Rachael Crocker

Managing Director | Head of Europe

Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands

Rachael leads The SR Group across Europe and has a specialist focus on supporting private equity at both the fund level and across portfolio companies.

As a member of The SR Group Executive Committee and DEI Lead for Belong, she plays a central role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction and driving its commitment to creating a more inclusive, equitable workplace.

She brings nearly two decades of specialist finance recruitment experience, with deep expertise in the treasury market. Since 2007, Rachael has built an exceptional reputation in executive search, known for identifying and securing senior finance leaders for some of the world’s most dynamic organisations.

Her track record spans major corporates, PE‑backed businesses, listed companies, banks and financial institutions – powered by a highly strategic, relationship‑driven approach and an extensive network of high‑calibre finance talent.

As the trusted executive search partner behind many of the most senior moves in treasury globally, Rachael is recognised for delivering standout shortlists and elevating the standards of search excellence across the sector.

rachael’s Insights

Q1 2026 recruitment market update: what I am seeing across employment tax, global mobility, and reward

  • Posted April 1, 2026
It has been a busy start to the year across employment tax, global mobility, and share schemes recruitment, with much of the momentum from 2025 carrying straight into Q1. Demand across the profession remains strong, driven by established firms, PE‑backed consultancies, and challenger firms in growth mode. Employment tax and share schemes continue to be […]

Treasury jobs in Dubai: roles, salaries and what hiring managers are looking for

  • Posted March 30, 2026
Treasury jobs in Dubai continue to attract strong interest from finance professionals across the Middle East and beyond. As the UAE strengthens its position as a regional commercial hub, organisations are investing more heavily in treasury operations to manage liquidity, financial risks and funding across complex business environments. For employers, this has intensified competition for […]

Transitioning from external audit into advisory while staying in practice

  • Posted March 24, 2026
For many professionals working in external audit, qualification represents both a career milestone and a moment of reflection. After years of audit work, long hours during busy season and exposure to complex financial statements, newly qualified and chartered accountants often begin to reassess their long-term career path. While some consider exit opportunities into industry or […]

Corporate treasury goes mainstream in the US: what’s driving the surge in demand and pay?

  • Posted March 23, 2026
Treasury compensation has entered a new era. Salaries across the U.S. are higher than ever, but the gap within treasury roles is widening at an unprecedented pace. A treasury manager in a multinational can now command tens of thousands more than someone with the same title in a mid‑market business. Senior analysts with global exposure […]

How to overcome imposter syndrome as a senior finance leader

  • Posted March 11, 2026
Across the Netherlands, I regularly speak with senior finance professionals who admit that they’re experiencing imposter syndrome. Even the most high-performing leaders encounter moments where feelings of self-doubt, negative self-talk or feelings of inadequacy surface, despite strong track records and the respect of stakeholders. These experiences are particularly common when stepping into a new role, […]
tax leadership

The future of tax leadership in the US: what skills will define the next decade?

  • Posted March 6, 2026
The role of tax leaders in the United States is undergoing a fundamental shift. As regulatory pressure increases, technology accelerates and expectations from the C-suite continue to rise, the future of tax leadership is being reshaped in real time. Over the next decade, success in senior tax roles will depend on far more than technical expertise alone.  Tax professionals operating at leadership level […]
How to build an in-house tax team

How to build an in-house tax team from scratch 

  • Posted March 6, 2026
Building an in-house tax team is a transformative step for any organization experiencing growth, complexity, or increasing regulatory pressure. While many companies rely on external advisors in the early stages, there comes a point where internal capability becomes essential, both for financial efficiency and strategic control. Whether your company is expanding internationally, navigating rapid revenue growth, or entering new product lines, […]

The major controlling trends redefining finance teams in the Netherlands

  • Posted March 5, 2026
Businesses in the Netherlands are undergoing rapid digital transformation, facing rising expectations around data‑driven operating models and continued labour market tightness. As a result, the role of the Controller is evolving. It’s building on a strong foundation of accurate reporting, governance and compliance, and expanding further into business partnering and strategic value creation. High‑quality financial […]
A woman speaking in a corporate environment

