Finance Interview Tips: The Do’s and Dont's for

Economic Outlook Roundtable: What Yorkshire’s Finance Leaders Are Saying About Growth, Hiring and the Road Ahead

Senior finance professionals from across Yorkshire recently joined Sharp Consultancy for an exclusive roundtable discussion featuring an economic update from Paul Mount, Economist and Deputy Agent at the Bank of England. The session provided a timely, in-depth look at the UK’s economic landscape — followed by a candid conversation about what businesses are experiencing on the ground.The picture that emerged was one of cautious realism. While official forecasts point to easing inflation and a gradual return to stability, many organisations across the region continue to navigate weak demand, rising labour costs, tightening legislation and stalled investment projects. Yet despite these pressures, there remains a strong sense of resilience and adaptability — qualities that have long defined the Yorkshire business community. At Sharp Consultancy, our specialist finance and accountancy teams speak daily to employers and professionals across commerce, industry, public practice and the not-for-profit sector. What we heard in this session closely aligns with the insight we gather from clients and candidates across the region. Below, we explore the key themes shaping business confidence, recruitment activity and the outlook for 2026. Inflation Is Easing, but Confidence Has Yet to Follow The Bank of England outlined its latest central forecast: Inflation expected to gradually return toward the 2% target. GDP growth set to remain modest but stable through 2026. Interest rates anticipated to settle around 3.5% based on market expectations. Unemployment projected to hold near 5%. However, the sentiment in the room was clear: despite improving headline numbers, confidence across most sectors remains fragile. Many organisations described the environment as “flat” — not contracting, but unable to capitalise fully on opportunities due to economic uncertainty. Sharp Consultancy continues to see this play out: businesses are stabilising rather than expanding, focusing on cash management, operational efficiency and carefully controlled hiring. Labour Costs Continue to Reshape Workforce Strategies Wage pressures were a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Employers highlighted: Significant increases to the National Living Wage. Higher employer National Insurance contributions. Expected future changes to minimum wage equalisation for younger workers. Rising cost and complexity associated with apprenticeships. These factors are pushing up costs at every level of the workforce and reshaping recruitment behaviours. Across Sharp Consultancy’s accountancy and finance divisions, we are seeing: Strong demand for replacement hires where roles are business critical. Lower volumes of growth hires, particularly in commercial and project-focused appointments. Clients increasingly prioritising candidates who bring breadth, adaptability and long-term value. Construction & Infrastructure: Capacity Under Pressure Leaders from the construction sector painted a challenging picture — one mirrored by many Sharp Consultancy clients operating across the wider built environment. Key themes included: Planning delays of 9–10 months, particularly related to the Building Safety Act. Businesses holding on to workforce capacity despite reduced margins — a strategy that may not be sustainable in 2026. Difficulty justifying new capital expenditure under IFRS when future cashflows are uncertain. Concerns that smaller subcontractors may not withstand prolonged delays or reduced demand.Yet, attendees also highlighted that construction could become a catalyst for economic recovery — provided policy reform and planning improvements unlock stalled projects. Manufacturing: Rising Costs and Shifting OperationsLeaders representing manufacturing shared concerns around: Rising energy and operational costs. Increased frequency of site closures and offshoring. Significant challenges in attracting engineering and technical talent. Early signs of contraction in several sub-sectors, with aerospace a notable exception. These pressures reinforce the growing importance of finance leaders who can model scenarios, manage volatility and guide long-term planning — roles Sharp Consultancy continues to support across the manufacturing landscape. Charity & Public Sector Organisations Facing Acute Strain For organisations reliant on local authority funding, the challenges are particularly stark. Attendees reported: Government and council funding caps. Rising NI, wage costs and VAT changes adding millions to annual budgets. Increasingly complex consultation requirements under forthcoming employment legislation. The likelihood of significant cuts to the frontline services in the months ahead.Sharp Consultancy’s continues to work closely with organisations navigating these pressures, supporting clients through restructuring, recruitment challenges and financial planning needs. Recruitment Outlook: Stability Over Expansion Across sectors, the message was consistent: 2026 is expected to be cautious, steady and focused on maintaining capability rather than expanding headcount. Attendees forecast: Workforce levels remaining broadly flat. Hiring driven by essential replacement roles. Transformation, M&A and large-scale project hiring likely to remain subdued. Improved recruitment confidence only once interest rates and policy direction stabilise. For employers, this means sharper competition for high-quality finance talent — an area where Sharp Consultancy’s specialist teams continue to provide targeted, market-led support. What Comes Next? A Slow but Steady Rebuild Despite the challenges discussed, the roundtable ended on a constructive note. Many leaders believe that once interest rates settle and stalled investment begins to move, the region could see a more meaningful upturn — potentially from 2026 onwards. Yorkshire businesses have proven time and again that they are resourceful, resilient and ready to adapt. Sharp Consultancy remains committed to supporting them through every stage — whether stabilising teams, recruiting future leaders, or navigating the next phase of growth. If you’d like to understand what these economic trends mean for your business or team, speak to our specialist consultants for a confidential market discussion. Contacts Us

