Role search
Get a EPM / planning systems consultant who can own handle complex driver-based planning models. Also called Enterprise Performance Management / planning systems consultant
No postings. No stacks of resumes. No chasing. You choose from a short list of people who have done this before.
No upfront fee. You pay only if you engage someone we present.
Interim Headhunters starts with the work behind this request: A planning systems consultant focuses on the logic between your ERP data and your financial models. You need someone who distinguishes between static spreadsheet forecasting and dynamic planning tools that update in real time.
This is what we do all day: place interim executives, interim managers and contract professionals.
Need someone now? Call 305-306-4829.
- No upfront fee
- 2 to 3 vetted consultants per assignment
- Matched to your industry
- You choose
- Interim plus permanent search
- EPM / planning systems consultant
- Enterprise Performance Management / planning systems consultant
The judgment call
What this hire really comes down to
A planning systems consultant focuses on the logic between your ERP data and your financial models. You need someone who distinguishes between static spreadsheet forecasting and dynamic planning tools that update in real time. They define the inputs and data mappings that drive your budget cycles, ensuring your planning software reflects the actual structure of your business rather than just historical assumptions.
The best hires solve data latency and model breakage. They address why your variance reports do not match your general ledger or why your driver-based modeling requires constant manual intervention. Your consultant focuses on building models that survive annual audit cycles and monthly variance reviews. They treat your planning environment as a functional financial asset that demands clean data sources and clear, documented logic hierarchies.
What we check
What we check before you see anyone
- We verify their experience with specific planning platforms and their ability to bridge these tools with your core ERP. We test their technical process by asking how they map chart of accounts to statistical metrics. We look for individuals who describe how they validate data flows from the ERP into the planning tool during each cycle.
- We assess their logic design capabilities by reviewing how they handle complex driver-based models. We require candidates to explain how they set up input templates for departmental heads. We check for a focus on user experience, specifically how they prevent non-finance users from breaking underlying formulas during the budget entry process.
- We evaluate their approach to data reconciliation and audit trails within the tool. We ask for concrete examples of how they identify discrepancies between planning outputs and actual ledger data. We look for candidates who proactively build variance checks into the model to flag errors before the finance team initiates the reporting close.
- We screen for their ability to manage system updates and feature rollouts. We check whether they document changes to the model logic and how they perform regression testing when source systems update their own data structures. We require candidates who show evidence of maintaining system stability despite shifting business requirements or changing fiscal calendars.
Sourcing
Where we find them
We locate these consultants within the ecosystems of specialized financial planning software providers. Many come from boutique firms that focus exclusively on performance management implementations. These professionals understand the nuances of specific tools and bring a library of pre-built logic models, input templates, and reporting structures that reduce the time required to build your environment.
We also recruit from finance operations teams where individuals have functioned as the lead system architect. These people move to contract roles because they prefer solving technical architecture challenges over the routine of recurring monthly close processes. They bring a practical understanding of how a planning system must support the reality of department-level budget management and executive reporting requirements.
Where searches go wrong
Mistakes we see
- Selecting a consultant who treats planning software like a spreadsheet application. This often leads to fragmented models where data cannot be traced back to the source, causing significant issues during reconciliation and audit preparation.
- Over-engineering the system with complex script-based calculations instead of using built-in model features. This creates an environment that only the original consultant can update, leaving your finance team unable to make minor adjustments to headcount or expense drivers without external help.
- Neglecting the data integration layer between the ERP and the planning tool. A common failure point occurs when consultants build beautiful models on top of unreliable or stale data, leading to forecasts that users do not trust because they do not match the financial truth in the ledger.
The search
How the EPM / planning systems consultant search runs
- First, we define the scope of your financial model and the specific ERP environment. We determine whether you need a new implementation, a structural cleanup, or a reconfiguration of existing driver-based logic. We filter for consultants who demonstrate deep technical proficiency with your specific software module.
- Second, we conduct technical vetting that mirrors your actual planning cycles. We present candidates who have experience working through budget season hurdles, ensuring they have the stamina and precision to support your team during high-pressure reporting windows. We focus on those who demonstrate clear, concise documentation of their model architecture.
- Third, we confirm their availability for the duration of your project phase. We prioritize consultants who articulate a structured transition plan for your team, including training, documentation, and logic handovers. No upfront fee. You pay only if you hire.
Questions
What is the difference between an ERP consultant and a planning consultant?
An ERP consultant manages the transactional ledger and day-to-day accounting workflows. A planning consultant builds models on top of that data to drive future budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
How long do these consultants usually stay?
Assignments vary based on the complexity of your financial models. Most consultants stay through a major project cycle or until the model logic reaches a stable state.
Do I need a consultant with a specific accounting certification?
System proficiency is the primary requirement. While accounting knowledge helps, you are hiring for the technical ability to design and maintain the software architecture.
What happens if our model needs adjustments later?
We ensure your consultant provides documentation and training before leaving. You can also reach back out if your business requirements shift or if you need further system optimization.
What replacement terms apply?
We offer a candidate replacement guarantee on standard search agreements. The applicable period and exact terms are set out in the signed client recruiting agreement.
How are recruiting fees agreed?
No upfront fee. You pay only if you engage someone we present. We scope the assignment before quoting; the fee page explains our model.
How soon can we see options?
Availability depends on the assignment and the people who fit it. We qualify interest and commitments rather than promising a shortlist date before the search is scoped.
What if the scope grows?
Discuss new responsibilities before adding them to the engagement. Agree the priorities and record any change to the brief and terms.
Can we extend an engagement?
Discuss what remains unfinished and whether the same responsibility is still needed. Extensions depend on the person's commitments and the agreed engagement terms.
Can the appointment become permanent?
A permanent move can be discussed if both sides want it. Review the future role and the applicable agreement instead of assuming that temporary coverage automatically converts.
How is a confidential search handled?
Tell us what can be disclosed and whom we must not contact. We agree those boundaries before approaching people; do not send sensitive records with an initial brief.
What are the replacement terms?
We offer a candidate replacement guarantee on standard search agreements. The applicable period and exact terms are set out in the signed client recruiting agreement.
What do you not do?
We do not sell job-board reposting as a search or bill hourly for recruiting work. We do not take a retainer unless expressly agreed, and an introduction does not authorize an engagement.
Tell us the seat
No upfront fee. You pay only if you hire. Share the title, the situation and the timing. A person reads it.
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The Six-Step Search
What do you get at each step of the search?
We agree what the person must own before contacting anyone. You see how the search is scoped and which backgrounds we pursue. We speak with candidates about the work before presenting them. The Six-Step Search gives you useful written notes and support through interviews, rather than a pile of applications.
- 01
Scope call
We talk through the seat, the business and what has to change.
You get: A one-page role brief you approve before we search.
- 02
Market map
We work out where people who have done this job actually sit.
You get: A short note on the pool and how we plan to reach it.
- 03
Direct outreach
We approach people who are not looking at job boards.
You get: Progress updates so you are never chasing us.
- 04
Screening
We interview every candidate on the work, not the resume.
You get: Written notes on fit, availability and terms for each person.
- 05
Shortlist and interviews
You meet a short list. We handle the scheduling.
You get: Several vetted options and a debrief after each interview.
- 06
Offer and start
You choose. We help settle terms and the start date.
You get: Confirmed terms, a start date and check-ins after day one.
Tell us who you need.
No upfront fee. You pay only if you engage someone we present.
Send us the seat. We will take it from there.
No upfront fee. You pay only if you engage someone we present.