Lee

Sharp Consultancy's Salary Survey 2025/26: Resilience in the Face of Change: The Evolving Jobs Market by Lee Sweeney

​In last year’s commentary I said that a ‘degree of normality’ had returned to the economy and solid GDP growth had finally ‘rid us of the word recession’.Before I chastise myself horribly, I suspect I wasn’t the only one that couldn’t have forecast what a difference two changes in governments could make (UK first and US second). ​The former immediately created a change in business sentiment which changes to the tax regime further dampened. The word recession reappeared. The latter led to worldwide economic flux for reasons we are all now very familiar with – tariffs anyone?​What does this mean for employment? Employers don’t like uncertainty because it is errr, so uncertain. Some hiring is by necessity, but some is investment; the former continues and the latter reduces. ​The market is however not ‘dead’. We’ve seen ‘dead’ before (think credit crunch and early Covid). We believe that the market has remained surprisingly resilient. I believe that is because businesses have suffered enough shocks over recent years to have become more resilient. Whether I’m right or wrong, the jobs market (for accountants at least) is somewhere between OK and reasonably good. If you have skills, experience and sensible expectations you are very likely to find what you are looking for in relatively short order. "If you have skills, experience and sensible expectations you are very likely to find what you are looking for in relatively short order."Looking through the employer’s lens, good accounting professionals can be found – but they’re not ‘ten-a-penny’. As I discussed in last year’s commentary, employers continue to try and force the issue on increased office-based working and generally (though our survey suggests this is beginning to soften), employees continue to resist. I think we’re still a year or two away from some kind of equilibrium. Salary increases have flattened but job seekers haven’t fully embraced that yet (though again one of our salary survey questions suggests it is softening) and so there is still a need for a degree of generosity to entice potential employees – there is enough choice for them to wait a little longer for the next opportunity if your package isn’t quite attractive enough. ​It appears that private equity firms still have funds to invest and lenders still have appetite to lend and so, perhaps slightly counter intuitively, the deals market still seems to be moving at a reasonable pace with optimism for a better year ahead. ​I like to conclude by turning to my crystal ball and predicting the future. Last year I utterly failed (though as mentioned above, I can perhaps be forgiven). The resilience of the economy (recession didn’t happen) and the employment market gives me hope – economic disaster aside caused by tariffs or some other huge shock, I suspect job seekers and employers will see a reasonably good jobs market. There is definitely some uncertainty in the year to come, but there is a very strong desire in the business community to find a way through or around whatever lies ahead (and experience from shocks gone by to steer a safe course), so the odds of a stable year outweigh the odds of a poor one.Download the full Salary Survey here!​

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Transactional Finance

Transactional Finance Jobs in Rotherham

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.

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