Luca Bravo 9l 326 Fi Szk Unsplash

Behind the Desk: Getting to Know Soraya Downing

For the second instalment of Behind the Desk, we’re catching up with Soraya Downing to hear all about her journey into recruitment and beyond.Having spent nearly six years in recruitment — and the last few focusing on Qualified and Part Qualified finance roles across South Yorkshire — Soraya shares some honest reflections on what she’s learned, what keeps her motivated, and a few things she’s picked up along the way. From F1 to strong tea, here’s a closer look at the person behind the role. ​Understanding the Journey: Personal Insights and Inspirations You've been in recruitment for nearly six years now — what first attracted you to the world of finance and accountancy recruitment, and what’s kept you here?Wow, six whole years — time really flies! I’ve always been interested in Accountancy and Finance, which started back in school when I studied Economics and Business. For me, the world of finance is like a window into the health of the UK market and how businesses are performing. It’s a constantly evolving field, which keeps things interesting and motivates me to keep learning and improving. When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time? Any hobbies or interests? Outside of work, I love going on long walks and hikes, and spending quality time with my family and my partner, Simon. We enjoy going out for food and cooking together at home. I’m also a regular gym-goer — it really helps me keep balance. And when I’m relaxing, I’m a big fan of watching Formula 1! Who or what has had the biggest influence on your professional mindset or values? Definitely my mum. She’s always been a standout role model for me — managing stressful, high-pressure roles while still balancing work and family life. She’s always taught me to stay true to myself and to lead with integrity, which are values I carry with me every day. ​Industry Perspective: Lessons and Approaches in Recruitment Looking back on your career so far, what’s one standout lesson that’s shaped how you approach your role today? The biggest lesson for me has been to always be myself. There’s plenty of great advice, tips, and tricks you can learn from others — and I’ve definitely picked up a lot along the way — but staying true to who I am has made the biggest difference. People buy from people, and being genuine has helped me build stronger, more honest relationships. What’s one thing you wish more people knew about working in recruitment? It’s definitely harder than it looks! Most people don’t last more than a year in recruitment — it takes a certain type of person to handle the highs and lows and really stick with it. It’s so much more than just sending a CV and hoping for the best. You’re dealing with people, their careers, their lives, and everything that comes with that. It’s about building trust, managing relationships, and being resilient when things don’t go to plan. What makes recruiting for Qualified and Part Qualified roles in South Yorkshire unique or particularly rewarding? I really enjoy speaking with senior people in the finance space — the conversations are often business related, much wider than just finance, as well as in-depth and strategic. I love the relationship-driven aspect of recruitment at this level which adds to the enjoyment of working with both my clients and candidates. It suits me because I genuinely care about people and the positive impact the right move can have on their career, or the right hire can have on the businesses I work with. ​The Person Behind the Recruiter: Fun and Light-heartedTea or coffee — and how do you take it? Definitely tea — strong, dark, and two sugars please! What’s your favourite way to unwind after a hectic week? I love going for a walk or hitting the gym with my music on — it’s the best way for me to switch off. What I listen to totally depends on my mood... could be Stormzy one day and a bit of 80s the next (haha). If you could turn back time and give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be? It’s actually advice I still use now — confidence comes from putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. No matter what level you’re at, we all experience moments of doubt. Whenever I find myself in a challenging situation now, I remind myself of that, and it gives me the push I need to keep going. ​The Future in Focus: Aspirations and Industry Outlook What motivates you to keep growing and evolving as an experienced recruiter?I’ve always loved learning — if there’s a way to become better, faster, and more efficient in my process, I’m all for it. Whether it’s through podcasts, training sessions, or learning from others in the business, I’m constantly looking for ways to improve. What really drives me is the excitement of being the best at what I do and knowing I’m adding real value to the market and to the people I work with. Are there any emerging skills or qualities that you think will become more valuable for Part-Qualified Finance Professionals in the near future? There’s definitely been an increase in demand for finance professionals with strong commercial skills. It’s not just about processing numbers — businesses want people who can add value, influence decision-making, and really understand the wider impact of finance on operations. I’d recommend part-qualified professionals actively look for opportunities to get involved in commercial conversations, attend meetings, and contribute to decision-making processes. Building that confidence and presence early on, especially in face-to-face settings, will make a big difference to long-term progression. From your experience, what’s one practical change you think your clients and candidates could make to improve their recruitment journey? For my clients, I’d recommend working on an exclusive basis rather than using multiple agencies. Time and time again, I’ve seen how multi-agency approaches cause unnecessary confusion — duplicate applications, lack of control over how their brand is represented in the market, and mixed messaging to candidates. Trusting one recruiter gives you much better control of the process, a consistent message, and a more thorough market mapping approach. For my candidates, I’d give the same advice — stick with one agency you trust. Your reputation in the market matters. If your recruiter isn’t offering to meet you in person (unless distance makes it impractical) and is relying solely on Teams, that’s a red flag. Meeting face-to-face allows us to properly understand who you are, what you’re looking for, and how to represent you in the best light. It makes all the difference in a competitive market. . Thinking About Joining the Team?It’s great to hear Soraya’s take. She brings such a grounded, thoughtful perspective to everything she does. Whether it’s building genuine relationships or staying curious about what’s next, it’s clear she’s got a real passion for the work and the people involved. We’re looking forward to seeing where the next part of her journey takes herIf Soraya's story has inspired you and you’re interested in building a career in recruitment with a supportive, people-focused team—we’d love to hear from you. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. Get in touch for a confidential chat about life at our company and the opportunities we have available.0113 236 6300 / 0114 261 1700 - contact@sharpconsultancy.com​

