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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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Ariel view of Worksop College, a British co-educational private school for pupils aged 11 to 18, in Worksop.

Worksop College

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Exciting Opportunity in Finance at Worksop College

​Sharp Consultancy are delighted to be partnering with Worksop College to recruit for an exciting new position within their finance department, a Trainee Business Partner (see below for more details!).

A Unique Educational Community

Worksop College and Ranby House form a single, close-knit community across two schools, providing an exceptional education for children aged 2 to 18. As a broad-ability school, Worksop College places a strong emphasis on individual progress, recognising and nurturing the unique strengths and potential in every child — whether academic, sporting, creative, or otherwise.

An apple, colorful pencils, and ABC blocks arranged on a table in a private school setting.

An Inspiring Setting for Learning

Set in over 330 acres of stunning North Nottinghamshire woodland, Worksop College and Ranby House enjoy a sprawling campus with some of the best facilities in the county. This beautiful environment enhances every aspect of school life, supporting learning, wellbeing, and personal growth.

Well-Connected Location

Located on the border with the National Trust’s Clumber Park, Worksop College are just 15 minutes from junction 30 of the M1 and only 90 minutes from London, by train.

Committment to Academic Excellence

With dedicated teaching staff, small class sizes and specialist facilities, learning is a fun and challenging experience. Offering specific programmes to stretch the most able and to inspire independent learning, we produce outstanding results, enabling an increasing number of pupils to enter the top twenty UK universities. Equally, in a school that chooses not to be harshly selective, we are proud of our record of bringing out the best in every student, measuring ourselves against pupils’ progress, rather than league tables.

A Holistic Educational Philosophy

At the heart of the College’s philosophy is the belief that education goes far beyond academic achievement. It’s about supporting young people to truly flourish — helping them become the best version of themselves, whatever their passions or goals may be. Whether destined for a top university, excelling in sport, music, art, or still discovering where their talents lie, students at Worksop College are encouraged to explore, grow, and thrive.

​See below for job opportunities at Worksop College!