Direct Hire, Executive & Retained Search That Accelerates Performance

Retained search is an exclusive, fee-based engagement where the firm is paid in installments to conduct a defined search process on your behalf.  Retained search is built for  used for C-suite, board, confidential, or highly specialized roles where access to passive candidates is a non-negotiable. Contingent search is paid at the time of placement: the firm only gets paid if they place a candidate, which works best for well-defined roles, lower up-front commitment from the client company . AccruePartners offers both models and will recommend the right structure based on the role, the confidentiality requirements, and the candidate market. 

Retained search is the right structure when the role is strategically critical, when the best candidate isn't actively looking — they're succeeding somewhere else and would only move for the right opportunity, presented the right way — or when confidentiality is non-negotiable. That includes roles with significant organizational influence, sensitive transitions like replacing an incumbent or hiring ahead of an announcement, or searches where a wrong hire would be costly to unwind. Most CFO, CHRO, VP, and C-suite searches meet at least one of these criteria — but title alone isn't the test. Not sure if your role qualifies? Our advisors will give you a straight recommendation.

Most AccruePartners executive searches close within 60 to 120 days from engagement to accepted offer, with the specific timeline depending on the seniority of the role, the depth of the candidate market, and how geographically flexible the search is. C-suite and highly specialized searches can extend to 120 to 180 days. We will provide a projected timeline upon intake and structured weekly updates throughout the search.

AccruePartners executes searches for  executive and director-level searches across six core practice areas: Accounting & Finance (CFO, Controller, VP Finance, Director of FP&A), Information Technology (CIO, CTO, VP Engineering, Director of Cybersecurity), Financial Services (heads of risk, compliance, and specialized banking functions), Human Resources (CHRO, VP HR, Director of Total Rewards), Marketing (CMO, VP Marketing), and Corporate Operations. We are recognized as one of Charlotte's largest executive search firms by the Charlotte Business Journal.

Confidential searches, such as replacing an incumbent, hiring ahead of an acquisition, relocation, funding announcement, or filling a role that signals strategic direction, are managed under strict NDA with controlled messaging.    We use anonymized position descriptions and go to market messaging until the timing is right, restrict internal knowledge of the search to a defined team, and coordinate timing with the client's internal communication plan. Confidentiality is a core competency for retained search at AccruePartners, and we've run confidential C-suite and VP-level searches for PE-backed companies, growth-stage businesses, and public companies through sensitive transitions.

Yes. AccruePartners stands behind every placement with a replacement guarantee on direct hire and retained searches. If the candidate placed departs within the guarantee period, we conduct a replacement search at no additional placement fee. The specific guarantee period and terms vary by engagement type and are outlined in the engagement letter. More important than the guarantee language itself is our first-year retention rate on placements, which reflects the rigor of our vetting upfront; we're happy to share current retention data during your initial conversation. 

We combine 20+ years of deep Carolina’s market knowledge with national reach — without the overhead, bureaucracy, or revolving-door account teams of large firms. You work directly with senior advisors within the line of business: Accounting/Finance, Information Technology, Human Resources, Marketing, Creative & Digital, Corporate Operations and Financial Services.  We've earned Platinum ClearlyRated Best of Staffing recognition (top 2% of firms nationally), Forbes Best Executive Recruitment, and multiple Inc. 5000 appearances. Regional credibility. National capability. A team that answers when you call.