Starting a New Job Remotely: How to Get it Right

FRS 102 Revised Seminar Brings South Yorkshire Finance Leaders Together

In collaboration with Shorts Chartered Accountants, we recently hosted a seminar for senior finance professionals from across the region.The event brought together a number of Finance Directors, Financial Controllers and senior leaders from across the region for a morning of insight, discussion and networking over breakfast. It was a pleasure to welcome so many familiar faces, alongside new contacts, reflecting the strength and depth of the Yorkshire finance community. The seminar was presented by Howard Freeman, Audit & Accounts Partner, and Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts. We are extremely grateful to both speakers for sharing their time and expertise, and for delivering a clear, practical overview of the forthcoming changes to FRS 102, which came into effect on 1 January 2026 and are expected to impact a significant number of UK businesses. The session explored what is changing and why, particularly in relation to lease accounting and revenue recognition, and considered what the updates mean in practice for finance teams and business leaders. The speakers also addressed the new reporting requirements under FRS 102, the potential impact on EBITDA and valuation methodologies, and the key considerations for organisations as they prepare for implementation. Rather than focusing purely on technical detail, the seminar encouraged broader discussion around readiness, communication with stakeholders and the commercial implications of the changes. This led to a highly engaged Q&A session, with attendees sharing perspectives and experiences from their own organisations. At Sharp Consultancy, we are committed to supporting the finance community beyond recruitment alone. Events such as this form part of our ongoing effort to create opportunities for connection, knowledge-sharing and professional development among senior finance professionals. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Shorts for partnering with us on this event, and in particular to Howard and Andy for delivering such an informative and thought-provoking session. We are also grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. We look forward to hosting further events in the coming months and continuing to work closely with our network of finance leaders across the region.If you would like to discuss how these changes may impact your finance team, or if you are considering strengthening your leadership function, please contact us for a confidential conversation.

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As remote and hybrid working models become increasingly commonplace, the way businesses welcome new employees has had to evolve. For professionals in finance, accountancy, and recruitment, starting a role remotely brings unique challenges—but also opportunities to rethink and refine the onboarding experience.

A structured induction process is more important than ever. It not only helps new starters feel supported and informed from day one, but also ensures they can quickly integrate into the team and begin contributing effectively—regardless of location. Whether you’re onboarding a new recruit or stepping into a role yourself, this guide outlines practical steps to help create a smooth and confident start in a remote working environment.

A laptop and a cup of coffee on a desk, creating a cozy work-from-home setup.

Maintain a Structured Induction Process

As businesses adjust to new ways of working, many new employees are beginning their roles remotely. Whether you’re joining a company or welcoming a new recruit in the finance, accountancy, or recruitment sector, it’s important to approach those first few days with structure and clarity.

While the situation may be unusual, employers should still aim to follow their standard induction process as closely as possible:

Send welcome documents in advance so the new employee can read up ahead of their first day.
Create an introduction schedule so they can ‘meet’ key team members via video calls (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).
Provide all login credentials and user guides they will need, including a list of useful contact numbers or emails for support.
Share key dates and meeting times and arrange regular check-ins during the first week to address early questions or concerns.
Prepare a simple “how we work together” guide that explains preferred communication channels, report formats, and working expectations.

Tips for New Employees Starting Remotely

Starting any new job can be daunting—especially in finance and accountancy roles where attention to detail and process matters. Doing so remotely can add extra pressure, but with the right approach, it can still be a smooth and positive experience.

Here’s how to prepare for success:

Make a great first impression – dress smartly, set up a quiet and professional workspace, and be ready at your desk on time.
Plan your day – consider whether you need to adjust your regular working hours and discuss these with your line manager early on.
Review your induction materials and write down any questions before your first video or phone calls.
Test your login credentials and familiarise yourself with the systems, software, or platforms you’ll be using.
Clarify expectations – ask your manager what’s expected from you and agree on a communication plan to report on progress.
If managing a team, make early contact with each person, understand their current workload, where your support is needed, and how you want updates to be delivered.

Conclusion: Build the Foundations for Long-Term Success

Whether in accountancy, finance, or recruitment, starting a job remotely doesn’t need to feel disconnected. With a structured induction, open communication, and proactive planning, both employers and new employees can build strong working relationships from day one. By investing in a smooth onboarding experience, businesses can create confident, productive teams—no matter where they’re working from.

Sharp Consultancy is a specialist finance and accountancy recruitment partner for businesses across Yorkshire and the North East Midlands. With a deep understanding of the local market and access to a network of high-calibre professionals, we help organisations secure the talent they need to succeed. If you're looking to strengthen your finance team, FILL OUT THIS FORM or give us a call (0113 236 6300 / 0114 261 1700) speak to one of our expert consultants today and find out how we can help.