Changing Corporate Culture from the Inside Out

Hand touching calculator

“For the first time I felt like I could rely on the quality of the people that were being recommended. Acumen was professional, easy to work with, and a true partner. They have become part of our team.“
Kevin F. – President

Challenge
A national maritime company under new ownership discovered gaps in its accounting practices. Further discovery determined the issue was two-fold. First, was the lack of reliable financial reporting from the Controller, and second was his problematic communication style resulting in a
resentful and unproductive team. Leadership made many attempts to remedy the situation, which exacerbated the problem and led to the Controller becoming more defiant. Adding insult to injury were the years of valuable information archived only within the Controller. Losing this
intellectual property would be costly and have detrimental long-term effects.

Solution
The company hired a quality assurance professional to shadow the Controller. The objective was to learn and document as much as possible. Meanwhile, the company partnered with Acumen to find a replacement while they made employee retention a priority. The goal was to foster a new corporate culture of open communication. The Controller’s suspicions had been mounting which led to his voluntary departure. The quality assurance hire was able to garner the information needed, allowing the new Controller a faster ramp-up.

Results
Four months later a significant shift was evident. Forty-seven new policies and procedures were created and implemented, including a comprehensive training program. Inventory and accounting systems were overhauled and a team-centric corporate culture is being cultivated and well received. The leadership team is in balance, and the company is well-positioned for its growth plan with new hires ready.

Changing Corporate Culture from the Inside Out
About Acumen: Founded in 2007, Acumen is a Portland-based recruiting firm with a global reach.
The company is committed to a strategic and consultative approach, its boutique-style experience,
and winning results.