Q & A FOR EMPLOYERS

Sharp Consultancy's Salary Survey 2025/26: Resetting the Landscape: Strategic Shifts in Finance Recruitment

It would be remiss not to start by addressing the elephant in the room — 2024 was a challenging year.While there were many reasons for this and numerous industries were affected, recruitment likely bore the brunt of it, particularly in the 6 months post-election(s).Whilst key roles and critical hires remained unaffected, certain head counts and processes were scrutinised and investment paused with internal restructures and automation utilised to reduce costs, in some instances, at the expense of employees. We subsequently saw an increase in candidate activity, with the talent pool strengthening. As those pressures eased in Quarter 4, recruitment processes saw improvement and green shoots have emerged. Optimism is on the rise in key hiring processes, albeit with a caveat. The cloud of additional cost increases in April, which is still dissipating. The senior finance and C-Suite market remains relatively unaffected, both regarding opportunities and candidates, it is the levels below that we have seen more change. In the evolving landscape of working dynamics, the volume of hybrid working is gradually waning despite sustained interest from candidates, presenting fewer job opportunities. While the blend of office and remote work remains desirable, it is no longer the predominant factor, indicating a notable shift in priorities for clients and candidates’ acceptance alike. Conversations with candidates underscore a growing desire around the importance of having a supportive mentor or manager and many professionals are increasingly open to a full-time return to the office if it guarantees enhanced guidance and avenues for professional advancement. "The salaries throughout transactional finance have stabilised across the region."Throughout the professional practice market, some similar trends have been observed but there have been noticeable differences in the past year. Salaries across the range of candidates in professional practice, from AAT to fully Qualified (ACA/ACCA) individuals are still rising and those firm’s able to offer competitive salaries alongside stronger training contracts are beating out the competition in a candidate market with a growing focus on study support packages and career advancement opportunities for Part-Qualified candidates, indicating an increase in demand from employers and the volume of available job seekers. The salaries throughout transactional finance have stabilised across the region, in what feels like the longest period of stability seen since Q4 2020 and we expect transactional finance salaries to remain stable throughout 2025/26, with anticipated salary increments to be moderate compared to the significant increases observed throughout the last 2 years. AI & Systems (process automation) continues to impact accountancy and finance, in particular, across larger functions but this has increased the need for wider interim support to assist with the transition and implementation especially with large, automated processes. Whilst 2025-26 will not be the same marketplace for recruitment as seen in previous years, there is certainly a growing level of optimism and whilst a more settled market may be seen as a negative in some areas, for those that have weathered the peaks and troughs over a longer period of time, it will feel very normal and a strong setting for both employees and employers to take advantage and thrive, with an increasing emphasis on growth and development.Download the full Salary Survey here!

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For many, it’s not ‘business as usual’ but more ‘business in unusual times’. These are some of the most commonly asked recruitment questions from employers across Yorkshire to our highly experienced team of consultants.

I’m concerned about staffing levels – what can I do if people take time off because they are sick or have to care for others?

It is essential to make provisions for absenteeism and temporary or interim staff are an ideal solution. Specialising in a range of roles and at all levels from admin support to senior managers and directors, these are experienced individuals who can hit the ground the running at short notice.

I need temporary staff but I don’t have time to conduct interviews – what should I do?

We have an extensive network of temporary finance and accountancy professionals, all of whom have been previously interviewed and background checked by our experienced consultants so the right individuals can be in place typically within 24 hours of a need being identified.

We are seeing increased demand and need a new finance manager – are people looking for roles?

Very much so. There are sectors such as food retail and production, logistics and distribution, healthcare, online education providers, pharmaceuticals and IT suppliers and infrastructure where demand has increased and, as a result, need to expand their teams. Through our extensive database we can reach out to the very best talent and identify the top candidates for your recruitment needs.

Can I recruit a temp and make the position permanent when things return to normal?

It is important to be clear on the terms from the outset to ensure the right candidate is identified; it is not unusual for a role to become permanent, however some temps may not want a permanent position. Discuss this with your recruitment partner and they will identify ideal candidates.

How can I conduct interviews remotely?

With many people working from home, it can be easier to schedule interviews remotely. Platforms such as Zoom can replicate face-to-face meetings as closely as possible. Take a look at our advice on how to conduct a successful remote interview here

I have a new member of staff due to start – what should I do during lockdown?

Try to replicate your usual induction process albeit remotely. Provide induction packs online or via email, conduct a virtual tour and schedule introduction meetings via Zoom or Google Meet. Communicate your expectations for their first week and establish a routine for updates and progress checks. For more suggestions take a look here

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond CONTACT UStoday to discuss your recruitment needs with a member of our team.