Img 20250612 Wa0007

Lessons in Leadership: What It Takes to Be a Future CFO

​Last Thursday we had the pleasure of hosting an insightful and inspirational Future CFO-focused event, where we explored their experiences and journeys. ​All attendees had the privilege of hearing from three fantastic senior finance leaders - Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright and James Wenninger, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by their own career journeys — with the consensus across all speakers and focus of: driving meaningful, strategic value across their organisations. ​Each leader shared personal experiences of navigating challenges, leading transformation, and elevating the role of finance from a back-office function to a true business partner and value creator. ​Each speaker offered valuable perspectives, and several key takeaways stood out: Build a team that compliments you : Great leadership means recognising and embracing the skills you don’t have. All three CFOs emphasised the strength of surrounding themselves with good people and team members whose strengths contrast their own — creating well-rounded, agile finance functions. Embrace the unknown with confidence: Whether navigating new industries, acquisitions, or rapid change, one message was clear: lean into the uncertainty and trust your ability to adapt. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Blend experience from big & small companies : The synergy of experience from both large-scale corporations and nimble, fast-paced environments is invaluable. The ability to scale thinking and apply structured processes in leaner settings was a recurring theme. Identify and align with key business needs : Strategic finance leaders go beyond numbers. They seek out synergies and align with business-specific needs — from systems integration to cultural alignment — to ensure long-term value add. Own your decisions…fully! : True ownership means standing by your decisions and being accountable for their outcomes. Openly discussed and demonstrated how conviction and responsibility can elevate leadership and trust across the organisation with a wider impact! ​A huge thank you again to Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright & James Wenninger who were incredible speakers and all who contributed to making this event a success. It was a timely reminder of the evolving, multi-dimensional role of today’s Finance leaders. ​Huge thanks as well to all attendees for bringing openness in their points / questions , and energy to the room. Looking forward already to next year!​To hear about future events, contact Jack Curtis!​

Read article

Why us?

For more than 30 years, Sharp Consultancy has been regarded as one of the North’s leading specialist recruitment consultancies in accountancy and finance.

Our aim is clear; to provide our clients and candidates with a first rate, high quality service which is underpinned by an unrivalled understanding and knowledge of the finance sectors in which we operate.

About Us

Introductions

Find a job.

Our 2025/26 Salary Survey is out now!

Discover Sharp Consultancy’s 2025/26 Salary Survey—your expert guide to finance and accountancy salaries, market trends, and recruitment insights across Yorkshire and the North of England.

This year’s survey offers essential benchmarking tools, explores the shifting priorities of today’s finance workforce, and highlights emerging trends in hybrid working, interim roles, and salary expectations. Whether you're hiring, job seeking, or simply staying informed, this report is your go-to resource for navigating the evolving finance and accountancy recruitment landscape with clarity and confidence.

Download the Salary Survey here!

A still of the Sharp Consultancy 2025/26 Salary Survey, open on page 1 and 2.

The sectors we work with.

Sharp Consultancy are the true specialists. Not once but twice. Because we don't just specialise in finance and accountancy recruitment. We specialise within in. Our specialist sectors craft tailored solutions for you, no matter your goal. Our aim is always the same – to seek out and recruit the most talented finance and accountancy individuals that will make a real difference to our clients’ business and offer exceptional support to those looking to make their next career move.

Careers at Sharp

Recruitment offers an extremely challenging and rewarding career path. As one of the region’s leading independent recruitment consultancies, we pride ourselves upon the calibre of our team and the exciting career opportunities that we can offer in this fast-paced industry.