Synergy Search, LLC

Cara Stevenson, CPA, MS Senior Director of Recruitment

Cara Stevenson has 10 years of experience in accounting and finance and was ranked among the top recruiters in the world for her tenure with a Fortune 500 search firm based on successful placements and revenue generation. She started her career in public accounting doing a mix of tax, audit and consulting then moved into industry, where she worked her way up to Finance Manager.  She has a passion for building relationships and helping guide others through their career as well as assisting them in building their "dream teams!" She truly loves getting to know her candidates' and clients' needs so that she can provide them with their absolute best match.

Cara is a CPA with her Bachelor’s in Accounting and Master’s in Forensic Accounting from Stevenson University. Cara is married and has a beautiful son and adorable dog! Cara has searched her whole career for a way to truly help others and now that she has found it, her candidates and clients are her top priority! Have one conversation with Cara and you will immediately be hooked on her genuine personality and transparent approach.

Synergy Search, LLC

"I would like to thank Cara, Mark and Synergy Search for finding me my once in a lifetime opportunity. Once an interview was scheduled, they gave me invaluable advice on how to prepare for my interview and in-depth insight into the employer and people I would be meeting with during the interview process. Cara and Mark let me know that the most prepared candidate would get the position and made sure I was the most prepared. Working with my new employer and joining their family will be life changing. I can't thank Cara and Mark enough for finding me for this position and for their tireless effort to help me ensure I presented myself as the best candidate."

Recently Placed Controller

"Cara is a genuine and authentic person that truly cares about you and will be in your corner. How do I know this? I met Cara during my unemployment during the Corona Virus Pandemic and I was living in another state. She did not hesitate and immediately started helping me in the job search. Within in a short amount of time, she presented multiple opportunities to me. If you want someone that believes in you and will help you land that next opportunity, I will highly recommend Cara as she is an exceptional recruiter"

Director of FP&A Candidate

"Synergy gave me the best recruitment experience that I have ever had. Cara and Josh were very hands on and were there for me anytime that I called. The interview prep that they provided me with was incredible and I have never felt so prepared for an interview. I received a job offer from the first company they presented me to and I know for a fact that without their help I probably wouldn't have heard from the opportunity or received my job offer."

Corporate Tax Senior

“Cara was the first recruiter that I have worked with that makes me feel confident in their understanding of what I am looking for in my career. She set up an initial interview with me, talked about my skill sets, my areas for improvement, and what I would want in an employer. She is always organized and well equipped to explain current opportunities and how they align with my career aspirations. I often feel like I am getting a customized service that I should be paying a lot of money for. I have referred a few candidates to her as well. I will continue to use Cara for any opportunities, whether that is as an employer or prospect myself."

Recently Placed Financial Analyst

“I highly recommend Alli and Cara due to their professionalism and care for candidates. Alli and Cara put importance on truly understanding my personal and professional background and how it may or may not complement future job opportunities. This approach stands out from other amateur recruiters who want your resume without even meeting you. Cara approached me with a great Controller opportunity that fit both my professional and cultural background. Alli and Cara prepped me throughout the three rounds of the interview process. Their advice and feedback throughout the job offer process was priceless and felt fully represented at all times. I’m very excited to start my new job that advances my career. Thank you Alli and Cara!” 

Recently Placed VP / Controller

"We used Cara to recruit two management level positions for Human Resources and Finance.  We were very impressed with her ability to find excellent candidates for us to interview in such a short period of time.  We interviewed three candidates and had our positions filled within a few weeks. I would definitely recommend her and her team."

COO of a healthcare company

"We used Cara to recruit a few different positions across our company and were very impressed with her ability to provide quality candidates in a short period of time. She was very professional and responsive throughout the process. We would highly recommend her and her team."

Director of Accounting of a Healthcare Company

"Cara was so helpful from day one. She listened intently to what I was looking for, explored opportunities that would fit my skillset and career path and provided immediate results. When she found a position that she thought would be a good fit, she prepared me for the interview, provided feedback, and was extremely transparent with all communication between us. Sooner than I expected she had negotiated an offer that was better than my initial goal. More than the salary and benefits, Cara found me the PERFECT CULTURE PLACEMENT and I couldn’t be happier!"

HR Manager from an engineering company

"I highly recommend Cara Stevenson.   She reached out to me about senior leadership roles in accounting.   She is a CPA and was able to truly understand the type of position I was looking for.  She partnered with her team to find me the right role and she did a great job guiding me through the interview process.  I have already referred Cara to several colleagues and I feel confident she will be able to help them!"

