Inspiring the Next Generation of CFOs: Insights from Sharp Consultancy at Deloitte’s Leadership Event

​Last Thursday 6th February Sharp Consultancy were kindly invited by Andrew Ward and James Izzard of Deloitte in Leeds to attend their Next Generation CFO Programme as Guest Speakers and to present on The Journey to Becoming a CFO – The Recruiter’s Perspective. ​Michael Ball and Lee Sweeney, both Partners in Sharp Consultancy’s, The CFO Partnership undertook the wonderful task. ​We asked Mike for his thoughts:"It was a wonderful experience presenting to some of the most inspirational Financial Controllers and Financial Directors in the region. The ambitious group of delegates will surely populate the board rooms of many of Yorkshire’s and the UK’s finest businesses in years to come and it was a privilege for Lee and I to share our experiences of what is needed to transition in to a first class CFO. Thank you, Andrew Ward and James Izzard, for the kind invitation"​Lee added:​​"As recruiters, there is often a misconception that conducting an executive search for a client is the sum total of our service offering. The reality is quite the contrary at Sharp Consultancy and The CFO Partnership. Working with individuals to support and advise them through their career journey is one of the most satisfying aspects of our roles. I would invite anyone currently on that path to contact us if they would like any further support"​The journey to becoming a CFO is one that requires dedication, strategic career moves, and continuous development. Events like the Next Generation CFO Programme provide invaluable opportunities for aspiring finance leaders to gain insights, build networks, and refine their approach to leadership. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, those who embrace learning and adaptability will be best positioned for success. ​Are you looking to strengthen your team with top-tier finance and accountancy professionals? At Sharp Consultancy, we excel in connecting your business with exceptional talent for temporary, interim, or permanent roles. With our well-established offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our experienced consultants are dedicated to serving businesses across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't leave your recruitment needs to chance—contact us TODAY and let's find the perfect candidates to drive your business forward.

Read article
Transactional Finance

Transactional Finance Jobs in Leeds

Transactional Finance Jobs

The Path to Success with a Career in Transactional Finance

Transactional finance forms the foundation of any organisation’s financial operations, ensuring the seamless management of day-to-day financial transactions. A career in transactional finance provides a unique opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of financial systems, contribute to organisational efficiency, and build a solid foundation for growth within the finance sector. Professionals in this field are essential to maintaining accurate records, ensuring compliance, and supporting broader financial strategies.

What is Transactional Finance?

Transactional finance focuses on the operational aspects of finance, encompassing processes such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and cash management. This area of finance ensures that financial transactions are recorded accurately and efficiently, supporting the overall financial health of an organisation. Roles in transactional finance are vital for businesses of all sizes, as they enable smooth financial operations and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Skills Required for Transactional Finance Professionals

Success in transactional finance depends on mastering a combination of technical and interpersonal skills:

  • Numerical Accuracy: Precision is essential when handling invoices, reconciling accounts, or processing payments, as errors can disrupt financial workflows.

  • Organisational Skills: Managing multiple transactions and deadlines requires exceptional attention to detail and strong organisational abilities.

  • Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with accounting software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and digital payment platforms is crucial for streamlining processes.

  • Problem-Solving: Quick thinking and creativity are needed to resolve discrepancies, handle payment issues, or improve processes.

  • Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication ensures effective collaboration with colleagues, vendors, and clients.

  • Compliance Awareness: A solid understanding of relevant regulations and standards helps professionals maintain compliance and mitigate risk.

Career Growth Potential in Transactional Finance

A career in transactional finance offers a clear pathway for growth and development. Entry-level roles such as accounts payable or receivable clerks provide opportunities to gain valuable experience and develop a strong foundation in financial operations. With time and expertise, professionals can progress into supervisory or managerial roles, such as transactional finance manager or financial operations leader.

The demand for transactional finance professionals remains steady, as every organisation requires efficient handling of financial transactions. Moreover, advancements in automation and digital tools are reshaping this field, creating opportunities for professionals to enhance processes and drive innovation in financial operations.