Read article
A woman sitting on a couch, focused on her laptop, seeking career advice.
Search by
Search by blog tags
Pexels N Voitkevich 8927687

Trainee Accountant to Senior: How to Progress in Practice (Quickly!)

​Throughout my career as a specialist recruiter in professional practice, I’ve had the privilege ...

Read more
Chuttersnap 9u4yu Ne S5 Y4 Unsplash

​So, You Want to Be a Credit Manager? Here's What You Need to Know

​​So, You Want to Be a Credit Manager? Here's What You Need to KnowCredit Management isn’t just a...

Read more
Image 2025 04 17 T14 45 31

Why Meeting with Recruiters Can Significantly Boost Your Chances of Landing the Right Role

Why Meeting with Recruiters Can Significantly Boost Your Chances of Landing the Right Role.​​In t...

Read more
Chris Beck

Leaders Insight - The Role of an Non-Executive Director with Chris Beck

​Chris Beck has established himself as a non-executive chairman with a proven track record of cre...

Read more
David Cameron

Celebrating International Day of Accounting with David Cameron, Vice President of the LCASS

International Day of Accounting is an annual celebration to commemorate the publication of Luca P...

Read more
Ferdinand Stohr N Fs6d Rt Bga M Unsplash

Leaders Insight - with Steve Hammell, Experienced CFO, Industrials & Technology markets

​The latest instalment of our “Leaders Insight” series is with Steve Hammell, experienced CFO in ...

Read more
Pexels Padrinan 806408

Celebrating International Week of Happiness at Work

​The International Week of Happiness at Work is a globally recognised event that highlights the s...

Read more
Pathways

From Practice to Industry: A Chartered Accountant’s Journey to Success

Navigating the shift from professional practice to industry can be a daunting yet rewarding expe...

Read more
A R  V L2 Nl Wu V8 Unsplash

​PUT YOUR TIME TO GOOD USE DURING THE FESTIVE PERIOD

​Holidays are a great time to relax and unwind and leave all thoughts of work behind. But having ...

Read more
Notice Period

​HANDING IN YOUR NOTICE

Congratulations – you’ve just secured a new role! Take a look at our advice on how to hand in you...

Read more
Building Relationships

BUILDING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES

Get off on the right foot and quickly settle into your team with our top tips for getting the mo...

Read more
Sdp4688 2141

NATIONAL PAYROLL WEEK - Andrew Walker

To mark National Payroll Week, we asked our Commercial Director Andrew Walker, who has more than ...

Read more
Multitaking

MULTI-TASKING – OUR EXPERT GUIDE

​Top of many potential employers’ list is a candidate who is able to multi-task. But there is a h...

