Michael O`Connell FCCA CA
Founding Director of Sapphire Recruitment

A qualified fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a member of Chartered Accountants ANZ, Michael spent over 10 years progressing to Financial Controller within the construction, manufacturing, retail and commercial vehicle sectors. Having qualified in 2004, he migrated to Australia in 2006 and commenced a career as a consultant in financial executive recruitment with Hays.This completed the full circle within the recruitment market having also been a client and candidate.

Initially focused on temporary placements, Michael moved into the permanent executive recruitment market before progressing to manage the Accounting & Finance team in Sydney. Specialising in the qualified accounting market, he recruited Financial Accountants through to Chief Financial Officers whilst offering specialist recruitment for taxation, business analysts, systems accountants and business improvement specialists.

A major strength includes the successful completion of multiple retained, exclusive assignments with the development of major key commercial accounts across various business divisions.With a consultative and consistent approach, Michael demonstrates attention to detail and prides himself on repeat business through established professional relationships,gaining a detailed understanding of clients and their business whilst providing the highest levels of service.

Along with recruiting to the Commercial sector, he also provides expert recruitment advice to the Not for Profit's and the Education sector and offers consultancy services on recruitment strategies, organisation structures, retention and salary reviews.

Richard Coomber, BscEcon
Founding Director of Sapphire Recruitment

Prior to establishing Sapphire Recruitment, Richard enjoyed a 13 year career with a global leader in recruitment of accountancy and finance professionals. His recruitment career has taken him from London and South East England to Sydney and now Brisbane.

Joining a global leader in 1998, Richard initially recruited junior accounting staff before subsequently recruiting part qualified, qualified and executive level finance professionals. Operating for 6 and a half years across London and the South East of England, Richard established agreements with numerous large scale organizations across the private and public sectors leading to successful high volume recruitment campaigns. Transferring to Australia in 2005 Richard has since continued to establish outstanding relationships with key corporate decision makers in finance and human resources.

Promoted to Senior Manager in 2008 in recognition of service excellence and outstanding results, Richard successfully assisted many hundreds of candidates secure their next career move in capacities such as CFO/FD, Financial Controller, Finance Manager, Tax and Treasury Managers, Finance/Commercial and Business Analysts, Financial/Management Accountants, Company Accountants, Systems Accountants and Internal Auditors. Known as a trusted adviser with an honest and consultative approach, Richard now brings these attributes to his role as Founder and Director of Sapphire Recruitment.

Richard now specialises in all levels of accountancy recruitment for commercial organizations from ASX Listed and multinational corporations through to small and medium sized businesses. He provides expert recruitment advice to employers, while providing guidance to candidates on career planning, job search strategy, salary reviews and negotiation.