
What's Your Next Era?
Nextera Search is a premier recruitment firm specializing in direct hire placements within the Accounting, Finance & Financial Services sectors. Backed by a team of CPAs, Chartered Accountants and former accountants, our professionals bring over 100 years of combined recruiting expertise, honed through leadership roles at The Execu|Search Group and Tandym.

Our Story
Nextera builds on a 40-year legacy of excellence, continuing to set the standard in connecting top talent with leading organizations. Nextera’s Accounting | Finance team will focus on the placement of Accounting, Audit, Finance and Tax professionals across all industries.
Nextera’s Financial Services team will place Operations, Investor Relations & Compliance professionals with the Asset Management (including Hedge Funds, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Private & Public Credit) and Banking sectors. Our deep understanding of the recruiting industry coupled with our commitment to exceptional client service make us the trusted partner for both clients and candidates alike.
Meet the Partners

Michael Cooke
Founding Partner
(212) 204-5145
Mike is a co-founder of Nextera Search, bringing over 25 years of recruitment experience. Before launching Nextera, he was a Partner/Owner at The Execu|Search Group (TESG), specializing in Accounting and Finance, and later led the Professional Services Direct Hire practice at Tandym Group, the successor to TESG. His extensive background in both recruitment and public accounting gives him a unique ability to understand the needs of both clients and candidates, ensuring a seamless match.
A proud Binghamton University alum with a degree in Accounting, Mike blends his solid foundation in accounting with his recruitment expertise to guide candidates through their career journeys and help clients secure top talent for their organizations. His passion for relationship-building has been essential in cultivating lasting trust and fostering strong connections across the industry, which has contributed significantly to his long-standing success.
At Nextera, Mike plays a key role in managing daily operations while focusing on what he loves most—matching clients with candidates ready to take the next step in their careers and make a lasting impact. His hands-on approach and commitment to delivering quality results have made him an invaluable asset to both his team and clients.

Alan McGinn, FCA
Founding Partner
(212) 204-5125
Alan is a co-founder of Nextera Search and leads the firm’s Accounting/Finance Division, specializing in permanent placements within the office of the CFO across a variety of industries, including Banking, Alternative Investments, Asset Management, FinTech, and more. With over 17 years of experience in recruiting, Alan is adept at understanding both client and candidate needs, ensuring a perfect match at all levels of the corporate spectrum.
Before founding Nextera, Alan spent over a decade at The Execu|Search Group (now Tandym), where he served as Vice President of the Accounting/Finance Division. His career includes a background in auditing and financial services, having worked at KPMG, PwC, and Morgan Stanley before transitioning into recruitment. Alan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Dublin City University and a Master’s in Accounting from University College Dublin. He is also a qualified Irish Chartered Accountant and an active member of Chartered Accountants Ireland.
Alan’s dedication to providing exceptional service and building long-term relationships with clients and candidates is at the heart of his success.

Chris Castro
Founding Partner
(212) 204-5144
Chris is a co-founder of Nextera Search and is responsible for the firm’s Financial Services Division. With over a decade of experience, Chris is celebrated for his adaptability, strategic mindset, and ability to cultivate meaningful relationships that deliver lasting value to both clients and candidates.
Before launching Nextera Search, Chris played a transformative role at The Execu-Search Group (later rebranded as Tandym Group). He began in the Accounting & Finance recruiting division, where he mastered the complexities of the field. Recognized for his leadership and vision, Chris went on to help build and lead the firm’s Financial Services recruiting division, driving innovation and growth during a period of significant organizational evolution.
A 2012 graduate of the University of Scranton with a degree in Mathematics, Chris credits his analytical mindset and problem-solving skills as essential tools for his success in recruitment. Chris started his career at Solomon Page Group, where he developed a strong foundation in Accounting & Finance recruitment. Over the years, he has refined his expertise, leveraging his consultative approach and deep industry knowledge to create impactful recruiting solutions.

Samantha Parris, CPA
Partner
(212) 204-5185
Samantha is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping clients and candidates achieve their best. Since joining the recruitment industry in 2004, she has consistently served as a leader and a trusted partner, known for her commitment to excellence.
Sam began her career by earning her CPA and gaining nearly 10 years of industry experience. She started at a Big 4 CPA firm and went on to work at two major investment banks, where she developed a comprehensive understanding of the accounting and finance sectors. This experience provides her with an insider’s perspective, which she now leverages to create a strategic approach to recruiting. Sam believes that recruiting is about more than just strategy; it’s about making the process personal. She emphasizes the importance of truly listening to her clients and candidates, tailoring her approach to meet their unique needs.
A strong advocate for diversity and equality in the workplace, Sam was an original board member of her previous firm’s first Employee Resource Group, the Women’s Network. Sam graduated with a 4.0 GPA from Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. She currently resides in Manhattan.

