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Sharp Consultancy's Salary Survey 2025/26: Resetting the Landscape: Strategic Shifts in Finance Recruitment

​It would be remiss not to start by addressing the elephant in the room — 2024 was a challenging year.While there were many reasons for this and numerous industries were affected, recruitment likely bore the brunt of it, particularly in the 6 months post-election(s).Whilst key roles and critical hires remained unaffected, certain head counts and processes were scrutinised and investment paused with internal restructures and automation utilised to reduce costs, in some instances, at the expense of employees. We subsequently saw an increase in candidate activity, with the talent pool strengthening. As those pressures eased in Quarter 4, recruitment processes saw improvement and green shoots have emerged. Optimism is on the rise in key hiring processes, albeit with a caveat. The cloud of additional cost increases in April, which is still dissipating. The senior finance and C-Suite market remains relatively unaffected, both regarding opportunities and candidates, it is the levels below that we have seen more change. In the evolving landscape of working dynamics, the volume of hybrid working is gradually waning despite sustained interest from candidates, presenting fewer job opportunities. While the blend of office and remote work remains desirable, it is no longer the predominant factor, indicating a notable shift in priorities for clients and candidates’ acceptance alike. Conversations with candidates underscore a growing desire around the importance of having a supportive mentor or manager and many professionals are increasingly open to a full-time return to the office if it guarantees enhanced guidance and avenues for professional advancement. "The salaries throughout transactional finance have stabilised across the region."Throughout the professional practice market, some similar trends have been observed but there have been noticeable differences in the past year. Salaries across the range of candidates in professional practice, from AAT to fully Qualified (ACA/ACCA) individuals are still rising and those firm’s able to offer competitive salaries alongside stronger training contracts are beating out the competition in a candidate market with a growing focus on study support packages and career advancement opportunities for Part-Qualified candidates, indicating an increase in demand from employers and the volume of available job seekers. The salaries throughout transactional finance have stabilised across the region, in what feels like the longest period of stability seen since Q4 2020 and we expect transactional finance salaries to remain stable throughout 2025/26, with anticipated salary increments to be moderate compared to the significant increases observed throughout the last 2 years. AI & Systems (process automation) continues to impact accountancy and finance, in particular, across larger functions but this has increased the need for wider interim support to assist with the transition and implementation especially with large, automated processes. Whilst 2025-26 will not be the same marketplace for recruitment as seen in previous years, there is certainly a growing level of optimism and whilst a more settled market may be seen as a negative in some areas, for those that have weathered the peaks and troughs over a longer period of time, it will feel very normal and a strong setting for both employees and employers to take advantage and thrive, with an increasing emphasis on growth and development.Download the full Salary Survey here!

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​Sharp Consultancy Salary Survey 2025/26: A Comprehensive Look at the Year Ahead in Finance Recruitment

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We are pleased to unveil our Salary Survey 2025/26, offering an essential guide to the financial recruitment market across Yorkshire and the North of England. Now in its latest edition, the survey continues to provide a vital benchmarking tool for employers and professionals alike, based on real market data and insights gathered directly from the regions finance professionals.

With over 30 years of experience in accountancy and finance recruitment, Sharp Consultancy has long been recognised as a trusted partner in the region. This year’s survey reflects not only on salary levels but dives deeper into the evolving motivations, expectations, and challenges facing today’s finance workforce.

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Key Findings from This Year’s Survey:

  • 💼 Salary & Hiring Trends: After several years of volatility, salaries across transactional and part-qualified finance roles have stabilised, signalling a more balanced market. Senior roles continue to command competitive packages, particularly in Finance Director and CFO appointments, where demand remains strong across both the SME and PLC landscapes.

  • 🤵 Candidate Sentiment: Over half of professionals surveyed are open to new opportunities, whether actively searching or passively open to the right offer. Unsurprisingly, the top reasons for moving include improved salary and benefits, better work-life balance, and clearer career progression.

  • 🏡 Workplace Preferences: Hybrid working remains a key benefit, with over 80% of respondents stating it influences their decision to join or stay with a company. Interestingly, many are willing to return to the office full-time if it comes with strong mentorship and professional development.

  • 📊 Interim & Fractional Roles on the Rise: Interim professionals, particularly those with experience in FP&A, system implementations, and business transformation, are in high demand. A growing trend is the emergence of the “Fractional CFO” – a strategic solution for SMEs seeking senior finance expertise without the commitment of a full-time hire.

  • 📉 Economic Sentiment: While 2024 presented its fair share of challenges, notably during the post-election period, there is cautious optimism for the year ahead. Employers are still hiring – especially for business-critical roles – but with a sharper focus on ROI and long-term strategic value.

Why This Matters

Whether you’re looking to hire, benchmarking your own salary, or considering your next move, the Sharp Consultancy Salary Survey 2025/26 is your go-to resource for navigating the finance recruitment landscape. It reflects the real-world experiences of candidates and employers, backed by our on-the-ground knowledge across Leeds, Sheffield, and beyond.

Download the Salary Survey

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To discuss how these findings apply to your business or career, contact one of our expert consultants today.