TOP TIPS WHEN RELOCATING FOR WORK

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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There are many reasons why candidates may find themselves considering a relocation move when it comes to their career; from seizing a great advancement opportunity to moving because of a partner’s career, any move to a new part of the country is an exciting, yet potentially daunting time.

If you are considering such a move, here is our advice on the key things to consider:

Research: Make sure that you thoroughly research all that you can about the area that you are potentially looking to move to. If it is a completely new area, consider everything from house prices to schools, socialising to what is available in the surrounding areas. Ask friends and family for their experiences if it is somewhere that is familiar to them and research clubs and forums connected to your hobbies and interests to see if it is somewhere you can build a life for yourself outside of work.

Cost of living: Establish whether there will be any difference in house prices and your cost of living in your chosen location and factor this in when weighing up any job offers. Remember to include any costs associated with moving and home improvements as well as day to day expenses such as commuting. Consider whether you will look to rent somewhere first to get a feel for the area before committing to a house purchase.

Career prospects: Will the move help you achieve your longer-term career prospects? If things don’t work out, what other potential opportunities are there within your sector in that area?

Ask for help: If you have been offered the opportunity to relocate to a new area with your present company, find out what support they can offer to help with the move. Not only may they provide some financial assistance, but they can also put you in touch with future colleagues who can give advice on the best areas for property, school and things to do in your new location.

Friends and family: Is the move one which will take you several hours away from your friends, family and support network? How often will you be able to get back to visit or how feasible will it be for relatives to come and stay? Will you need to consider alternative childcare options?

Quality of life: Will the move give you a better quality of life? Are there more opportunities to pursue your interests outside of work as well as the chance to advance your career? Could the move bring you closer to friends and family?

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today for expert advice on your next career move.