“I have had several very bad experiences with “major” Search Firms and generally won’t use them. We had been looking for a new CFO [for two months]. We had a lot of references from our Venture Capital partners and others, but were wasting a lot of time and effort in qualifying and interviewing Candidates. Through a reference, I talked to Mark Shirley and hired WM Shirley on the spot. They had good, qualified applicants in front of me within days. All were better than any I had seen before. We ended up with four excellent Candidates and had them grilled by an Industrial Psychologist [all passed with flying colors!]. Shirley seems to know EVERYBODY in his sphere. It was such a surprisingly good experience!”
CEO, Houston-based International Oilfield Services Company
“I’m pleased to recommend WM Shirley based on my experience as a candidate in a search they conducted for a CFO. From our first conversation, the team was professional, insightful, and highly respectful of my time and confidentiality. Throughout the process, they were responsive, organized, and thoughtful, ensuring a smooth and well-paced experience. Their understanding of both the technical and interpersonal aspects of this executive placement was evident at every stage. What impressed me most was their professionalism throughout the process and their ability to keep communication clear, timely, and focused. They made the experience feel seamless and ensured that each step moved forward with purpose and clarity. I’m grateful for their role in connecting me with this opportunity and would happily recommend them to companies seeking top-tier talent or to professionals exploring their next move.”
CFO-Family Investment Management Company
“We’ve worked with WM Shirley on several occasions, and each experience has reaffirmed why they’re our go-to partner for professional placements. What sets them apart is their commitment to understanding not just the technical requirements of a role, but the dynamics of our team and company culture. They took the time to align with our top priorities and even helped refine the job posting as they learned more about our environment. Karen Brown’s diligence throughout the process was exceptional. She carefully reviewed hundreds of resumes, thoroughly vetting each candidate before presenting only the best fits. Thanks to WM Shirley’s thoughtful and proactive approach, we’ve never had to replace a single one of their placements. Their success comes from doing the hard work upfront—this is a true professional placement agency, focused on quality over quotas.”
CFO, Privately Held Telecom Infrastructure Company
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with WM Shirley both as a candidate and employer for over 15 years. They placed me at my current employer when I was in the job market and I’ve utilized their services to build my team here. They are reliable, prompt, and deliver the best qualified talent for key roles within my team. They also go the extra mile for both the candidate and the employer, and I would recommend them for your future business needs.”
CFO/Controller, Construction Services Company
“W. M. Shirley is such a great recruiting firm! Karen Brown thoroughly supported me in my job search every step of the way – from giving me advice on how to improve my resume, to helping me prepare for my interviews, to placing me in a great company, to checking in after placement. She is direct and honest, but also kind and friendly, and very good at her job. Thank you, Mark and Karen!”
AP Specialist-Construction Products Company
“WM Shirley demonstrated a great network of contacts with highly qualified Candidates with strong industry experience when we were looking for an International Tax Manager. Benefiting from that network we were able to select Candidates in a very competitive marketplace and hire the best. WM Shirley’s strong network also enables an impressively quick process.”
SVP/Tax Director, International Energy Services Company
“I stepped into the CFO role in a private company with an IPO and a very large acquisition pending, and I needed talent fast. I knew I could count on WM Shirley to provide the best Candidates for selection of our new Director-External Reporting & Planning ASAP. WM Shirley ran the process in a fashion that was very time-efficient for me. Within days, they had four strong Candidates in front of us and kept up with our hectic schedules with the IPO process. Any of those Candidates could have done the job competently, which gave us the luxury of picking the person we thought was the best fit in our culture. I was very pleased with the work WM Shirley did for us and would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for financial talent.”
CFO, Houston-based, Venture-Backed, High Tech Financial Services Company
“Given a pending MBO asset acquisition in the Houston Area we were investing in, we needed to find a qualified CFO quickly for one of our soon to be formed portfolio companies in the Houston Area. Being on the East Coast, we needed a Search Firm who was on the ground in the Houston Market and had a successful track record of finding the best CFOs quickly. Through MULTIPLE REFERENCES from other I-Banker types in the Houston Area, we talked to Mark Shirley and hired WM Shirley on the spot. They had a great slate of strong, qualified Candidates in front of us within a week, and worked through the Thanksgiving Holidays to schedule Interviews the next week with our top picks. WM Shirley’s quick work on our CFO Search saved us a considerable amount of time and effort as we faced a tight calendar for closing. They support the entire Search process from CFO Job Spec to the Offer prep and closing, and do so with excellent communication. We have recommended WM Shirley to others we know in the I-Banking type business and know they will experience the same over-the-top service Shirley delivers!”
Managing Director of East Coast Private Equity Firm
“The professionals at WM Shirley were excellent to work with. I sincerely can’t say enough great things. They really listened to what I was looking for and made sure the job was a good fit for all parties. They were helpful during negotiations and provided valuable feedback and expertise throughout the entire process. I can’t say I’m looking to use them again at the moment because I’m so happy at my current job, but they will be the first group I turn to in the event my circumstances change.”
Controller-Family Office
“I tell every Small Business Owner who I know that WM Shirley is the best way to find the best Controller/Bookkeeper to avoid wasting a lot of time and effort sourcing, qualifying and interviewing Candidates.With continued growth and the need for my wife to spend less time in our business, I was in need of a strong Controller/Bookkeeper. I tried several different sources before I called WM Shirley. Within days, WM Shirley had a strong short list of Candidates, which my wife and I Interviewed in short order and selected one who we hired and has proven to be a valuable employee. As a small business owner, neither my staff nor I have any extra time to look for quality staff. I have known Mark Shirley for years and highly recommend him and his firm to any small business looking for quality financial & accounting staff.”
President & Founder, Houston-based Small Business
“I’m pleased to recommend WM Shirley based on my experience as a candidate in a search they conducted for a CFO. From our first conversation, the team was professional, insightful, and highly respectful of my time and confidentiality. Throughout the process, they were responsive, organized, and thoughtful, ensuring a smooth and well-paced experience. Their understanding of both the technical and interpersonal aspects of this executive placement was evident at every stage. What impressed me most was their professionalism throughout the process and their ability to keep communication clear, timely, and focused. They made the experience feel seamless and ensured that each step moved forward with purpose and clarity. I’m grateful for their role in connecting me with this opportunity and would happily recommend them to companies seeking top-tier talent or to professionals exploring their next move.”
CFO, Family Office