Recently Placed Director of Accounting

“I worked with Cara recently on an accounting position and highly recommend her and the team at Synergy. They took the time to understand our unique needs for the role and stayed in constant contact with us throughout the process. They found us several qualified candidates and we made a hire within a few weeks of beginning the search. Cara made the experience incredibly easy for me and I look forward to using Synergy again in the future”

VP of Finance of a Food Company

"Working with Tory, Cara, and the rest of the Synergy team was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my career. They listened to what I was looking for in making a career change and brought me a number of opportunities that were good fits. But what set them apart was that they kept looking until they found a great fit for my background and career goals. Throughout the process they were responsive to my questions and when things were uncertain with an opportunity they checked in to see how I was feeling. It was evident that they truly cared about me as a person and were not just concerned with getting me to take any job. I would work with them again in a heartbeat, but the role the found for me is so good, I doubt we will get that opportunity again."

Recently Placed Area Manager

"Cara and Alli rock! Synergy is clearly building a great team who are excited, intelligent, and positive forces that are ready to place great candidates in exceptional positions. They both did a great job of understanding my career aspirations and gave wonderful advice on which opportunities might be a good fit. Cara, Alli, and the whole team at Synergy clearly want the best for anyone they work with. I genuinely felt lucky to work with such great people while trying to find my next adventure!"

Recently Placed FP&A Manager

"Working with Cara and Alli has been better than I could have imagined. They approached the job placement with professionalism and compassion. I was always prepared for interviews and both went above and beyond to make sure all my questions were answered. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the work that they did!"

Recently Placed FP&A Senior Financial Analyst

"Cara has assisted us with filling several different positions on our accounting team. What impresses me most about Cara is her commitment to finding candidates who both meet our team’s needs from a skills perspective and fit culturally. She worked diligently with us to understand the type of candidate we desired. Cara provided constant updates on prospective candidates, coordinated interview scheduling, and promptly gathered and provided feedback. She was wonderful to partner with in our hiring process, and I absolutely recommend working with her for your future hiring needs!"

Director of Accounting of a Healthcare Company

"I worked with Cara on two role postings (with different companies), each leading to an offer.  While I decided to forego the first opportunity, Cara was supportive the whole way and really helped me think through the entire process.  We stayed connected and it paid off with the right opportunity almost half a year later.  Cara obviously develops good relationships with the hiring managers, which is especially helpful in coaching and preparing throughout the interview process.  She ultimately found the perfect role for me, which has allowed me to reclaim so many more hours in my week- and with my family.  I will always be grateful to Cara for all of her help and guidance in the process, and will certainly be looking to Cara for the next role I need filled on my new team."

Recently Placed Director of FP&A

"I used Cara and Josh at Synergy Search to help me find an opportunity that was right for me. They were focused on finding the "right" opportunity for me, not just the "next" opportunity. They were with me every step of the way - from pre interview phone calls before interviewing for prospective jobs, follow ups after interviews, and walking me through the best way to separate from my current employer. These steps definitely built my confidence as a job seeker and ultimately led me to my "right" opportunity."

Recently Placed Controller

"I've worked with Cara on and off for over three years now. She helped to place me in my current role. Synergy has been professional all the way; it's been a pleasure working with them. The team also helped place a wonderful accounting manager on my team. Synergy has provided more qualified candidates than any other partner I've worked with in the past by leaps and bounds. They'll continue to be my go-to firm, and I look forward to working with Cara and her team for future hires!"

VP, Controller placed at a VC-Backed Healthcare Company

"My experience with Synergy search was remarkable. Kelly and Cara were very knowledgeable, kind, and provided valuable insight throughout the search. They listened to understand exactly what my career needs were, and only brought me roles that matched them. I would recommend this duo to anyone seeking an accounting/finance role."

Recently Placed Senior Financial Analyst

"We engaged multiple firms in our search for a Controller and it wasn't a fair fight. Synergy Search presented multiple candidates and we had an accepted offer before their competition scheduled the first interview."

President of an IT Services Company for a Controller Search Successfully Filled By Matt Althoff & Cara Stevenson

“I HIGHLY recommend Cara and the entire Synergy Search team for top tier professional recruiting services. In a challenging time to hire top talent, Cara presented the strongest candidates who aligned with our needs, both in technical expertise and culture fit. We are thrilled to have a new leader on our team who is making immediate contributions and poised to succeed with the company for many years to come."