Read more
Coins

​ASK THE EXPERT – HOW DO I PITCH MY SALARY EXPECTATIONS?

I struggle to answer questions about what salary I’m looking for – what should I say to ensure I’...

Read more
Change

​IS SOMETHING HOLDING YOU BACK?

Starting to search for a new role is a big decision. For some, it may be very clear that the tim...

Read more
Stress 23

​NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS MONTH – STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

April is National Stress Awareness Month. According to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), there...

Read more
Match

ASK THE EXPERT – HOW DO I KNOW IF A COMPANY WILL BE RIGHT FOR ME?

I’m searching for a new role and I want to make sure I make the right decision about my next move...

Read more
Best Oss

​WHO’S THE BOSS?

Starting a new job can be daunting, and taking up your first position at the helm of a team, depa...

Read more
Top Tips

ASK THE EXPERT – TOP TIPS AS YOU LOOK FOR A NEW JOB

I want to look for a new job but I’m not sure where to start – what advice would you give?Looking...

Read more
Mentor 2

HOW ENGAGING WITH A MENTOR CAN BENEFIT YOUR CAREER

A career mentor can bring huge benefits and, with their help and support, make a significant cont...

Read more
Job Search

HOW TO SURVIVE THE JOB SEARCH

Looking for a new role can be a challenging and time-consuming experience – in many ways it is l...

Read more
Job Offers

​ASK THE EXPERT - HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN JOB OFFERS

​I’ve been lucky enough to have been offered two jobs – what should I be looking at to make my de...

Read more
0212

ASK THE EXPERT – PREPARING FOR THE NEW YEAR JOB HUNT

I’m determined to start 2022 off in a brand-new role but am I better to wait until after Christma...

Read more
Notice Period

HOW TO CONDUCT YOURSELF DURING YOUR NOTICE PERIOD

​Your interview has been a success and you have landed a new role. Once you have tendered your re...

Read more
Counter Offer

HOW TO HANDLE A COUNTER-OFFER

Retaining top talent is a challenge for any business; what do you do if your current employer res...

Read more
Stress

​NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS DAY – HOW TO MANAGE STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Today (Wednesday 3 November 2021) is National Stress Awareness Day. Set up by the International S...

Read more
Monday

​HOW TO BEAT THE MONDAY MORNING BLUES

It’s Sunday evening and a strange, yet familiar feeling, starts to take over. A sinking feeling t...

Read more
Tim Gouw Bwki71ap Y8 Unsplash

ASK THE EXPERT - IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ASK US?

​I have an interview coming up and whilst I’m confident when it comes to discussing my career his...

Read more
Working From Home

Working from Home in Finance: How to Stay Focused and Maintain Balance

As remote and hybrid working become more common across the accountancy and finance profession, cr...

Read more
Salary Survey

​WHAT IT TAKES TO BE…. A PAYROLL MANAGER with Roxanne Talbot

The role of a payroll professional has evolved significantly in recent years and is very much rec...

Read more
Saulo Mohana W Nz7 5 Ev Uwu Unsplash

ASK THE EXPERT – NATIONAL PAYROLL WEEK

​What are payroll professionals looking for from employers when considering their next move?Sharp...

Read more
Pay Rise

HOW TO NEGOTIATE A PAY RISE OR PROMOTION

​Negotiating a pay rise or promotion can be a difficult conversation; take a look at our suggesti...

Read more
Elena Mozhvilo J06g Lu Kk0 Gm Unsplash

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING A MOVE

​“We would like to offer you the role.” After a nerve-wracking interview, they are the words eve...

Read more
Tense Meeting between Finance and Accountancy professionals

​HOW TO MASTER TRICKY CONVERSATIONS AT WORK

​Nobody looks forward to having a potentially tricky conversation. At work there may be several r...

Read more
Man walking through a Finance and Accountancy Office

​WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO MAKE THE MOVE?

Starting to search for a new role is one of the biggest decisions you will make. For some, it ma...

Read more
thought provoking scrabble letters

ASK THE EXPERT – HOW DO I EXPLAIN WHY I WANT TO LEAVE MY CURRENT ROLE?

