When is the Right Time to Moves Jobs | Sharp

Jordan Motlib: Behind the Desk

In this edition of Behind the Desk, we sit down with Jordan Motlib, who joined Sharp Consultancy earlier this year after building his experience in FinTech recruitment. Now working across the qualified finance market, Jordan brings a fresh perspective shaped by his background in financial technology and his journalism degree — both of which have helped him develop the communication and relationship-building skills that are central to successful recruitment. Since joining the team, Jordan has quickly adapted to the finance and accountancy recruitment market, developing the technical knowledge needed to support both clients and candidates with confidence. In this interview, he shares his journey into recruitment, the lessons he’s learned so far, and the qualities he believes make finance professionals truly stand out in today’s market. Understanding the Journey: Personal Insights and Inspirations You joined Sharp Consultancy in early 2026 after several years in FinTech recruitment — what attracted you to moving into finance and accountancy recruitment? Moving from FinTech into accountancy recruitment felt like a natural progression, given both sit under the wider finance umbrella. Sharp also stood out to me because of its strong reputation in the market and the depth of relationships the business has built over time. Looking back, how would you describe the journey from university into recruitment? It’s definitely been a fast-paced and steep learning curve but certainly a rewarding one. A big part of my journalism degree was building rapport quickly which is a key transferrable skill that any recruiter needs. What’s been the biggest learning or adjustment since joining Sharp and working in this market? Definitely gaining a deeper understanding of the finance and accountancy landscape, particularly the different qualification routes. I have realised this is a market, more so than others, where credibility and knowledge are so important. Learning about the technical aspects has enabled me to be in a position where I am able to offer genuine insightful advice to both clients and candidates. Industry Perspective: Lessons and Approaches in Recruitment You work with qualified, newly qualified, and qualified-by-experience professionals — what qualities do you think make candidates stand out in today’s market? Technical ability is obviously important, but what really makes a candidate stand out is their attitude and mindset. Employers want people who are commercially aware and are proactive. My most recent interviews and placements have all been with candidates who are ambitious and looking to develop – if you can get this across in interviews you will do well. What advice do you find yourself giving candidates most often during their job search? You have to look at the bigger picture. Salary is obviously an important part of any job search, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of other key factors such as career progression, the people you’ll be working with, and the overall culture of the business. I’ve seen situations where someone moves for a slightly higher salary, only to be looking again 12 months later because there’s limited opportunity to develop or the environment isn’t the right fit. In my experience, candidates who take the time to think about where a role could take them in the long term, rather than focusing purely on the immediate offer, tend to be the ones who are happiest and most successful in their careers. Building strong relationships is a big part of your approach — what do you think makes a recruiter genuinely valuable to both clients and candidates? I think trust and honesty. A good recruiter should understand what candidates and clients are looking for, but what makes them truly valuable is the ability to give constructive feedback and provide deeper insight to the market. Being transparent and giving honest feedback makes the process so much more effective for everyone involved. Ultimately, the goal is to build relationships that go beyond just one placement and whilst that may sound cliché it’s genuinely at the forefront of how I operate. Fun and Light-hearted Rugby, football, cricket, golf — safe to say you’re a sports fan! If you had to pick one sport to play forever, which would win? Definitely golf. I do still play rugby and football but it’s definitely a lot more painful the next day. At least with golf I can play at my own pace and enjoy the 19th hole. What’s your ideal way to spend a day off? I love getting out to the Peaks whenever I can. There are loads of good walks and pubs to finish at. If you could watch any sporting event live anywhere in the world, what would be top of your list and why? It’s a toss up between day 4 of the Masters or the Boxing Day test at the MCG. But because of England’s terrible record in Australia, I’ll stick with the Masters. Whether he’s advising candidates on their next career move or supporting clients in finding the right addition to their team, Jordan is focused on building long-term relationships based on trust, transparency, and genuine insight. As he continues to grow his presence within the qualified finance market, his people-first approach and commitment to understanding the bigger picture will no doubt make a lasting impact across Yorkshire. We’re pleased to welcome Jordan to the team and look forward to seeing him progress. -- As Sharp Consultancy, we are committed to giving recruiters the support and platform they need to develop their careers — and we’re always open to conversations with those considering their next move. Get in touch if you’d like to find out more about Careers at Sharp.

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Deciding to look for a new role is a significant step in any accountancy and finance career.

For some, the decision is clear — but for many, it can take months, even years, to fully commit to making a move.

Whether you’re a Management Accountant, Finance Manager or Financial Controller, it’s important to take a step back and understand what’s really driving your thinking before you begin your job search.

Are you becoming too comfortable?

A man with a beard at his desk, appearing relaxed and too comfortable during work hours.

In many finance roles, it’s easy to settle into a position where you know the processes, systems and expectations inside out. While this can bring stability, it can also lead to a lack of challenge and progression.

If you’re no longer developing new skills, gaining exposure to different areas of the business or feeling engaged in your work, it may be a sign that your role is no longer aligned with your long-term career goals.

Are you holding back due to uncertainty?

Even when you know you’re ready for the next step, fear of making the wrong move can be a barrier. This is particularly common in accountancy and finance, where career progression is often carefully planned.

Speaking to a specialist recruiter with expertise in the finance market can help you understand what opportunities are available and how your experience aligns with current demand. This can give you clarity and confidence before making any decisions.

Is loyalty influencing your decision?

Loyalty to your employer and colleagues is a positive quality, and many finance professionals stay in roles because of the relationships they’ve built. However, it’s important to balance this with your own career development.

If progression opportunities are limited or no longer aligned with your ambitions, staying purely out of loyalty may hold you back in the long term.

The word "change" formed from wooden blocks on a black background, symbolising career transitions.

Do you need a change of role or a change of environment?

Before making a move, it’s important to identify what’s driving your dissatisfaction. Is it the role itself — for example, limited exposure to commercial finance, reporting or leadership responsibilities — or is it the organisation, culture or team?

Understanding this distinction will help you make a more informed decision and target opportunities that better suit your goals, whether that’s a broader role, a more strategic position or a different sector.

Do you have time to job search effectively?

Searching for a new finance role can be time-consuming, particularly when balancing demanding workloads such as month-end, audit or project deadlines.

Working with a specialist accountancy and finance recruitment consultancy can streamline the process. They can act as a trusted intermediary, providing access to relevant opportunities, managing applications and offering guidance throughout the process.

Are you worried about rejection?

It’s natural to feel hesitant about applying for new roles, especially if you’ve been in your current position for some time. However, preparation is key.

Researching the role, understanding the business and preparing structured examples of your experience — particularly around achievements, process improvements and commercial impact — will help you approach interviews with confidence. Remember, interviews are a two-way process; they are as much about you assessing the opportunity as they are about the employer assessing you.

Taking the next step

A glowing yellow light bulb rests on wooden blocks, representing inspiration and the next steps in your career.

If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to move, an informal and confidential conversation with a specialist recruiter can be invaluable. Gaining insight into the market, salary expectations and available opportunities can help you make a more informed decision about your next move.

At Sharp Consultancy, we specialise exclusively in the recruitment of accountancy and finance professionals across Yorkshire and beyond. From transactional and part-qualified roles through to senior finance leadership and executive appointments, we support candidates at every stage of their career.

With offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our experienced consultants provide tailored advice, market insight and access to opportunities across permanent, interim and temporary roles.

If you’re considering your next move in accountancy and finance, contact us for a confidential discussion.