ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS.....IS A NEW JOB

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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If a new role is top of your wish list this Christmas, here are our sure-fire ways to make sure that your CV sparkles and that your career dreams really do come true this festive season.

“He’s making a list”

Spend some time researching the current job market to ensure that your CV stands you in the best possible position for the role that you want. By checking out the job descriptions for roles being advertised you will be able to see what skills and attributes are in demand from employer and can start listing your experience accordingly. Make sure to include your current role and spend some time detailing any newly acquired qualifications information on the impact you have had in your present position.

“He’s checking it twice”

When was the last time you took a look at your CV? More than likely it will have been just before you secured your current role so there will be some updating that will be needed to ensure your latest achievements and any additional responsibilities you have undertaken are included. Even if you have brushed up your CV on a regular basis, it is important to give it a thorough read through to make sure there are no spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.

“He’s going to find out who’s naughty and nice”

Review your references and check that those you have listed are happy to continue to be included and update any details such as job roles and contact details. Remember that most would-be employers will want to speak with your current employer once they have offered you the role.

“Santa Claus is coming to town”

As well as adding in new information, it is just as important to edit and remove any details which are no longer relevant. Your CV has to give the best possible impression of you but keep it succinct and use it as an opportunity to really consider which elements of your previous roles are going to be most valuable as you move forward in the next step of your career.

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 US today to discuss your recruitment needs with a member of our team.