FBT Transwest: Building a finance team through connections and expertise

When FBT Transwest, a transport and logistics company in Melbourne, needed to build out their transactional finance team, they knew the only way to hire with impact was turning to Six Degrees experienced consultants.

Over 18 months, our team successfully placed nearly every member of this team through our engaged candidate network and deep industry relationships. 

The initial request was less about filling positions – and more about finding the right talent, at speed in a competitive market. Our team had to ensure each candidate had the technical expertise, cultural alignment, and adaptability to thrive in a unique, fast-paced environment. 

THE CHALLENGE: 

FBT Transwest required specialised Finance professionals with transport and logistics experience and the ability to work fully onsite in Melbourne’s West - an increasingly rare requirement in today’s market. Additionally, they operated on Translogic, a highly manual system unfamiliar to most accounting professionals, making the search even more complex. 

Beyond technical skills, cultural fit was briefed in as the most critical. The business needed candidates who could operate autonomously, work at pace, and collaborate effectively in a hands-on environment. With the senior finance market moving quickly, we had to act fast to secure top talent before they were snapped up by competitors. 

OUR APPROACH: 

With years of experience recruiting finance roles in the transport and logistics sector, we relied on our trusted, pre-qualified network rather than traditional job advertisements. This saved valuable time - allowing for quick turnaround contracts to be filled within a few days.  

For roles requiring manual systems expertise, we focused on career contractors- professionals used to adapting to different financial systems. By positioning the opportunity as a way to expand their skill set and gain logistics industry experience, we were able to consult and engage candidates who might not have initially considered the role. 

Our deep understanding of FBT Transwest’s culture and leadership gave us an advantage. Having spent time onsite with their finance team, we had firsthand insight into the team dynamics and leadership expectations. This allowed us to place candidates who weren’t just technically capable but had the resilience, initiative, and adaptability to succeed in the business long-term. 

RESULTS: 

• Full team placement: We successfully placed nearly the entire transactional finance team, solidifying our role as a trusted recruitment partner. 

• Fast, targeted hiring: Several key contract roles, including Accounts Receivable Officer and an Accountant, were filled within a few days by Conor Meehan using his existing relationships. 

• Long-term impact: Both Assistant Accountants hired by Megan Duncan have taken on more responsibility, with one being promoted into a senior position.  
  
  
• Trusted recruitment partner: FBT Transwest’s Finance Manager now works exclusively with us, confident in our ability to deliver top talent that integrates and thrives. 

"We don’t just trust Six Degrees Executive to fill roles - we trust them to find people who will succeed and create impact for our business. Their deep market connections, ability to move quickly, and understanding of what makes a candidate the right fit have made all the difference. They’ve played a crucial role in shaping our finance team, and we’ll continue to rely on them as we grow."  

-  Loula T, Finance Manager, FBT Transwest 

If you're looking to build a finance team at speed, or if you're struggling to find finance professionals with both technical and soft skills - please reach out to our Accounting & Finance specialists by filling out our find talent form.