fit for long-term success. For firms seeking exceptional talent or professionals exploring new opportunities, Jason and BCT are a go-to choice. “
Patrick Pilch
Jason and BCT are world class and one of the best in the business! He's been a fantastic industry contact and resource (personally and professionally) throughout the years. He responds timely to opportunities and always willing to help with feedback. Regardless of current roles or not, BCT is a fantastic resource for career growth. If you're a growing firm looking for top tier talent or an aspiring professional looking for a change, BCT is a must call!
Dustin Bernstein
Questions PE operators and boards ask us
How long does a permanent CFO search take?
Do you place CFOs outside Chicago and your listed cities?
Will you sign an NDA before starting the search?
Do you place interim CFOs too?
How do you protect us if our incumbent CFO finds out about the search?
What if the placed CFO doesn't work out?
The CFO Hiring Scorecard — 12 criteria boards use to pick the right CFO.
Not ready to book a call? Get the CFO Hiring Scorecard — 12 criteria boards use to pick the right CFO.
We email the scorecard instantly. No sales follow-up unless you book a call.