The Challenge
Arrow Electronics' corporate audit function sought to build out a new APAC internal audit team based in Singapore.
The mandate required IAC to source the recruitment of 2 Senior Internal Auditors and 1 Internal Audit Manager. This initiative aimed to ensure that the new team members possessed the necessary technical skills and a solid understanding of the industry and the specific challenges faced by Arrow Electronics.
The objective was to find individuals who could seamlessly integrate into the company culture while driving the internal audit function forward.
The Recruitment Approach
The IAC team was engaged using a retained approach, involving an upfront payment that enabled the full-time dedication of a Director and Consultant to the project until a shortlist was complete.
A highly targeted headhunt approach was adopted through LinkedIn, as well as extensive market mapping of the Singapore talent pool, referrals, and online adverts.
SEARCH STATS
For the Senior Internal Auditor roles
resulting in 9 longlisted candidates and 5 shortlisted for interviews.
For the Internal Audit Manager roles
also resulting in 9 longlisted and 5 shortlisted candidates for interview.
The Interview Approach
The interview process for all roles was rigorous.
The process involved presentations from candidates to demonstrate their understanding of key business risks and outlined their plans for the first six months. The IAC team influenced the interview structure, conducting initial screening calls and first-stage interviews with Director, Julia White.
Detailed summaries of candidates’ interview performances and feedback were shared with both the hiring team and candidates. This was followed by face-to-face interviews with the hiring manager and an online call with the Chief Audit Executive. Each role concluded with one candidate being offered and accepting the position.
The Outcome
Throughout the 3-week interview process, we faced several challenges, including a tight candidate market and a small pool of high-caliber candidates. Maintaining candidate engagement throughout the process was crucial due to the fast-moving candidate market.
To address this, we advised the hiring managers on best practices for conducting interviews including the amount and style of the interview stages. Despite these challenges, our strategic approach and thorough vetting process enabled us to successfully build out Arrow Electronics' Internal Audit team with highly qualified professionals.
What our client and candidates said:
IAC helped us establish and build an entirely new audit team in Singapore, a location in which we had no previous experience of hiring. They took the brief, built and co-ordinated an intensive recruitment process across a variety of roles.
They produced a deep pool of candidates, offering a range of high quality options in a short space of time. IAC differentiated themselves by taking time to understand not only what we were looking for in candidates but also our company, its culture, the nuances of our work and what our offering was relative to the market.
Consequently, IAC fully understood our needs, hit the brief and the results were impressive. Throughout the exercise, the most pleasing aspect was the sense of genuine partnership. IAC not only sourced candidates but provided guidance and expert input, including advising on adding in additional phases to the recruiting process. They delivered beyond expectations and were a true business partner.
Gareth Gamble,
Director Internal Audit EMEA & APAC, Client
“I had a pleasant experience working with Julia on a recent opportunity. She has been very transparent, responsive and prompt with updates throughout the recruitment process. Her dedication and professionalism ensured that both candidates and hiring managers have a positive experience from beginning to end."
Internal Audit Manager, successful candidate
“Alyssa is such an awesome consultant! She is supportive, encouraging, and was really helpful in my interview preparation! She genuinely wants her candidates to succeed. It's really my luck to have had the opportunity to use her services. Thank you so much!”
Senior Internal Auditor, successful candidate
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