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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Colin Molyneux

Executive Consultant

With a robust career spanning over 24 years in the recruitment industry, Colin Molyneux stands as one of Sharp Consultancy's most seasoned professionals. Holding a degree in Sports Science & Education, Colin has refined his expertise in sourcing and placing Qualified Interim professionals across West Yorkshire, catering to a diverse range of sectors.

Having dedicated a total of seven years to Sharp Consultancy, Colin has demonstrated unwavering commitment and exceptional skill in his field. His deep understanding of the market dynamics and the specific needs of his clients positions him as a trusted advisor and key asset to the Sharp Consultancy team.

Colin is known for his reliable, tenacious, and down-to-earth nature—attributes that resonate both in his professional and personal life. When he isn't matching top talent with the perfect roles, Colin enjoys spending quality time with his family. He is a devoted husband and father to two little girls. Outside of work, Colin's adventurous spirit shines through his array of hobbies. From mountain biking and road cycling to fly fishing and clay target shooting, he relishes in activities that challenge his physical and mental skill. His passion for snowboarding and climbing further underscores his love for the outdoors and his penchant for taking on new adventures.

Colin's extensive experience, coupled with his consultative approach and deep understanding of the recruitment landscape, makes him an invaluable partner for businesses seeking top-tier interim professionals. His ability to build long-standing relationships and deliver high-quality results consistently aligns perfectly with Sharp Consultancy's commitment to excellence and client satisfaction.