NET POPULATION DECLINE IN OUR REGION INDICATES ONGOING RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES! 

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Last week, Southwest Michigan Chamber of Commerce CEO Arthur Havlicek spoke to the Economic Club of Michiana. (https://economicclubofmichiana.com/) It was a great talk, and as Executive Recruiters, we took note of the population numbers Arthur shared with the group. According to Arthur, the state of Michigan continues to see negative population growth, including the region of southwest Michigan across our border. Indiana continues a positive trajectory, although St. Joseph County shows negative trends, while Elkhart County shows positive growth.

The audience had some interesting questions!  John McSorley, Owner of Guidance Wealth in Elkhart, asked if tariffs might help bring back some of the manufacturing in southwest Michigan. Havlicek was hopeful and optimistic on that front.  Evan Stark, Partner at Sym Financial, suggested increased communications with executives exiting large employers like Whirlpool to educate them on business opportunities locally so we don’t lose that talent.  Great points, gentlemen!

OPTIMISTIC INTEGRITAS!  We started 2025 with an excellent Q1, and we’re maintaining good candidate and client activity, with much more movement than in 2024. We’ve been meeting some great new candidates, too. Check them out below! 

INTEGRITAS APRIL CANDIDATES BELOW!

FRACTIONAL HR SUPPORT – Experienced HR professional with big company experience! Available for temp or consulting, this HR pro can quickly ramp up and plug gaps in your HR plans. Ready to dive in through our Integritas back office, Foxhire Temps! 

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE – An excellent financial executive with 15 plus years of experience functioning as CFO for a locally owned business with several locations.  A CPA with prior experience on the audit side in public accounting, this candidate is confidentially seeking a change due to some culture and management issues and for continued growth, possibly with a larger company.  A true process and people-focused executive with accounting in the DNA, having a parent who was a respected local CFO!  Some specific accomplishments include ERP implementation, debt refinancing, strategic planning, and team mentoring, resulting in tenured professional staff with less turnover! 

“SEASONED HR LEADER  With extensive experience driving success across organizations of all sizes. This candidate boasts client, project, and team management expertise, with a proven ability to influence key stakeholders and streamline operations. Very skilled in HRIS implementation and advanced project management methodologies, while consistently delivering time and cost savings, could be a “plug and play” for your team! 

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT SEEKS A MOVE TO SOUTH BEND AREA!  Currently in the Minneapolis area and looking to move to Michiana, we connected with this candidate through a highly trusted local contact and were extremely impressed with our introductory conversation!  A bright, high-energy, and competitive young professional (an avid runner), this degreed Accountant began career out of college in the public accounting space working on external audit teams, then moved into private sector working or large corporations, expanding use of Excel (expert user), and also gaining experience with Oracle, SAP, and Sales Force.  This is one of those hard-to-find candidates who won’t be around for long! 

FINANCE AND CREDIT PROFESSIONAL SEEKING GROWTH!  A Five-Year “up and coming” professional with an Accounting undergraduate and MBA working currently in the financial services space.  Confidentially seeking a move for continued growth while also open to opportunities closer to Chicago if not here in Michiana.  Strong financial analysis and risk assessment skills combine with high emotional intelligence, maturity, and good business acumen! 

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT / EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT!  Available immediately due to major changes resulting from company sale, this candidate has extensive experience in customer service, sales support, general administrative support, including working ten years as an Executive Assistant of a global organization, and additional experience and skills in retail management and events planning!  A consistent and trustworthy team member who can be counted on to put in extra hours when needed.  Open to temporary work while searching for a new permanent position! 

SOLID CONTROLLER AND CPA – With real estate, public accounting, and service sector experience!  Brings extensive expertise in data migration, software integration, custom report creation, and seamless transitions across ERP systems. Proficient in Microsoft Office and TEAMS, superior at optimizing workflows and delivering actionable financial insights. Ready for the next role and looking for a good team! 

EXPERIENCED ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL – Brings a blend of technical mastery, leadership finesse, and strategic acumen – a rare find in today’s competitive candidate market. Experience spanning corporate finance, not-for-profits, and governmental entities while handling audits, procedures, and policies. Proficiency spans advanced software tools like QuickBooks, Sage, and Yardi, alongside comprehensive knowledge of Indiana statutes, federal taxation, and GAAP principles. Currently preparing for the CPA exam!

CFO / CONTROLLER / SENIOR FINANCE EXECUTIVE!  An experienced professional with CPA and MBA credentials and twenty years of work with public companies and locally owned businesses.  This candidate is ready for a change due to significant changes in the C-Suite.  Very high business acumen with a strong finance pedigree, able to add value in areas of financial analysis, forecasting, and overall F/P&A area while able to manage the general accounting team and meet period-end closing objectives.  This candidate would be a refreshing addition to any team, with exceptional emotional intelligence, high integrity, and a dedicated work ethic! 

COO/ CFO ACTIVELY SEEKING NEW OPPORTUNITY!  Available for temp consulting while exploring a new long-term role, this candidate has an MBA and 15 years of continued increased responsibilities!  A hard-working, enthusiastic team builder and leader who can handle multiple duties in a lean organization, including finance and accounting, operations, and human resources. An EOS advocate accustomed to accountability and open communication!

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT / CONTROLLER POTENTIAL!  From “The Region” and referred by a trusted friend of Integritas, this Purdue Accounting graduate succeeded in progressively responsible roles over the last twenty years!  Currently employed, we’ve been asked to confidentially help identify the right opportunity to make a move due to significant culture changes resulting from a company sale.  Current role is highly hands-on and over multiple locations, consolidating financials and all accounting functions, yet meeting tight three-day closing deadlines!  

ACCOMPLISHED FINANCIAL PROFESSIONAL – Proven ability to navigate complex and evolving business environments. Deep knowledge of Plant Controller, Chief Financial Officer, and Senior Accountant roles in large and small companies. This expert excels in financial management, internal controls, job costing, and process improvements. Expertise in handling accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and general ledger functions, coupled with success in implementing efficient financial systems.

“Michiana’s Most Connected Recruiters!”

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