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Sharp Consultancy’s Salary Survey 2026/27: Finding the Best Talent in a Competitive Yorkshire Finance Market

Over the past 12 months, the Yorkshire finance and accountancy employment market has entered a relatively stable period following several years of volatility and rapid salary inflation.Hiring activity remains consistent across most finance disciplines, however employers are adopting a more cautious and measured approach to permanent recruitment, likely borne from the economic uncertainty businesses are navigating. As a result, there has been a wider increase across interim hires and salary movement has become more controlled with recruitment processes taking longer than in previous years. Despite this stabilisation, skills shortages continue to be a defining feature of the market. This is particularly evident between the qualified and senior level, where replacement hiring in key roles continues to exceed the available candidate pool and the data reflected in this salary survey aligns closely with what we are seeing daily across the Yorkshire finance market. While hiring volumes have levelled out, the underlying challenge remains unchanged: demand for high-quality finance professionals continues to outweigh supply. What the data does not always fully capture, but we have seen consistently across the market, is the increasing complexity behind each hire. Employers are no longer simply recruiting for technical capability; they are seeking finance professionals who can influence, adapt and add value, often in uncertain trading conditions. This has resulted in longer recruitment timelines, narrower shortlists and a growing reliance on trusted market insight to secure the right individuals. Across the candidate market we are seeing a more selective approach to new opportunities. Job seekers are making increasingly considered career decisions, weighing role scope, leadership quality, flexibility and long-term opportunity alongside salary. Many of the strongest candidates are not actively applying for roles, which means traditional, employer led recruitment strategies are no longer sufficient. Employers are no longer simply recruiting for technical capability; they are seeking finance professionals who can influence, adapt and add value, often in uncertain trading conditions.This is where a relationship-driven recruitment partner becomes vital. At Sharp Consultancy, and through our work with our executive division - The CFO Partnership - our long-standing relationships across the South Yorkshire finance community allow us to engage with high-performing talent that is not always visible to the wider market. Our understanding of both client environments and individual career motivations enables us to make introductions that are aligned not just on skills, but on culture, ambition and long-term fit. In a market where salary growth is increasingly controlled and competition for talent remains intense, our ability to advise, challenge and guide both clients and candidates is vital. Recruitment partnerships built on trust, transparency and deep market knowledge are what ultimately ensure the best outcomes - securing the right talent for our clients, and the right opportunities for the candidates we represent.

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As we gradually move towards the ‘new normal’, many accountancy and financial professionals across the Yorkshire region are reflecting upon their future career options. These are some of the most
commonly asked questions from candidates to our experienced team of consultants when it comes to their next role.

I was considering looking for a new role - should I now put this on hold?

Nobody knows when things will get back to ‘normal’ so it is worth continuing to look for new roles. We are seeing demand for top talent from a number of sectors including storage and warehousing, food manufacture and retail, energy suppliers and healthcare to name but a few. Discuss your career goals with a recruitment specialist who can guide you towards opportunities that are right for you.

I’ve got an interview via video conference – I’m not sure how to approach it?

Prepare as you would for any interview; review your CV and job description, prepare key points of interest and compile a few interesting questions that show you have considered the role. Before the interview, check that you have login details and passwords and that you are familiar with the technology and platform you will be using. Dress like you would for a face-to-face interview and set up somewhere that’s comfortable – yet professional – and you won’t be disturbed. For more tips on delivering a successful interview take a look at our Interview Guide

I’m starting a new role and my first day will be working from home – what should I do?

Imagine it like a normal first day – dress smartly, have a neat and tidy work area set up in advance and be at your desk ready to work on time. Review any reading material that has been provided and prepare a list of questions before your initial conversation with your line manager. Read more about starting a new role remotely here

I’ve been offered a new role - normally I would be keen to take but I’m not sure now is the right time to move?

Think about why you wanted to change roles originally; is it an opportunity that interests you, are you ready for the next challenge, will the pay and benefits be better? This period will pass and those reasons will still be relevant so don’t miss out on the right chance to move your career forward.

What can I do now to improve my future employment prospects?

Now is a great time to consider your next career move. Refresh your CV and LinkedIn profile, update your roles and achievements, review job adverts for similar roles to see what skills and experience is in demand and identify online courses, webinars or tutorials that you can participate in. Speak to an experienced recruitment consultant who specialises in your area – start those conversations early and you will have a head start on opportunities that arise over the competition.

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.