While typically more localised in scope, transactional finance roles also support global business functions, particularly in multinational organisations with complex financial structures. This opens doors for individuals to explore opportunities within shared service centres or global finance teams.

Why Choose a Career in Transactional Finance?

A career in transactional finance offers stability, structure, and the chance to play a vital role in organisational success. Competitive salaries, clear career progression, and the ability to develop transferrable skills make this an attractive choice for individuals looking to build a solid foundation in finance.

Transactional finance professionals contribute directly to business operations by ensuring timely payments, accurate records, and seamless workflows. This not only strengthens organisational performance but also provides a sense of accomplishment and purpose in supporting broader financial goals.

In conclusion, transactional finance is an essential and rewarding area of the finance sector. By cultivating technical expertise, embracing innovation, and committing to excellence, transactional finance professionals can build successful careers while making a meaningful impact on the organisations they serve.

View all Transactional Finance Jobs

Jobs in Leeds

Leeds, located in the heart of West Yorkshire, is one of the UK’s most vibrant and fast-growing cities. Known for its rich industrial history and modern development, Leeds combines a lively cultural scene with excellent employment opportunities and efficient transport links. This article explores the city’s culture, commuting options, and common career prospects.

The Culture in Leeds

Leeds boasts a diverse and dynamic cultural landscape, making it a fantastic place to live and work. The city is renowned for its thriving arts scene, with institutions like the Leeds Art Gallery and The Tetley showcasing contemporary and classic works. For performing arts enthusiasts, venues such as the Grand Theatre and Leeds Playhouse offer a wide array of productions, from cutting-edge dramas to world-class ballet performances.

Leeds is also a hub for music lovers, with an eclectic mix of live music venues, including the O2 Academy and the Belgrave Music Hall. Its annual Leeds Festival is a must-visit for fans of rock and alternative music, drawing visitors from across the country.

The city celebrates its multiculturalism through events like the Leeds West Indian Carnival, the oldest Caribbean carnival in Europe, and a wide variety of international restaurants and eateries, offering everything from authentic Yorkshire puddings to global cuisine.

Commuting in Leeds

Leeds offers an efficient and well-connected transportation network, making commuting straightforward for residents. The city’s railway station, one of the busiest outside London, provides excellent links to major cities like Manchester, Sheffield, and London, making it a popular choice for professionals. Trains to London take just over two hours, while Manchester is reachable in under an hour.

Public transport within the city is predominantly bus-based, with operators such as First Bus and Arriva providing frequent services to suburban areas. Leeds is also preparing for future upgrades to its transport infrastructure, including the proposed Mass Transit System, which aims to improve connectivity further.

Cycling is another popular commuting option, supported by extensive cycle paths and bike-friendly initiatives. The city centre is compact and walkable, allowing many residents to enjoy a stress-free commute on foot.

Common Careers in Leeds

Leeds has a thriving economy with opportunities across various sectors, making it an attractive location for job seekers. Some of the most common career options include:

  • Financial Services: Leeds is one of the UK’s largest financial hubs outside London, with major institutions like Lloyds Banking Group, Yorkshire Building Society, and KPMG providing significant employment.

  • Healthcare: As home to St. James's University Hospital, one of the largest teaching hospitals in Europe, Leeds offers numerous roles in healthcare and medical research.

  • Digital and Tech: The city has a burgeoning digital sector, with companies specialising in fintech, gaming, and data analytics. Leeds is often dubbed the “digital capital of the North.”

  • Education: With institutions like the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University, the city offers roles in academia, administration, and student services.

  • Retail and Hospitality: With shopping districts like Trinity Leeds and a thriving nightlife scene, careers in retail, food service, and hospitality are widely available.

Conclusion

Leeds is a city that seamlessly blends a rich cultural heritage with modern living. Its accessible commuting options and diverse career opportunities make it an excellent choice for professionals and families alike. Whether you’re drawn by the arts, the convenience of transport, or the promise of a flourishing career, Leeds has something to offer everyone.

Jobs in Leeds