Leading beyond discomfort: how mind‑body awareness strengthens modern leadership

  • Posted March 5, 2026
As leaders navigate increasing complexity, shifting expectations and diverse teams, many are finding that technical capability alone is no longer enough. Effective leadership now depends on the ability to recognise discomfort early, stay grounded under pressure and create environments where people feel safe to contribute. During our recent International Women’s Day webinar that we hosted […]
Senior finance candidates

The five most common reasons senior finance candidates decline offers

  • Posted March 5, 2026
Attracting senior finance leaders in today’s competitive market requires more than a compelling job description or impressive salary. Senior job seekers carefully evaluate every interaction within the hiring process, considering the employer brand, the work environment, the interview process, and the overall candidate experience. With top talent being actively approached through LinkedIn, executive search firms […]

Why become a mentor as a treasury professional?

  • Posted February 27, 2026
Mentoring is often viewed from the mentee’s perspective, but it can be just as valuable for treasury professionals who want to strengthen their leadership skills and broaden their career path. As treasurers progress, mentoring provides a way to contribute beyond day‑to‑day functions while supporting continuous learning and professional development. For experienced treasury professionals, mentoring helps […]

Why every treasury professional needs a mentor

  • Posted February 27, 2026
Mentoring is one of the most effective tools for treasury professionals who want long term career development and leadership progression. As treasury roles evolve, professionals need more than technical knowledge to sustain career growth. Future leaders must show sound judgement, confidence in decision‑making, strong communication and the ability to operate effectively in complex financial services […]
first people management role

Tips for your first people management role as a tax professional

  • Posted February 26, 2026
Stepping into your first people management role as a tax professional is both an exciting milestone and a significant shift in responsibility. For years, your success may have been defined by technical accuracy, client delivery, and your ability to navigate complex legislation. Now you are expected to guide others through that complexity, nurture their growth, […]

UAE tax system explained: key changes and skills employers want 

  • Posted February 24, 2026
The UAE tax system has changed dramatically in a relatively short period of time. For businesses operating across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the wider United Arab Emirates, tax is now a core commercial and governance consideration rather than a peripheral issue. The introduction of value added tax, followed by federal corporate tax, has reshaped how UAE businesses approach compliance, reporting and […]

The FP&A market in the Netherlands: what employers need to know

  • Posted February 23, 2026
Financial planning and analysis (FP&A) has become one of the most in demand areas of senior finance hiring in the Netherlands.   Across the Dutch labour market, FP&A Analysts, Financial Controllers and finance leaders are helping to lead on strategic decision-making, forecasting, cash flow modelling and business partnering.   With digital transformation accelerating and automation reshaping finance roles, Dutch organisations need FP&A talent that can operate commercially, […]
Tax trailblazers network

Tax Trailblazers network

  • Posted January 29, 2026
Are you a tax professional looking to take your career to the next level and become a leader in your field? Join our exclusive network for tax professionals to help accelerate your career and join a community dedicated to your success. You’ll have exclusive access to our events and workshops, tailored resources and guidance, and […]

The rising demand for Group Treasurers in private equity

  • Posted January 26, 2026
Demand for Group Treasurers within private equity (PE) has been steadily increasing across Europe as both private equity firms and portfolio companies recognise that treasury a strategic engine of value creation. This shift aligns with broader industry trends across private markets and private capital: PE firms are moving away from pure financial engineering and toward […]

Treasury talent in 2026: why demand is outpacing supply in North America 

  • Posted January 23, 2026
Treasury teams across North America are entering 2026 facing a widening talent shortage driven by the interplay of monetary policy, interest rates, expectations of potential rate cuts, ongoing uncertainty surrounding tariffs, rising energy prices, and global macroeconomic shifts. Treasury professionals must now interpret signals from the Federal Reserve, understand short-term and longer-term impacts on cash flows, and […]

Why US multinationals are reshoring key finance roles 

  • Posted January 23, 2026
Over the past two years, regulatory change, instant payments adoption, dataresidency pressures, and renewed scrutiny on internal controls and cybersecurity have pushed many U.S. multinationals to move mission critical finance roles, tax, treasury, controllership, and FP&A, back onshore. This is less about labor arbitrage and more about risk reduction, speed of decision-making, and tighter strategic control. Below, we explore what is driving the shift, which roles are moving, and how to execute […]

