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Lessons in Leadership: What It Takes to Be a Future CFO

​Last Thursday we had the pleasure of hosting an insightful and inspirational Future CFO-focused event, where we explored their experiences and journeys. ​All attendees had the privilege of hearing from three fantastic senior finance leaders - Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright and James Wenninger, each bringing a unique perspective shaped by their own career journeys — with the consensus across all speakers and focus of: driving meaningful, strategic value across their organisations. ​Each leader shared personal experiences of navigating challenges, leading transformation, and elevating the role of finance from a back-office function to a true business partner and value creator. ​Each speaker offered valuable perspectives, and several key takeaways stood out: Build a team that compliments you : Great leadership means recognising and embracing the skills you don’t have. All three CFOs emphasised the strength of surrounding themselves with good people and team members whose strengths contrast their own — creating well-rounded, agile finance functions. Embrace the unknown with confidence: Whether navigating new industries, acquisitions, or rapid change, one message was clear: lean into the uncertainty and trust your ability to adapt. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Blend experience from big & small companies : The synergy of experience from both large-scale corporations and nimble, fast-paced environments is invaluable. The ability to scale thinking and apply structured processes in leaner settings was a recurring theme. Identify and align with key business needs : Strategic finance leaders go beyond numbers. They seek out synergies and align with business-specific needs — from systems integration to cultural alignment — to ensure long-term value add. Own your decisions…fully! : True ownership means standing by your decisions and being accountable for their outcomes. Openly discussed and demonstrated how conviction and responsibility can elevate leadership and trust across the organisation with a wider impact! ​A huge thank you again to Nick Shaw, Kayleigh Wright & James Wenninger who were incredible speakers and all who contributed to making this event a success. It was a timely reminder of the evolving, multi-dimensional role of today’s Finance leaders. ​Huge thanks as well to all attendees for bringing openness in their points / questions , and energy to the room. Looking forward already to next year!​To hear about future events, contact Jack Curtis!​

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Sharp Consultancy – Leeds Office

At Sharp Consultancy Leeds, we specialise in delivering expert finance recruitment in Leeds and across the wider West and North Yorkshire regions. Opened in 2000, following eight successful years serving clients in South Yorkshire, our Leeds office has grown to become a leading hub for accountancy and finance recruitment across Leeds, Wakefield, Pontefract, Harrogate, York, Bradford, and the surrounding areas.

With over three decades of group-wide experience, we are a trusted partner for businesses seeking top talent and professionals looking for the best finance jobs in Leeds.

Local Expertise in Finance & Accountancy Recruitment

Our Leeds-based team covers the full range of finance and accountancy recruitment, from entry-level and transactional roles to senior finance leadership appointments. Whether you're hiring for a new Financial Controller or searching for your next step in commercial finance, we offer the market insight and local expertise you need.

We recruit for:

  • Purchase Ledger Clerk, Sales Ledger Clerk, Credit Controller, Payroll, Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant.

  • Sales Ledger Supervisor/Manager, Credit Manager, Purchase Ledger Supervisor/Manager

  • Finance Analyst, Assistant Management Accountant, Assistant Financial Accountant, Semi Senior Accountant, Commercial Analyst, ACCA/ACA Part Qualified and Qualified roles.

  • Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Project Accountant, Group Accountant roles, Assistant Financial Controller

  • Finance Manager, Finance Controller, Finance Business Partner, FP&A Manager

  • Finance Director, Head of Finance, Head of Commercial Finance, Chief Financial Office (CFO), Head of FP&A, Systems Improvement Manager

  • Tax Manager, Tax Director, Audit Manager, Audit Director, Corporate Finance Manager, Corporate Finance Director,

  • Investment Associate, Investment Manager, Investment/Portfolio Associate Director, Investment/Portfolio Director, Partner

Why Choose Sharp Consultancy Leeds?

As a key part of our regional network, the Leeds office enables us to serve businesses and candidates across the North of England. Our long-standing presence in the region—dating back to 1992 in South Yorkshire and expanding into Leeds in 2000—gives us an unmatched understanding of local hiring needs and career opportunities.

Choosing Sharp Consultancy Leeds means you benefit from:

  • A dedicated team of accountancy and finance recruitment specialists

  • In-depth knowledge of the local talent market

  • Access to top employers across Leeds, Bradford, York, and Harrogate

  • Seamless coordination with our Sheffield office for broader regional reach

  • A consultative, honest, and responsive approach

For Clients

If you're looking for reliable accountancy recruitment in Leeds, we take the time to understand your business goals and culture to find the right fit—technically and personally. Our recruitment expertise spans:

  • Financial and Management Accounting

  • Commercial Finance and Business Partnering

  • Audit, Tax, and Treasury

  • Senior Finance and Board-Level Appointments

  • We support companies of all sizes, from high-growth SMEs to established PLCs, across every sector of the regional economy.

