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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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I have an interview coming up and whilst I’m confident when it comes to discussing my career history and what I can bring to the role, I dread the end of the interview when I’m asked if I have any questions; my mind just goes blank! What questions should I be asking?

This is a very common stumbling block and can throw even the most confident interviewee off course. The key lies very much in your ability to prepare well in advance and be ready when the time comes for the interviewer to be the interviewee.

You have been so determined to deliver clear and concise answers throughout the interview which demonstrate your skills and ability for the role that is can be tricky to then change your focus and consider if there is anything more about the company or the position that you would like to know.

However, by approaching this potential question with same consideration and preparation as you have done for the rest of the interview you will be able to cement your future employer’s opinion that you are the ideal candidate for the job.

It is probably very likely that there are dozens of questions running through your mind which you are keen to find out the answers to – “what would my holiday entitlement be?” or “is there a bonus scheme? – but try and put yourself in the shoes of the interviewer and ask yourself how you would react if faced with these types of questions as a candidate.

Employers could possibly look less favourably upon candidates who appear to be more interested in the pay and benefits associated with the role rather than displaying an enthusiasm about the company or the position itself.

Instead, you should look to ask insightful questions; you want to be asking something which demonstrates that you have done your research into the role beforehand, allows you a further opportunity to show you have valuable skills and experience or perhaps gives the impression that you are starting to picture how you would fit into the company structure should you be successful in landing the job.

Of course, there are many areas that could have already been covered during the interview itself you do have to remain nimble so that you don’t ask a question about something which has already been discussed in depth. If is worth having a few well-prepared questions ready that you can call upon, particularly if they can then lead to a further discussion or possible opportunity for you to give another insight into why you are the best candidate for the role; some examples include:

1.What do you enjoy about working here?

2.What is the company looking to achieve over the coming year / in the next five years?

3.What would a typical day be like for the person you appoint to the role?

4.What is the biggest challenge currently facing the company?

5.What can you tell me about the team / department that I would be joining?

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals across the full spectrum of roles. 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.

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