How finance and payroll teams collaborate (and how we help you hire them) 

  • Posted January 21, 2026
In the Netherlands, finance and payroll teams are strategic partners that shape business goals, drive better decisions and power workforce planning. Together, these functions influence everything from headcount and labour costs to employee engagement and profitability.  Organisations competing for top talent must understand this collaboration and hire the right people to lead it. Alongside our sister brand […]

Trends in the corporate treasury market and the skills in demand

  • Posted January 20, 2026
The corporate treasury recruitment market has been evolving rapidly, shaped by economic volatility, technological transformation, and the growing strategic importance of treasury functions within organisations. Treasury has become central to financial resilience, risk mitigation, and the general execution of the long-term strategy of the business. As a result, demand for skilled treasury professionals continues to […]

The blueprint of leadership in treasury (at any level) 

  • Posted January 6, 2026
Leadership in treasury is a responsibility that shapes the financial stability and strategic direction of organisations worldwide. It demands precision, foresight and adaptability. Treasury professionals are often at the heart of business-critical decisions. To thrive, their leadership abilities must evolve at every stage of a career, supported by the right resources, tools and skills. Why leadership matters in treasury  Treasury is a discipline that […]

Silent searches: a smarter way to hire senior finance leaders

  • Posted December 18, 2025
For senior finance roles, the best candidates are often the ones you can’t see. They’re high-performing leaders who aren’t browsing job boards, don’t reply to job ads and rarely update LinkedIn. They’re busy delivering on cash flow, leading FP&A and forecasting, partnering with stakeholders and quietly shaping finance teams in high-growth businesses, startups and private […]
Happy male entrepreneur greeting his colleague while working in the office.

Why talent acquisition teams should partner with specialist recruiters like Brewer Morris for tax, treasury and senior finance hiring

  • Posted December 18, 2025
In today’s competitive business environment, attracting and retaining top-tier talent in highly specialised areas such as tax, treasury and senior finance is more challenging than ever. These roles are critical to organisational success, yet they require niche expertise, deep market knowledge and a strategic approach to recruitment that many internal talent acquisition (TA) teams struggle […]
Human capital tax

2025 reflections and predictions for 2026: the human capital tax recruitment market

  • Posted December 10, 2025
As a specialist recruiter across the employment tax, expatriate tax and share schemes market, 2025 has been one of the most dynamic and transitional years I’ve observed in the UK for a while. Not only have we seen major legislative changes that reshaped the technical landscape – we also witnessed notable shifts within the professional […]

How tax reforms across Europe will reshape your recruitment strategies

  • Posted November 28, 2025
The European Union (EU) is undergoing a major transformation in its tax policy. Recent tax reforms across EU member states, from corporate income tax adjustments to green tax initiatives, don’t just affect taxpayers and tax authorities. They also impact talent strategies as organisations adapt to new tax rules, compliance requirements and sustainability goals. For businesses […]

What to include on your CV throughout your senior finance career

  • Posted November 28, 2025
There are many paths to securing a new role whether through networking, being headhunted, working with a recruiter or applying directly. But in every case, your CV will be required. This should never be the reason you fall out of contention. Your CV is your most powerful tool in the Dutch job market. For finance […]

Why soft skills are as important as hard skills in tax

  • Posted November 26, 2025
In the complex world of tax, excellent technical skills are crucial for success. This includes understanding legislation, financial regulations and intricate tax codes, which are essential for any professional working in this field.  But tax professionals are increasingly expected to bring more to the table than just technical expertise. The importance of soft skills has […]
How to build a career in international tax: tips from recruitment experts

How to build a career in international tax: tips from recruitment experts

  • Posted November 18, 2025
International tax is one of the most dynamic and intellectually challenging areas in finance and accounting. As businesses expand globally, the demand for professionals who can navigate complex cross-border tax regulations has surged. Whether you’re starting out or looking to specialize, building a career in international tax requires a mix of technical expertise, strategic thinking, […]
Benefits of hiring a Head of Tax

