Medical device and digital health company strengthens finance operations with strategic leadership hire

The challenge

A newly appointed CFO at a leading medical device and digital health company faced a sudden leadership gap after the Head of Finance unexpectedly resigned, leaving a significant gap in day-to-day financial operations. Already navigating a broad set of responsibilities spanning finance, IT, and HR, the CFO needed someone who could take ownership of the finance function while helping move it forward.

The role required a unique combination of skills. The company needed a VP of Finance with deep technical accounting expertise and hands-on inventory accounting experience who could also build greater structure, improve processes, and provide strategic finance leadership. In short, the right candidate needed to be comfortable working in the details while also seeing the bigger picture.

The need was immediate. Without the right VP of Finance in place, the CFO risked being pulled further into day-to-day operations, limiting the time and attention available for broader organizational priorities.

The solution

Drawing on an established relationship from previous engagements, the CFO turned to Vaco to lead the VP of Finance search. Vaco moved quickly, creating a strong pipeline of candidates tailored to the client’s specific needs—prioritizing a balance of technical accounting depth, relevant industry experience, and strategic finance capabilities.

Within several weeks, Vaco presented six highly qualified candidates for consideration. By providing a focused shortlist aligned with the company’s specific needs, the team helped the CFO efficiently evaluate the available talent and identify the right fit.

In just one month, the company identified and hired its preferred candidate as the new VP of Finance, a swift turnaround for a highly specialized, VP-level role. The selected candidate brought significant hands-on inventory accounting experience, the ability to manage detailed operational responsibilities, and the leadership capabilities needed to scale the finance function with the business.

Our impact

From the outset, the CFO tasked the new VP of Finance with automating financial processes, streamlining the monthly close, and accelerating reporting to business stakeholders. The VP delivered on those priorities, helping improve the efficiency of day-to-day financial operations. More than a year after the placement, they remain a key part of the finance organization and continue to identify opportunities to strengthen the function.

The value of that leadership became even clearer just three months into the role, when the company’s controller unexpectedly departed. The VP of Finance absorbed the additional responsibilities and maintained continuity across day-to-day operations while leading the search for and hiring a strong replacement.

With greater leadership and stability across the finance function, the CFO has been able to step back from routine accounting and finance oversight and devote more attention to IT, HR, and other strategic responsibilities. What began as an urgent leadership search ultimately gave the company a finance leader equipped not only to fill an immediate gap, but to strengthen the function for continued growth. The relationship has continued beyond the initial search, with Vaco serving as a strategic advisor as the company navigates evolving leadership and talent needs.