​HANDING IN YOUR NOTICE

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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Congratulations – you’ve just secured a new role! Take a look at our advice on how to hand in your notice to ensure that you leave your current employer in the most professional way.

Firstly, you are likely to be excited about the new opportunity that awaits you however, make sure that you have received a formal job offer and a copy of your contract before you speak to your current manager.

Depending upon the size of the organisation you are currently working in, there may be a very clear procedure that you need to follow.

Whilst your resignation will need to be put in writing, you will more than likely need to request a meeting to tell your manager in person beforehand. Your resignation letter should be addressed to whomever you directly report to and, even if you have a less formal relationship with your line manager, this correspondence should remain factual and business-like.

Your letter of resignation should be given to your line manager during your meeting, keeping a copy for your own records.

There are some key points that your resignation letter should address and it is important that you check any specific terms and conditions of your contract before penning your notice. These include the date, a brief outline of your intention to leave your role and, based upon your required notice period, your expected last date of employment.

It is important that you remain professional, and you shouldn’t tell others in the organisation of your intention to leave before you have had the opportunity to speak with your line manager. You should also both agree how and when other team members will be informed and what plans need to be put in place to communicate the news to any clients, customers or suppliers that you deal with as part of your role.

Generally, it is not necessary to include your reasons for leaving within your resignation letter although these may be highlighted during the conversation with your line manager. You may also have the opportunity to partake in an exit interview; in both cases it is worth remembering that it is important to maintain good relationships for the remainder of your time work there – any beyond – and whilst you should be able to speak about why you have come to your decision you should always convey these constructively and professionally.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today and see how we can help.