The benefits of hiring a Head of Tax and Treasury

  • Posted November 13, 2025
We’ve already discussed the benefits of hiring a Head of Tax for your start-up, but when should you hire a Head of Tax and Treasury? Organisations are increasingly recognising the importance of sound financial management to ensure long-term success and stability. One of the critical roles that have emerged to meet these demands is that […]
New York or Florida: where to tax your tax career

New York vs. Florida: where to take your tax career

  • Posted November 12, 2025
When it comes to pursuing a career in tax, two states often rise to the top of the list: New York and Florida. Each offers unique opportunities, challenges, and lifestyle considerations for tax professionals. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or an experienced tax accountant looking for a change, understanding the nuances of these two states […]
Benefits of hiring a Head of Tax

Key questions to ask when interviewing potential treasury hires

  • Posted November 5, 2025
Hiring the right treasury professional is crucial for any business, as they play a significant role in managing liquidity, mitigating financial risk, and providing strategic insight into cash flow and funding decisions. To make an informed hiring decision, it’s important to ask the right interview questions during the process. Background and experience Most treasury professionals […]

Why CFOs should consider hiring interim treasury to strengthen their finance function

  • Posted November 3, 2025
Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) are under increasing pressure to deliver strategic value while maintaining operational excellence. One area that demands both technical precision and strategic foresight is treasury. As financial markets evolve and the demand for specialised treasury talent intensifies, many CFOs are turning to interim treasury professionals to support their corporate finance function. This […]

Where do you fit in the treasury team of tomorrow? 

  • Posted October 31, 2025
The treasury function is undergoing a transformation. Once viewed as a back-office necessity focused on cash management and bank accounts, it has evolved into a strategic partner that drives business resilience, financial risk mitigation and long-term value creation. For treasury professionals navigating this shift, the question is no longer “what do I do today?” but […]
Three professionals share a light-hearted moment during a collaborative meeting, showcasing teamwork and a positive workplace atmosphere in a modern office environment.

Why now is a great time to move back to practice from in-house as a tax professional

  • Posted October 28, 2025
In the ever-evolving world of tax, career paths are rarely linear. Many professionals move between practice and in-house roles throughout their careers, each offering distinct advantages. However, a noticeable shift is occurring: a growing number of tax professionals are returning to practice after years in-house. And for good reason. Whether you’re seeking intellectual stimulation, broader […]

Does your start-up need a Head of Tax?

  • Posted October 28, 2025
As a new business navigating the complexities of growth, your focus is likely on product development, market penetration, and scaling operations. However, an often-overlooked aspect of growth is tax strategy, financial reporting, and choosing the right business structure. For many small businesses, especially those anticipating rapid expansion or considering investment, the question arises: does your […]

Should you hire a fractional or interim Head of Tax?

  • Posted October 28, 2025
We’ve already discussed why you should consider hiring a permanent Head of Tax for your start-up, but as an alternative, could your business benefit from hiring a fractional CFO-style tax leader or an interim executive? If your organization is navigating complex tax challenges but isn’t ready for a full-time executive, a fractional or interim Head […]

Hiring senior finance leaders for private equity-backed growth

  • Posted October 27, 2025
Private equity-backed businesses across Europe, especially in the Netherlands, are scaling rapidly. In 2024, the deal value of private equity in the Netherlands grew 67% higher than the year before. According to McKinsey and EY, deal value continued to surge in 2025 – reaching record highs in Q3 as firms leaned into M&A opportunities and […]
corporate tax professionals

The benefits of staying in practice as an auditor

  • Posted October 22, 2025
For many qualified accountants, the decision to remain in practice or move into industry is a pivotal career moment. While in-house roles offer stability and internal exposure, staying in an accountancy practice presents a wealth of opportunities that are often overlooked and underappreciated. From accelerated career progression to exposure to a wide range of clients […]

Why you should consider working in a mid-tier audit firm

  • Posted October 22, 2025
When it comes to building a career in audit, many professionals naturally gravitate towards the Big Four. Their global presence, high-profile clients and brand prestige are undeniably attractive. However, mid-tier audit firms offer a compelling alternative that is often overlooked. These firms provide a unique blend of professional development, client exposure and work-life balance that […]