For Candidates

Whether you're exploring new finance jobs in Leeds, seeking interim finance roles in Wakefield, or considering a specialist move into private equity recruitment in Yorkshire, our team can help you find the right opportunity to match your skills, goals, and aspirations.

We provide access to:

  • Permanent and interim accountancy roles in Leeds and York.

  • Transactional finance jobs in Wakefield and Pontefract.

  • Professional practice recruitment across West and North Yorkshire.

  • Temporary finance jobs in Leeds and surrounding areas.

Contact Our Leeds Office

Looking for expert support with finance recruitment in Leeds or searching for your next accountancy role? Contact the Sharp Consultancy Leeds team today to see how we can help.

📍 Sharp Consultancy – Leeds: Directions

📞 0113 236 6300

📧 contact@sharpconsultancy.com

​Sharp Consultancy – Sheffield Office

Founded in 1992, Sheffield is where Sharp Consultancy's story began. With over three decades of success in the region, our Sheffield team has become a leading force in finance recruitment in South Yorkshire, offering unrivalled expertise across Sheffield, Rotherham, Doncaster, Barnsley, Chesterfield, and the surrounding areas.

As a specialist recruitment consultancy in Yorkshire, we are proud to have supported thousands of businesses and finance professionals with precise, consultative recruitment services tailored to the evolving needs of the local economy.

Regional Leaders in Accountancy & Finance Recruitment

From newly qualified accountants to senior finance leaders, our Sheffield office recruits across the full spectrum of accountancy and finance roles. Whether you're a growing SME or a national PLC, we deliver recruitment solutions that are informed, agile, and aligned with your goals.

We recruit for:

  • Purchase Ledger Clerk, Sales Ledger Clerk, Credit Controller, Payroll, Accounts Assistant, Finance Assistant.

  • Sales Ledger Supervisor/Manager, Credit Manager, Purchase Ledger Supervisor/Manager

  • Finance Analyst, Assistant Management Accountant, Assistant Financial Accountant, Semi Senior Accountant, Commercial Analyst, ACCA/ACA Part Qualified and Qualified roles.

  • Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Project Accountant, Group Accountant roles, Assistant Financial Controller

  • Finance Manager, Finance Controller, Finance Business Partner, FP&A Manager

  • Finance Director, Head of Finance, Head of Commercial Finance, Chief Financial Office (CFO), Head of FP&A, Systems Improvement Manager

  • Tax Manager, Tax Director, Audit Manager, Audit Director, Corporate Finance Manager, Corporate Finance Director,

  • Investment Associate, Investment Manager, Investment/Portfolio Associate Director, Investment/Portfolio Director, Partner

Why Choose Sharp Consultancy Sheffield?

As our founding office, the Sheffield team embodies the values Sharp Consultancy was built on: local knowledge, professional integrity, and long-term partnerships. Our success in South Yorkshire laid the foundation for the opening of our Leeds office in 2000 and continues to drive our regional growth.

Working with our Sheffield consultants gives you:

  • Access to one of the most experienced finance recruitment teams throughout South Yorkshire and the North East Midlands

  • Deep insight into the South Yorkshire market

  • A strong network of local employers and high-quality candidates

  • Fully consultative, tailored service across temporary, interim, and permanent roles

  • Seamless collaboration with our Leeds office for broader Yorkshire coverage

For Clients

If you're hiring in Sheffield or South Yorkshire, our team can help you identify and attract the talent your business needs to succeed. We take the time to understand your culture, team structure, and goals—delivering more than just candidates, but genuine recruitment solutions.

We support businesses across:

  • Management and Financial Accounting

  • Commercial Finance and FP&A

  • Tax, Treasury, and Audit

  • Senior Finance and Executive Appointments

  • Niche areas such as private equity and professional practice recruitment

For Candidates

Looking for your next move? We work with leading businesses across the region to bring you the best opportunities in finance jobs and accountancy jobs in Sheffield and the wider South Yorkshire region.

Whether you're seeking a contract, an interim leadership role, or your next permanent challenge across south Yorkshire and the surrounding areas, we can connect you with:

  • Temporary and interim finance roles

  • Qualified accountancy positions

  • Professional practice roles

  • Finance jobs

Contact Our Sheffield Office

Ready to hire or take the next step in your career? Get in touch with Sharp Consultancy Sheffield—your trusted partner in accountancy and finance recruitment in Yorkshire.

📍 Sharp Consultancy – Sheffield: Directions

📞 0114 261 1700

📧 contact@sharpconsultancy.com

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