Controller of a Growing PE-Backed Healthcare Company

“Cara helped me land a new job that perfectly aligns with my career goals and aspirations.  I was impressed by her professionalism and genuine interest in understanding my skill set, experience and what I was looking for in my next career move. Her approach was personalized, and she took the time to get to know me as a professional, which made me feel valued as a candidate.  Her insightful advice and interview preparation tips undoubtedly helped me perform my best during the entire selection process. I am very excited to get started in my new role – thank you Cara!”

Recently Placed Controller

"Cara, Victoria, and the rest of the Synergy Search team were the best recruiters I’ve ever worked with.  Victoria was my first contact at Synergy Search and she identified an opportunity right away that turned into a temp position with a local company. During the interview process, Cara made sure I was prepped.  As a result, I was so comfortable while interviewing that it just felt like I was having a conversation with the hiring manager.

Everyone that I have worked with at Synergy Search has been extremely professional, responsive to any concerns/questions, and very supportive of my career goals.  I would absolutely recommend them to anyone looking for their next career opportunity!"

Recently Placed Finance Manager

“Cara and Derrick were extremely helpful, responsive & attentive while guiding me through landing a dream job. They truly are the Best in the Business!”

Recently Placed Senior Accountant

"Cara and Caleb were a class act; head and shoulders above the other recruiters I have worked with during my latest job search. Their professionalism, great communication, warm personalities, and excellence in work product from beginning introductions to final offer letter were truly unmatched. I would highly recommend her and her team for your next career move or recruiting challenge!"

Recently Placed Senior Financial Analyst

“I could not recommend Cara more as a wonderful recruiter. I first met Cara through LinkedIn and immediately she set up a call with me to personally get to know me first, and then figure out professional goals second. Throughout the entire process, she reiterated that she wanted to find me a great career as well as one that aligns with my skills and values that would lead to longevity and happiness. She never rushed me and was always 100% transparent about opportunities and whether they would be a good fit. I would personally suggest her and Synergy Search to anyone looking for another career opportunity. Cannot thank her enough!”

Recently Placed Finance Manager

“I have to say the best part about working with Cara is the relationship we have built with each other over the years. She has been the consistent recruiter that I have had touch points with over the years and she presented me my current role earlier this year. This is the first role that we succeeded in filling but it’s been the biggest breath of fresh air that anyone could enter in the private corporate accounting world. Cara took notes that the employer I want is one that will appreciate, value, and respect me as a professional. And she knocked it out of the park with the company and leadership team I work for now."

 

You must go through all the bad to find all the good in life. If you feel stuck or disconnected in your current role, never be afraid to take the leap of faith and trust Cara to find you a better environment to work in! She’s one of the good ones and she values your short list of wants and needs from your future employer!”

Recently Placed Controller

“Thank you, Brian and Cara, for the effort you put into helping me with my job search. I had around a dozen recruiters reach out and I worked with around six. Most of the ones that I worked with did a phone screening with me and didn't follow up/introduced me to very few opportunities. You guys introduced me to plenty of opportunities, gave me plenty of information on the firms, and prepared me well for the interviews. You both were available around the clock, even at odd hours, to help me with this search. At a time in my life when I was uncertain about my future you both supported me to the point where I am now confident. Again, I couldn't thank you both enough.”

Recently Placed Staff Accountant

“I would highly recommend Kelly and Cara with Synergy Search!  Cara reached out to me on LinkedIn regarding an opportunity that would both greatly advance my career and be much closer to home!  She and Kelly were both so helpful every step of the way!”

Recently Placed Director of Accounting

“I cannot thank Caleb Howard and the Team at Synergy Search enough for helping me start my new chapter in Nashville at a super awesome Company. I recently made the decision to relocate to a new state and was working with multiple recruiting agencies until I got in contact with Caleb and his team. He was extremely personable, responsive, and invested in finding the right opportunity for me. I felt very supported throughout the entire process. Additionally, I would like to thank Cara Stevenson for providing guidance prior to interviews, which was very helpful. Whenever I am in the market for a job again, I know exactly who I will be calling!”

Recently Placed Senior Accountant

“Collaborating with Cara has been an immense blessing. When I explained my career goals to her, she immediately understood my needs and provided unwavering support throughout the entire process. She exceeded my expectations, and I would choose to work with her again in a heartbeat.”

Recently Placed Staff Accountant

“My sincere thanks go out to Cara for all her assistance during the process of finding a new job. She ensured I was well prepared for my interview and responded promptly to any questions I had. It is my pleasure to recommend Synergy as it is the best company to work with.”

Recently Placed Staff Accountant