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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. ​

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Beating the Sunday Night Feeling: Resetting Your Mindset in Accountancy & Finance

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Many finance professionals will recognise the feeling...

Sunday evening arrives and, instead of feeling refreshed for the week ahead, motivation dips. Whether you work in management accounts, financial analysis, audit, or a senior finance leadership role, periods of low motivation are common in demanding, deadline-driven environments.

The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to reset your mindset and regain focus.

What Are You Working Towards?

A note about Monday pinned to a blue board, surrounded by sad face illustrations, representing the Monday blues.

One of the most common reasons motivation slips is a lack of clarity around career direction. In accountancy and finance, progression can sometimes feel slow or unclear, particularly if you’ve been in the same role for a number of years.

Take time to think about what you’re aiming for next. Is it a promotion within your current organisation? More commercial exposure? A move into a new sector or a role with greater leadership responsibility?

Having clear career goals makes it easier to stay motivated and identify the development steps required. If you enjoy your current organisation, consider speaking to your manager about ways to broaden your experience — whether through new projects, systems improvements or mentoring opportunities.

Understand the Root Cause

It’s important to identify why you’re feeling disengaged. Ask yourself:

  • Has something recently changed at work?

  • Are workloads heavier due to team changes or business growth?

  • Do you feel under-challenged or lacking progression?

  • Are relationships within the team affecting your motivation?

In finance teams, pressures such as month-end reporting, audit deadlines or staffing gaps can quickly impact morale. Understanding whether the issue is role-specific, environment-related, or simply a temporary period of pressure will help you decide your next steps.

A woman appears frustrated at work, seated at a table filled with books and papers, reflecting her stress.

Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

If something isn’t working, addressing it early can make a big difference. Whether it’s workload pressures, unclear expectations, or team dynamics, open and professional communication with your manager can help identify practical solutions.

Many businesses are open to adjusting responsibilities, redistributing workloads or supporting development — but they can only do so if they understand the issue.

Reassess Your Work–Life Balance

Work-life balance remains a key priority for many accountancy and finance professionals. Hybrid and flexible working have brought benefits, but they can also blur the boundaries between work and personal time, making it harder to switch off — particularly during busy reporting periods.

Take a step back and ask yourself:

  • Are you consistently working beyond expected hours?

  • Do you find it hard to disconnect at the end of the day?

  • Would a different working arrangement improve your wellbeing?

If so, consider discussing flexible options with your employer or reviewing how you structure your day to create clearer boundaries.

Laptop displaying a yin yang logo, symbolising the concept of work-life balance.

When It Might Be Time for a Change​

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, motivation issues can signal that you’re ready for a new challenge. A fresh environment, new responsibilities or improved progression opportunities can reignite enthusiasm and help you develop your career further.

At Sharp Consultancy, we specialise in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our experienced consultants work with candidates across Yorkshire and beyond, helping them take positive next steps in their careers.

Contact us today to discuss your career goals and explore new opportunities in accountancy and finance.