I find it hard to explain why I want to leave my current role and worry about what the intervie...

Read more
Summer holiday away from work

TURN UP THE HEAT

Summer is fast approaching and whilst long, hot sunny days may still seem some way off, the comin...

Read more
Pay Rise

ASK THE EXPERT - I find it difficult to discuss money with my boss but feel that I am entitled to a pay rise. What is the best way to negotiate an increase in salary?

I find it difficult to discuss money with my boss but feel that I am entitled to a pay rise. What...

Read more
Materntity Leave

​RETURNING TO WORK AFTER MATERNITY LEAVE

Returning to work after maternity leave can be a huge adjustment what with juggling work and home...

Read more
Mentor

HOW ENGAGING WITH A MENTOR CAN BENEFIT YOUR CAREER 

A career mentor can bring huge benefits and with their help and support, make a significant con...

Read more
Relocating

​TOP TIPS WHEN RELOCATING FOR WORK

There are many reasons why candidates may find themselves considering a relocation move when it c...

Read more
Review

​TOP TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR APPRAISAL

Love them or loathe them, the annual performance appraisal is a crucial part of your career devel...

Read more
Improve

IMPROVE YOUR EMPLOYABILITY WITH THREE SIMPLE STEPS

When it comes to career success its often the little things that can make the biggest difference....

Read more
Interim

​WORKING AS AN INTERIM – WHAT TO EXPECT

With the COVID-19 pandemic creating a degree of uncertainty for many industry sectors, an increa...

Read more
Soft Skills

WHY SOFT SKILLS ARE SO IMPORTANT

When preparing for an interview for a new position or aiming to gain a promotion, it can be easy ...

Read more
New Job

STARTING A NEW JOB – BUILDING GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES

Starting a new job is bound to bring a mixture of excitement and nervousness, and as well as maki...

Read more
Social Media

ASK THE EXPERT - SOCIAL MEDIA

Could my social media activity have a negative effect on my career prospects? Twitter, Facebook a...

Read more
New Year

​10 CAREER NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS THAT YOU NEED TO KEEP

Getting a new role or securing a promotion are amongst the most common resolutions that people ma...

Read more
Benefits

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

When you receive a new job offer and need to establish whether the package you are offered is att...

Read more
Frustration

ASK THE EXPERT

Here’s the first in a new regular series where we look to offer help and advice to candidates, em...

Read more
Tips

TOP TIPS TO HELP YOU MULTI-TASK

One of the most common responses we receive when talking to clients about what they are ideally l...

Read more
Why Are You Leaving

‘WHY ARE YOU LOOKING TO MOVE?’

It’s one of the most common interview questions but from experience, it can be one of the most di...

Read more
References

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR REFERENCES

Choosing who to put forward to provide you with a reference is a key part of the job application ...

Read more
Holiday

Using Your Time Off Wisely: How to Prepare for Your Next Career Move in Accountancy & Finance

Time off work—whether it’s a holiday abroad or a few quiet days at home—can be the perfect chance...

Read more
Healthy

TOP TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY AT WORK

​As well as initiatives designed to aid employees’ health and happiness, increase productivity an...

Read more
Zoom

A GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL MEETINGS

​Virtual meetings have become part of many people’s working routine. Platforms such as Zoom, Micr...

Read more
Kobu Agency K I1i R7l55 Fm Unsplash

How to Succeed in Your First Finance Leadership Role

Whether you’ve just been promoted to Finance Manager, taken on your first Financial Controller po...

Read more
Right Foot

Starting a New Finance Role: How to Make the Right Impression from Day One

The first day in a new job can bring a mix of excitement and nerves—especially when starting a ne...

Read more
Impresion

How to Pass Your Probation Period – Tips for Employees and Employers

Starting a new finance or accountancy role often comes with a probation or trial period—typically...

Read more
Company

How Long Is Too Long in One Job? What Employers Really Think

It’s a classic career dilemma: How long is too long to stay with the same employer? While loyalty...

Read more
Remote Working

Starting a New Job Remotely: How to Get it Right

As remote and hybrid working models become increasingly commonplace, the way businesses welcome n...

Read more