How to Negotiate a Pay Rise in Accountancy &

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.

Read article

Talking about money can feel uncomfortable, but if you believe you are due a salary increase, it’s important to approach the conversation with preparation, confidence, and professionalism...

In the finance and accountancy profession, where attention to detail and evidence-based decision-making are highly valued, the same principles apply when building your case for a pay rise.

Do Your Research

A team of business people reviews charts and graphs during a discussion about negotiating salary increases.

Before speaking with your manager, make sure you understand your market value. Look at salary surveys, benchmarking data, and industry insights to see what professionals in similar roles — such as Management Accountant, Financial Controller, or Finance Analyst — are currently earning in your region. At Sharp Consultancy, we publish an annual salary survey across Yorkshire, which provides a reliable guide to current trends.

Keep in mind that salary ranges are influenced by factors such as experience, qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA), and location. For example, finance professionals in Leeds may command slightly different salaries than those in Sheffield or surrounding areas.

Consider the Wider Business Context

Your employer’s current financial position will also influence their ability to increase salaries. If the business has recently secured new contracts or is experiencing strong growth, the timing may be right. However, if your sector is under pressure, or the company has faced setbacks, there may be less flexibility. Aim to book a dedicated meeting to discuss your salary rather than raising it informally — this shows professionalism and ensures the focus is fully on your request.

Business individuals engaged in a pay rise negotiation, featuring a speech bubble on a striking purple backdrop.

Build a Strong Case

When negotiating, it’s not enough to simply say you deserve more — you need to demonstrate your value. Think about:

Added responsibilities – Have you taken on team management, project leadership, or extra reporting duties?
Measurable contributions – Can you highlight cost savings, efficiency improvements, or commercial insights you’ve delivered?
Professional development – Have you recently completed exams, gained new qualifications, or upskilled in systems like Excel, SAP, or Sage?
In-demand skills – Are you bringing expertise in areas such as business partnering, data analysis, or regulatory reporting that is scarce in the market?

Clear examples with measurable outcomes will strengthen your argument.

Be Clear on Your Expectations

Go into the discussion with a realistic figure in mind. Avoid inflating your expectations with the idea of negotiating down — if the number is too high, you risk shutting down the conversation before it starts. Instead, explain why your chosen figure is appropriate based on your performance, responsibilities, and market research.

It’s also worth highlighting how you plan to continue contributing to the business moving forward — for example, supporting growth plans, developing junior staff, or improving financial reporting.

A man in a suit holds a wooden block featuring a person, symbolising collaboration and meeting in the middle.

If the Answer is “Not Yet”

Not every request will result in an immediate pay rise. If your manager says no, don’t issue ultimatums. Instead, ask what steps you can take to secure an increase in the future, and request a follow-up review in a few months. This keeps the conversation constructive and shows commitment to your role.

If, however, you feel your progression opportunities or salary expectations cannot be met, it may be the right time to explore new opportunities in the market.

Partner with Sharp Consultancy

At Sharp Consultancy, we specialise in the recruitment of temporary, interim, and permanent finance and accountancy professionals across Yorkshire and the North of England. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our highly experienced consultants have expert knowledge of market salaries and career progression opportunities, helping candidates negotiate their worth or find a new role where they feel valued.

📩 Contact us today for tailored career advice or to discuss your next move.

How to Negotiate a Pay Rise in Accountancy & Finance