Mike Sims

The development of strong, personal relationships with both candidates and clients has been a focus for Mike since he joined Harmer Associates in 2000. These relationships have significantly contributed to the overall growth of the firm’s accounting and finance practice. Mike has been described by many as a true professional; he quickly sets himself apart from others with his depth of knowledge and ability to deliver high quality talent. Mike partners not only with accounting and finance leaders, but also with the HR professionals, who see him as a trusted advisor. Mike has become an extension of many recruiting teams in the Chicago market. Mike is a graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in accounting and a CPA. When not acting as an extensional recruiting arm, Mike enjoys spending time with his growing family, traveling and coaching little league.

Jim Viola

As Senior Partner of Harmer’s Accounting and Finance division, Jim plays an integral role in Harmer’s daily operations. Whether he is facilitating client interactions, guiding his team, or supporting Harmer’s many moving parts, Jim performs his role with a positive outlook that translates into meaningful professional relationships. Having joined in 1988 as the firm’s third employee, Jim’s lengthy tenure has been integral to Harmer’s growth and success. In his spare time Jim enjoys exploring and reading about spiritual consciousness.

Jeff Lubert

As a partner at Harmer Associates, Jeff possesses a remarkable talent for discovering and recruiting rare accounting and finance professionals from diverse industries. His approach is characterized by honesty, attention to detail, and a commitment to client service, which has earned him a reputation for fostering enduring relationships. Jeff’s expertise lies in comprehending the unique needs of each client and candidate, ensuring perfect matches and long-lasting placements. Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff’s love for adventure and an active lifestyle come to life as he indulges in traveling, swimming, and skiing.

Victor Palumbo

As our newest partner at Harmer, Victor brings a wealth of executive search experience, spanning 25 years, in cultivating and fortifying meaningful relationships with candidates, clients, and fellow professionals by building trust with individuals across diverse industries. Victor’s comprehensive understanding of financial and business intricacies equips him to offer insightful advice and strategic solutions to meet clients’ unique needs and challenges. Outside of work, he finds joy in spending quality time with his wife and two daughters and catching up on the latest in Chicago sports.

Scott Ruoti

Having founded the Consulting and Accounting & Finance Divisions at Harmer, Scott has been a veritable force in helping to achieve the firm’s premier standing in the industry. With a keen understanding and telling influence on the recruitment space, Scott invokes a best-practice methodology guided by personal and professional attentiveness. He cultivates long term relationships and networks that produce loyal candidates and clients who stand by the Harmer brand. “The significance of lasting relationships cannot be overstated. Watching careers take root and witnessing their successful evolution is empowering. Relationships become multi-faceted, and candidate relationships evolve into client relationships. Our strength is the power of our network, and keeping in touch is a trademark that we live by.” As a husband and father of two boys, Scott spends his free time coaching and catering to his family’s activities together.

Randy Harmer

Randy founded the Firm three decades ago with a singular focus to recruit for Chicago’s top employers. He has attracted a team of industry professionals with a passion for search and an interest in long-term growth with the firm. In recent years, he has been instrumental in the successful launch of our growing Executive Search Practice. Randy graduated from the University of Illinois with a BS Degree in Accounting and worked in Public Accounting with Arthur Andersen before founding the firm. He is additionally active on several local Boards and spends his free time with his family enjoying their active pursuits.