Navigating the Phoenix Finance Jobs Market: What Middle Market CFOs Need to Know

Phoenix, AZ is booming. What does it mean for Phoenix finance Jobs in the middle market?

With steady population growth, a strong economy, and a favorable business climate, it’s no surprise Phoenix consistently ranks among the fastest-growing job markets in the United States. But when it comes to Phoenix finance jobs and Phoenix accounting jobs, there’s more to the story, especially for CFOs and finance leaders operating in the middle market.

The Hidden Challenge in a Booming Economy

If you’re a CFO or finance executive in the middle market, you may have already discovered a unique challenge: finding candidates with the right background for your organization isn’t always straightforward in Phoenix.

Here’s why.

Phoenix’s business landscape is heavily skewed toward small businesses. Companies with less than $10 million in annual sales make up the vast number of companies. Meanwhile, large enterprises, those with over $1 billion in revenue, represent a small but visible segment. Sandwiched in between is the middle market, and in Phoenix, it’s surprisingly thin.

Research shows that the middle market comprises only 0.6% of companies in Phoenix. Compare that to 5–6% in Los Angeles and 14–15% in San Diego, two of our other core markets, which are arguably more mature.

Why the Middle Market Matters in Hiring for Phoenix Finance Jobs

According to J.P. Morgan Chase, five industries make up about 60% of the U.S. middle market:

  • Retail
  • Construction
  • Healthcare
  • Professional Services
  • Wholesale

Now compare that to Arizona’s top five industries by revenue:

  • Real Estate and Rental & Leasing
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance
  • Finance and Insurance
  • Retail

There’s overlap, but the difference in industry concentration matters. A middle market healthcare company in Phoenix, for example, may have a hard time finding financial talent with the right-size company background, even if there are many candidates for Phoenix accounting jobs overall.

Real-World Example: When Fit Beats Credentials

Take a recent search I conducted for a Senior Financial Analyst in the healthcare space. The client was clear: they wanted someone with healthcare experience. Phoenix has a strong hospital presence, so you’d think the talent pool would be deep.

But here’s the issue: most of those candidates come from large hospital systems, with layers of hierarchy, expansive budgets, and siloed departments.

My client? A $280 million, multi-site healthcare provider. A classic middle market company.

While many candidates had impressive resumes, they weren’t the right fit. They were used to larger-scale operations and struggled to adapt to the more agile, hands-on environment of a middle market firm.

The candidate who ultimately landed the job came from another middle market healthcare organization. They knew how to roll up their sleeves, adapt quickly, and wear multiple hats—exactly what the role demanded.

Why This Matters for Phoenix Finance Jobs

This story is not unique. For middle market companies in Phoenix, finding finance and accounting professionals who are not just qualified, but qualified in the right context, is a common challenge.

If you’re hiring for Phoenix finance jobs, you may be running into issues like:

  • Candidates too narrowly specialized from large firms
  • Lack of agility or entrepreneurial mindset
  • Misalignment on expectations and role scope
  • Cultural mismatch with smaller, more dynamic teams
  • Desire for more structure due to large-company background

Why Work with a Specialist?

This is where I come in.

Middle market is my jam.

I specialize in identifying high-performing finance and accounting professionals with highly specific experience, whether it’s a CPA with private equity exposure, a Senior Analyst with a multi-site healthcare background, or a Controller who thrives in private equity-backed environments.

It’s not just about filling jobs. I recruit the right people for your environment.

And if you’re searching in Phoenix, Los Angeles, or San Diego, I know these markets inside and out.

If you’re a middle market CFO or finance leader struggling to find the right talent for your team, I’d love to talk. The Phoenix finance job market might be quirky, but with the right approach and deep market expertise, you can find the perfect fit.

Ready to tackle your next finance or accounting hire in Phoenix?
Book a call HERE.