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The Power of Togetherness in Recruitment

​​At Sharp Consultancy, recruitment is about much more than filling job roles. It is about bringing people together, building lasting relationships, and creating opportunities where businesses and individuals can thrive. That's why one of our core values, Togetherness, is at the heart of everything we do. ​Successful recruitment isn't simply about matching a CV to a job description. It's about understanding people, their ambitions, and the culture of the organisations they will become a part of. That's why we meet with both clients and candidates alike, taking the time to get to know them, understand what they're looking for, and ensure we achieve the perfect match. We work closely with everyone involved to understand what success looks like from both perspectives. By working together, we create stronger matches that benefit businesses, employees, and teams for the long term.​Togetherness means investing in relationships For our clients, this means becoming a trusted recruitment partner who understands their business, challenges, and future goals. We don't just recruit for today's vacancy, we help build a team that aligns with your values and ambitions. For our candidates, it means providing honest advice, guidance, and support throughout their career journey. Whether someone is looking for their first opportunity, career progression, or a complete change of direction, we're there every step of the way. ​The best recruitment decisions happen through collaboration We believe open communication, transparency, and shared goals lead to better hiring decisions. By encouraging honest conversations between employers, candidates, and our recruitment consultants, we create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. When people work together, better decisions follow. ​Togetherness doesn't stop once a placement has been made At Sharp Consultancy, we continue to support our clients as their businesses evolve. From workforce planning to recruitment strategy and talent advice, we're committed to building long-term partnerships that grow alongside our clients. ​​Creating Opportunities for People Every placement represents more than a job. It's a new chapter in someone's career, a fresh opportunity for a business, and the beginning of new working relationships. We never lose sight of the impact recruitment has on people's lives. By treating every candidate with respect and every client as a valued partner, we create experiences built on trust, professionalism, and mutual success. ​Togetherness is more than one of our values, it’s how we work every day It's reflected in every conversation, every recommendation, and every successful placement we make. We believe recruitment works best when it's built on collaboration, trust, and genuine relationships. At Sharp Consultancy, we're proud to bring people together, helping businesses find exceptional talent while supporting individuals to achieve their goals. ​​

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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.