Multiple interim resources supporting PHM Group’s growth

PHM Group is an international real estate services group that has expanded its operations into several European countries in recent years. The group’s headquarters and corporate functions are based in Helsinki.

The collaboration between PHM and NIS began in late summer 2023, when the Group Financial Controller went on parental leave and the role was filled by an interim resource. Later the same year, the finance organisation within PHM’s Swedish operations was strengthened with an interim Financial Controller, where the right candidate was sourced through NIS in Sweden.

The cooperation continued into 2024 with additional assignments. PHM’s Finnish operations required an interim Business Controller during parental leave, and towards the end of the year another interim role was filled when the Group Business Controller went on parental leave.

“Engaging an interim resource was for us an easy and flexible way to address a temporary resource need. Finding a qualified person for a demanding short-term role is practically impossible, and the need often arises at short notice — in such cases, interim solutions are an excellent option. Through NIS, we have found strong candidates for several roles, and their experience within PHM has also facilitated the recruitment of new roles and onboarding of interim resources,” says PHM Group CFO Petri Pellonmaa.

Rapid growth created challenges beyond day-to-day reporting

PHM Group’s strategy is built on strong growth through acquisitions, and the group acquires new companies on a monthly basis. The high number of acquisitions makes smooth integration of new entities critical, particularly to ensure accurate reporting.

“Integrating new companies into group reporting, often under tight deadlines, created challenges beyond the regular monthly closing process. Effective integration work required seamless collaboration between different functions and across multiple countries,” says Justus Salminen, who worked as Interim Group Business Controller.

During the collaboration, PHM Group also carried out refinancing negotiations and transitioned to the owner’s continuation fund.

“The group’s active growth through acquisitions, both in existing markets and through expansion into new ones, together with other financial projects, created a unique environment where I had the opportunity to learn a great deal,” Justus concludes.

PHM Group

PHM Group is a real estate services group operating in eight countries today (Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands) and consists of nearly 250 local companies. In total, the group employs approximately 15,400 professionals in property services.