FRS 102 Revised Seminar Brings South Yorkshire Finance Leaders Together
In collaboration with Shorts Chartered Accountants, we recently hosted a seminar for senior finance professionals from across the region.The event brought together a number of Finance Directors, Financial Controllers and senior leaders from across the region for a morning of insight, discussion and networking over breakfast. It was a pleasure to welcome so many familiar faces, alongside new contacts, reflecting the strength and depth of the Yorkshire finance community. The seminar was presented by Howard Freeman, Audit & Accounts Partner, and Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts. We are extremely grateful to both speakers for sharing their time and expertise, and for delivering a clear, practical overview of the forthcoming changes to FRS 102, which came into effect on 1 January 2026 and are expected to impact a significant number of UK businesses. The session explored what is changing and why, particularly in relation to lease accounting and revenue recognition, and considered what the updates mean in practice for finance teams and business leaders. The speakers also addressed the new reporting requirements under FRS 102, the potential impact on EBITDA and valuation methodologies, and the key considerations for organisations as they prepare for implementation. Rather than focusing purely on technical detail, the seminar encouraged broader discussion around readiness, communication with stakeholders and the commercial implications of the changes. This led to a highly engaged Q&A session, with attendees sharing perspectives and experiences from their own organisations. At Sharp Consultancy, we are committed to supporting the finance community beyond recruitment alone. Events such as this form part of our ongoing effort to create opportunities for connection, knowledge-sharing and professional development among senior finance professionals. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Shorts for partnering with us on this event, and in particular to Howard and Andy for delivering such an informative and thought-provoking session. We are also grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. We look forward to hosting further events in the coming months and continuing to work closely with our network of finance leaders across the region.If you would like to discuss how these changes may impact your finance team, or if you are considering strengthening your leadership function, please contact us for a confidential conversation.
Historically, the best finance professionals have not only been in high demand but have also had increasingly high expectations — and in today’s competitive South Yorkshire finance market, that reality is truer than ever.
For over 33 years, Sharp Consultancy has been working closely with businesses across Sheffield, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Barnsley. In that time, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the landscape of finance recruitment has evolved. When it comes to attracting and securing top-tier finance talent, we know what works — and, perhaps more importantly, what doesn’t.
Local Reputation Matters More Than Ever
In South Yorkshire especially, local reputation counts. Candidates talk, and businesses talk. The region’s finance community is tightly knit, and news travels fast — both good and bad. Employers who invest in building a strong, authentic brand that reflects real employee experiences tend to win out.
That means it’s not enough to simply advertise a competitive salary or an attractive job title. Modern candidates want to understand what life inside your business looks like — the day-to-day culture, the leadership style, and the opportunities for growth. Visibility through employee stories, community engagement, and transparent communication all help to create a reputation that draws people in rather than pushes them away.
What Candidates Want in Today’s Market
In 2026, the expectations of finance professionals have broadened significantly, particularly at the qualified level. While salary remains important, it’s no longer the sole deciding factor. In fact, some of the best offers we see accepted each year aren’t the highest in monetary terms — they’re the most considered and holistic.
Top candidates want to join businesses that offer purpose, balance, and progression. They look for roles that align with their values and allow them to contribute meaningfully, while still developing their technical and commercial skillsets.
If you want to attract the best, you must clearly articulate what sets your company apart — your Employer Value Proposition (EVP). Ask yourself:
What makes working with you different? Is it access to senior leadership, commercial exposure, or involvement in exciting transformation projects?
What development or training support do you offer? Are there structured pathways, mentoring programmes, or professional study sponsorships?
How flexible are you? Can employees work hybrid schedules, compressed hours, or part-time to suit their lifestyles?
What additional perks or benefits do you provide — from wellness initiatives to social impact days or volunteering opportunities?
The most successful employers communicate these points clearly, consistently, and confidently — both during recruitment and throughout the employee lifecycle.
The Need for Speed and Agility
Another critical factor in attracting top talent is speed. In a fast-moving market, long or disjointed hiring processes can easily result in losing outstanding candidates. Strong finance professionals are rarely on the market for long,
and delays at the offer or feedback stage can make the difference between securing or losing your preferred hire.
Where possible, streamline your recruitment process. Ensure hiring managers are aligned on the role requirements, keep communication clear, and aim to deliver feedback promptly. Demonstrating decisiveness reflects positively on your business and reinforces the message that you value candidates’ time and enthusiasm.
Transparency Builds Trust
We’ve seen a notable shift in what candidates are asking during interviews. Increasingly, they want to know why a role is vacant. Is it due to growth, internal promotion, or turnover? A vague answer or a history of short-lived hires can quickly raise red flags. Conversely, when a company can confidently articulate its purpose, culture, and long-term vision, candidates engage more readily — and are more likely to accept offers.
Our clients who have invested in defining and communicating these messages attract stronger pipelines of finance professionals, often before roles even go live. A clear, honest narrative about your organisation not only draws in talent but helps retain it too.
Partner with a True Specialist
If you’re looking to recruit the best talent in the market, the right partnership can make all the difference. Working with a true specialist who understands your business, your sector, and the nuances of the South Yorkshire market will save time and boost your hiring outcomes.
At Sharp Consultancy, our clients benefit from:
Pre-qualified shortlists of candidates who are thoroughly vetted for skills, culture fit, and long-term potential.
Access to passive candidates, many of whom we’ve nurtured relationships with over years and who may not be actively searching.
Honest feedback on your employer brand and market perception — so you can make informed improvements that strengthen future recruitment efforts.
Because of our deep local networks, we often know when an outstanding finance professional is about to enter the market. That insight gives our clients a competitive edge in securing the very best talent before others are even aware they’re available.
Going Beyond Recruitment
Our role extends well beyond active recruitment. We pride ourselves on offering genuine consultative advice, including:
Salary benchmarking and market insights
Case studies from recent successful hires
Ongoing check-ins and relationship management — not just when you have a live vacancy
This proactive approach means that when you are ready to hire, we already understand your business, your values, and the type of people who will thrive in your environment.
Attracting the best finance talent in South Yorkshire takes more than a strong job spec and a competitive package. It’s about authenticity, agility, and alignment — knowing who you are as a business, what you stand for, and who you want to work alongside.
After more than 30 years supporting companies across the region, Sharp Consultancy continues to help employers build finance teams that not only perform — but stay, grow, and make a real impact.