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Finance Interview Tips: The Do’s and Dont's for Success

Securing your next role in accountancy and finance can hinge on how well you perform during the interview stage. From Assistant Accountant positions to Finance Director opportunities, the fundamentals of making a strong impression remain the same.

Our expert finance recruitment consultants in Leeds and Sheffield have pulled together this essential interview guide to help you stand out and put yourself firmly in pole position for your next career move.

✅ DO’s – How to Excel in Your Finance Interview

Research the Employer Thoroughly

Before attending your interview, take time to understand the organisation. Read their annual report, explore their website, and review their presence on LinkedIn and other social media platforms. For finance roles, focus on understanding their financial performance, recent mergers or acquisitions, and any industry trends affecting their sector.

A woman, an accountant, and a man, a recruitment consultant, are seated together, deep in discussion about job opportunities.

Know the Role and Recruitment Process

Understand the responsibilities of the finance position you’re interviewing for, whether it’s Management Accountant, Financial Controller, or CFO. Clarify the format of the interview and prepare for potential assessments, such as technical finance tests or psychometric evaluations.

Prepare Your CV Knowledge

Revisit your CV and the job description in detail. Be ready to discuss your experience in budgeting, forecasting, month-end reporting, or strategic finance projects, and link these to the specific requirements of the role.

Dress Professionally and Make a Positive First Impression

Appear polished and professional while staying comfortable. Strong eye contact, a confident handshake, and a natural, friendly demeanor can help establish rapport from the outset.

Show Enthusiasm and Business Value

Finance employers want candidates who are technically capable and commercially astute. Demonstrate enthusiasm for the role and explain how your skills—such as process improvements, cost savings, or system implementations—can add measurable value to their finance function.

Communicate Clearly

Give concise, well-thought-out answers to questions. Use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide structured, impactful responses, particularly when discussing achievements or challenges you’ve overcome.

❌ DON’T’s – Mistakes to Avoid

Be Negative About Past Employer

Keep your responses professional and positive. Instead of criticising, explain your motivation for seeking new opportunities, such as career progression or a desire for broader commercial exposure.

Arrive Late

Punctuality is crucial. Plan your journey in advance, particularly for interviews in city centres like Leeds or Sheffield where parking or public transport delays may occur. Aim to arrive 10 minutes early.

Scrabble letters spell "don't be late" beside an alarm clock on a bright yellow background.

Lead with Salary Discussions

Avoid raising salary or benefits until the interviewer brings it up. Finance hiring managers are more likely to progress candidates who show genuine interest in the role and business objectives rather than solely remuneration.

Provide Inaccurate Information

Honesty is essential. With our in-depth market knowledge, we know that most employers are well-informed about finance salary benchmarks. Be transparent about your current package and career history to build trust.

Hide Career Gaps

If you’ve had breaks due to studying for ACA/ACCA exams, maternity leave, or redundancy, address these openly. Demonstrate how you’ve maintained or developed your finance skills during these periods.

Appear Overconfident or Arrogant

Confidence is key, but balance it with humility and a collaborative approach. Employers value finance professionals who are capable leaders and approachable team players.

Your Finance Recruitment Partner

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAYand let's chart your career path together.