Celebrating National Careers Week - Eleanor Kirk,

Sharp Consultancy’s Salary Survey 2026/27: Finding the Best Talent in a Competitive Yorkshire Finance Market

Over the past 12 months, the Yorkshire finance and accountancy employment market has entered a relatively stable period following several years of volatility and rapid salary inflation.Hiring activity remains consistent across most finance disciplines, however employers are adopting a more cautious and measured approach to permanent recruitment, likely borne from the economic uncertainty businesses are navigating. As a result, there has been a wider increase across interim hires and salary movement has become more controlled with recruitment processes taking longer than in previous years. Despite this stabilisation, skills shortages continue to be a defining feature of the market. This is particularly evident between the qualified and senior level, where replacement hiring in key roles continues to exceed the available candidate pool and the data reflected in this salary survey aligns closely with what we are seeing daily across the Yorkshire finance market. While hiring volumes have levelled out, the underlying challenge remains unchanged: demand for high-quality finance professionals continues to outweigh supply. What the data does not always fully capture, but we have seen consistently across the market, is the increasing complexity behind each hire. Employers are no longer simply recruiting for technical capability; they are seeking finance professionals who can influence, adapt and add value, often in uncertain trading conditions. This has resulted in longer recruitment timelines, narrower shortlists and a growing reliance on trusted market insight to secure the right individuals. Across the candidate market we are seeing a more selective approach to new opportunities. Job seekers are making increasingly considered career decisions, weighing role scope, leadership quality, flexibility and long-term opportunity alongside salary. Many of the strongest candidates are not actively applying for roles, which means traditional, employer led recruitment strategies are no longer sufficient. Employers are no longer simply recruiting for technical capability; they are seeking finance professionals who can influence, adapt and add value, often in uncertain trading conditions.This is where a relationship-driven recruitment partner becomes vital. At Sharp Consultancy, and through our work with our executive division - The CFO Partnership - our long-standing relationships across the South Yorkshire finance community allow us to engage with high-performing talent that is not always visible to the wider market. Our understanding of both client environments and individual career motivations enables us to make introductions that are aligned not just on skills, but on culture, ambition and long-term fit. In a market where salary growth is increasingly controlled and competition for talent remains intense, our ability to advise, challenge and guide both clients and candidates is vital. Recruitment partnerships built on trust, transparency and deep market knowledge are what ultimately ensure the best outcomes - securing the right talent for our clients, and the right opportunities for the candidates we represent.

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This week mark’s National Careers Week (NCW) , an annual event that aims to provide young people in various educational and organisational settings with career guidance and support.

To honour NCW, we are putting a spotlight on employees who started working for us in a University Graduate capacity to demonstrate how rewarding a career in recruitment can be for graduates and young people, as well as the valuable experience they can gain.

Eleanor is one of our newest hires here at Sharp Consultancy. She has been a great addition to the team and has quickly adapted to the work environment. She is already contributing to the success of the business with her skills and enthusiasm.

Continue reading to learn more about her perspective on being part of our team...

What were you doing before you worked for Sharp Consultancy?

I started at Sharp almost straight after university. I did a BA in History at the University of Leeds, which I completed in June 2023. I spent a few weeks working in a school before travelling a little bit over the summer and started at Sharp in October.

How did you first connect with Sharp Consultancy?

I was first put in touch by a Rec2Rec (recruiting candidates to work in recruitment). I’d been looking at various roles in recruitment via LinkedIn mainly, and they contacted me from there.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a career at Sharp Consultancy?

I was interested in working in recruitment prior to hearing about Sharp, but once I’d met with Andy and Jamie, and gotten a greater understanding of what Sharp are all about and the way that they work I quite quickly realised that this was somewhere I could see myself working and enjoying what I do.

What do you enjoy most about working in recruitment?

I’d have to say that it’s the different people I get to speak to and try and help every day. I really enjoy talking to people about their experiences, both professionally and personally and like building those relationships with candidates.

What is the most valuable thing working here has taught you?

I feel like I’ve learned so much in the relatively short time I’ve been here but the most valuable thing is probably the importance of perseverance. It’s so important that you can work through and push past setbacks or problems, no matter how big or small as the next big win is always round the corner if you keep going.

What is one piece of advice would you pass on to any person trying to start a career in recruitment?

I’d have to say that confidence is key. It helps in so many different ways – with building relationships, thinking on your feet and working through testing situations to find the solution.

Are you interested in working as a recruiter? We would love to hear from you and discuss the opportunities to become part of our team.

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.