Richard Savage-Sparks
Managing Director
(646) 631-5675
Richard is a Managing Director on the Accounting & Finance team, bringing almost a decade of agency recruitment experience and over 10 years of experience in-house, leading talent acquisition teams. Richard has experience recruiting within accounting, finance, procurement, human resources, engineering and executive-level search. He prides himself in leading transparent and efficient search processes, reducing the time and stress it takes to get the best talent in the seat. Richard is committed to ensuring the search process for both candidates and clients is engaging and exciting. He is also an Indiana University alum; he holds a bachelor's and MBA. Richard is most often esteemed for his unmatched passion for helping clients build best-in-class teams.

Colin Watson
Vice President
(212) 204-5173
Colin is the Vice President of the Accounting & Finance team, bringing a wealth of expertise to his role. A graduate of Seton Hill University with a Bachelor's in Accounting and an MBA in Management, Colin’s deep industry knowledge makes him an invaluable asset to the team. His comprehensive understanding of accounting and finance allows him to offer strategic insights and guidance to both candidates and clients. Colin’s dedication to delivering exceptional service and his ability to navigate the complexities of the industry make him a trusted leader and advisor in every aspect of the recruitment process.

Tony Roegiers
Vice President
(212) 204-5124
Tony is a Vice President on the Accounting & Finance team, bringing a wealth of expertise from his extensive background in accounting and finance recruitment. A Seton Hall University alum (M.B.A. 2015), Tony specializes in the non-financial services sector, particularly Pharma, BioTech, SaaS, Start Up. His deep industry knowledge and years of experience make him a valuable asset to both his candidates and clients. His ability to navigate the complexities of the accounting and finance fields allows him to offer tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each individual and organization. Tony’s dedication to excellence and his commitment to delivering results ensure that every partnership he fosters is built on trust and success.

Adam Meyers, CPA
Vice President
(646) 992-8747
Adam is a Vice President on the Accounting & Finance team and a licensed CPA with extensive hands-on experience in the accounting/finance world. Adam has spent most of his career immersed in various accounting roles in multiple industries, giving him a deep, practical understanding of the profession. His corporate accounting and consulting background, combined with his real-world business experience, allows him to provide invaluable insights and guidance to both candidates and clients. Adam’s expertise makes him an essential asset to the team, ensuring that every recruitment process is informed, efficient, and successful. Adam has an BS degree in accounting from Binghamton University and an MBA in Finance from Pace University.

Emily Conway
Assistant Vice President
(212) 204-5106
A proud graduate of the University of Delaware, Class of 2019, Emily is an experienced Accounting and Finance Recruiter currently serving as Assistant Vice President at Nextera Search. With experience as a former Big 4 accountant, Emily possesses deep industry knowledge that allows her to provide exceptional service and understanding to both candidates and clients. Her strong expertise in accounting and finance, combined with her understanding of the unique challenges in the industry, enables her to offer tailored solutions that drive success for all parties involved. Emily’s commitment to excellence makes her a valuable asset to the team.

Nina Ward
Senior Associate
(212) 204-5160
A proud Fairfield University graduate, class of 2021, Nina combines her solid finance background with a passion for helping candidates find their ideal roles. As a Senior Finance Recruiter, she has a keen understanding of the industry, which enables her to match top talent with the right opportunities. Nina is known for her personable, approachable style, making the recruitment process smooth and enjoyable for candidates. Her genuine commitment to building lasting relationships and supporting each candidate’s success has made her a trusted partner to all who work with her.

Christianna Sera
Manager of Operations
(646) 992-5763
Christianna is the Manager of Operations at Nextera Search, where she plays a key role in ensuring the smooth running of internal operations. A proud Binghamton University graduate, Christianna works behind the scenes to support her colleagues, ensuring that everything runs seamlessly to deliver the best results. With a forward-thinking mindset and a passion for continuous improvement, she is excited for the future and eager to contribute to the continued success of Nextera Search.

Samuel Bilotti
Associate
(646) 992-5813
A 2023 graduate of Syracuse University with a double major in Economics and Citizenship & Civic Engagement, Samuel brings a fresh, well-rounded perspective to his role as a Finance Recruiter. His commitment to continuous learning ensures that he stays on top of industry trends and is always ready to provide his candidates with top-notch service. Samuel’s dedication to understanding his candidates' needs and helping them achieve their career goals has earned him a reputation for excellence.