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Lessons in Leadership: What It Takes to Be a Future CFO

​Last Thursday we had the pleasure of hosting an insightful and inspirational Future CFO-focused event, where we explored their experiences and journeys. ​All attendees had the privilege of hearing from three fantastic senior finance leaders - Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright and James Wenninger, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by their own career journeys — with the consensus across all speakers and focus of: driving meaningful, strategic value across their organisations. ​Each leader shared personal experiences of navigating challenges, leading transformation, and elevating the role of finance from a back-office function to a true business partner and value creator. ​Each speaker offered valuable perspectives, and several key takeaways stood out: Build a team that compliments you : Great leadership means recognising and embracing the skills you don’t have. All three CFOs emphasised the strength of surrounding themselves with good people and team members whose strengths contrast their own — creating well-rounded, agile finance functions. Embrace the unknown with confidence: Whether navigating new industries, acquisitions, or rapid change, one message was clear: lean into the uncertainty and trust your ability to adapt. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Blend experience from big & small companies : The synergy of experience from both large-scale corporations and nimble, fast-paced environments is invaluable. The ability to scale thinking and apply structured processes in leaner settings was a recurring theme. Identify and align with key business needs : Strategic finance leaders go beyond numbers. They seek out synergies and align with business-specific needs — from systems integration to cultural alignment — to ensure long-term value add. Own your decisions…fully! : True ownership means standing by your decisions and being accountable for their outcomes. Openly discussed and demonstrated how conviction and responsibility can elevate leadership and trust across the organisation with a wider impact! ​A huge thank you again to Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright & James Wenninger who were incredible speakers and all who contributed to making this event a success. It was a timely reminder of the evolving, multi-dimensional role of today’s Finance leaders. ​Huge thanks as well to all attendees for bringing openness in their points / questions , and energy to the room. Looking forward already to next year!​To hear about future events, contact Jack Curtis!​

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How Long Is Too Long in One Job? What Employers Really Think

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It’s a classic career dilemma: How long is too long to stay with the same employer? While loyalty and commitment are generally seen as positive traits, remaining in the same job for many years can sometimes raise red flags with potential employers.

At Sharp Consultancy, we frequently support finance and accountancy professionals across Yorkshire and the North of England who are navigating career moves after long tenures. Here's how to approach this topic with confidence and turn your loyalty into a strength during the interview process.

The Double-Edged Sword of Long Tenure

Hiring managers value candidates who are loyal, reliable and committed—but they may also question why you haven’t pursued new opportunities. Concerns could include:

  • Are you too expensive due to incremental pay rises over time?

  • Do you lack ambition or drive?

  • Are you resistant to change or new ways of working?

    white cartoon figure man walking up a 'career ladder'
  • Can you adapt to a new company culture or team environment?

If you’ve stayed with one employer for an extended period, it’s essential to shape the narrative around your career progression, relationship-building skills, and professional development.

1. Highlight Your Career Progression

Just because you've remained with one company doesn’t mean your role has stayed the same. In fact, long service often provides greater opportunities for growth and responsibility.

Be prepared to show how you’ve:

  • Progressed from one role to another (e.g. from Management Accountant to Finance Manager)

  • Taken on additional responsibilities and leadership roles

  • Contributed to business growth, team expansion, or strategic changes

These are valuable experiences that demonstrate you are capable of evolving and thriving in different circumstances.

2. Demonstrate Strong Relationship Building

Long tenures often mean deep-rooted professional relationships—both internally and externally.

Emphasise your ability to:

  • Build long-term professional relationships

  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams

  • Maintain and expand valuable networks in the industry

Strong relationship-building is a crucial skill in finance roles, particularly for positions such as Finance Director, Financial Controller, and Commercial Accountant.

3. Tackle the Salary Question Tactfully

One concern employers may have is that a long-serving candidate might be either:

  • Overpaid, making them unaffordable for a new role

  • Underpaid, raising questions about their perceived value or negotiation skills

Explain any regular salary increases you’ve received in the context of performance and promotion. If you believe you’re underpaid, ensure you have well-reasoned, market-informed justifications for your desired compensation—consider using tools like our Sharp Consultancy Salary Survey to benchmark your worth.

4. Share Your Aspirations and Career Goals

Employers want people who are motivated and aligned with their company's vision. Show that, even while staying in one role or company, you have continually set and met personal career goals.

Explain:

  • What your long-term aspirations are

  • Why now is the right time to seek a new opportunity

  • How the new role aligns with your career trajectory

Demonstrating ambition is particularly important when applying for leadership finance roles.

Reframe Loyalty as Strategic Stability

Instead of viewing a long tenure as a negative, frame it as a demonstration of:

  • Resilience in a challenging economic or sector environment

  • Loyalty to a company that provided career growth

  • Commitment to team success and long-term project outcomes

Employers are increasingly aware of the value of experienced professionals who bring institutional knowledge, strategic thinking, and long-term planning capability to the table.

Ready for a New Opportunity? Let’s Talk

At Sharp Consultancy, we’ve helped thousands of professionals in accountancy and finance make their next move—whether it’s after 2 years or 20. Our expert consultants specialise in placing candidates in temporary, interim, and permanent roles across Yorkshire and the North.

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAYand let's chart your career path together.