Inspiring the Next Generation of CFOs: Insights from Sharp Consultancy at Deloitte’s Leadership Event

​Last Thursday 6th February Sharp Consultancy were kindly invited by Andrew Ward and James Izzard of Deloitte in Leeds to attend their Next Generation CFO Programme as Guest Speakers and to present on The Journey to Becoming a CFO – The Recruiter’s Perspective. ​Michael Ball and Lee Sweeney, both Partners in Sharp Consultancy’s, The CFO Partnership undertook the wonderful task. ​We asked Mike for his thoughts:"It was a wonderful experience presenting to some of the most inspirational Financial Controllers and Financial Directors in the region. The ambitious group of delegates will surely populate the board rooms of many of Yorkshire’s and the UK’s finest businesses in years to come and it was a privilege for Lee and I to share our experiences of what is needed to transition in to a first class CFO. Thank you, Andrew Ward and James Izzard, for the kind invitation"​Lee added:​​"As recruiters, there is often a misconception that conducting an executive search for a client is the sum total of our service offering. The reality is quite the contrary at Sharp Consultancy and The CFO Partnership. Working with individuals to support and advise them through their career journey is one of the most satisfying aspects of our roles. I would invite anyone currently on that path to contact us if they would like any further support"​The journey to becoming a CFO is one that requires dedication, strategic career moves, and continuous development. Events like the Next Generation CFO Programme provide invaluable opportunities for aspiring finance leaders to gain insights, build networks, and refine their approach to leadership. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, those who embrace learning and adaptability will be best positioned for success. ​Are you looking to strengthen your team with top-tier finance and accountancy professionals? At Sharp Consultancy, we excel in connecting your business with exceptional talent for temporary, interim, or permanent roles. With our well-established offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our experienced consultants are dedicated to serving businesses across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't leave your recruitment needs to chance—contact us TODAY and let's find the perfect candidates to drive your business forward.

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The CFO Partnership: Top-tier Financial Leadership Recruitment in Yorkshire

The CFO Partnership is an elite practice in the identification and appointment of Chief Financial Officers, Finance Directors, Heads of Finance and Non-Executive Directors across all commercial and industry sectors from SME to PLC throughout Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.

Why partner with us?

It’s all we do

It’s all we do

Finance is our forte: we’re not only aligned with Yorkshire’s largest independent company committed only to accountancy and financial recruitment, but our Managing Partner is also both an ACA and was a highly successful FD in industry.

Integrity is a core value

Integrity is a core value

Unlike some firms in this market, we’re not old-school recruiters who recycle the same candidates repeatedly. The CFO Partnership carefully manages its client base to minimise conflicts of interest and maximise our outreach potential.

Our research is pinpoint

Our research is pinpoint

We always find the best CFO/FD candidates, often rare individuals not actively job seeking, who are exclusive to us—and to you. How? It’s not just smoke and mirrors; it’s about structure, subtlety, and transparency, driven by our dedicated professional research.

The partners

The partners

Our Partners take personal accountability for a strong brief, smooth process and superior result. You’ll be dealing with not only a recruitment expert but also a positive advocate for your company and a likeable individual that’s easy to deal with.

Our powerful network

Our powerful network

We’ve been recruiting Finance Directors since 1992, day in and day out, building and refining our network in your region. No other independent recruitment company in the UK can remotely compete with this depth of sector experience in Yorkshire.

Innovation is our game

Innovation is our game

We leverage cutting-edge recruitment strategies and industry insights to redefine excellence in finance leadership recruitment, ensuring access to the most innovative and effective solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Post Acceptance Management

Post Acceptance Management

The post-acceptance period is a key part of our process. We’ll stay in regular contact with your new employee, offering advice and information to ensure a positive conclusion. There will also be two reviews for both parties, usually after the first and fourth months of employment.

Superior identification

Superior identification

Using advanced tools, we provide precise market mapping across Yorkshire (and the UK), giving the search and shortlist formation clear direction. We also offer full disclosure of target companies and qualifying individuals, allowing you to share your insights and adjust the search as needed. Many clients find our research to be intrinsically valuable.

The Appointment Stipulation

The Appointment Stipulation

Our analysis and reporting will be forensic, commercial, and shrewd. During the briefing stage, we’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of your business, the role, and the candidates we’ll target. We also provide guidance on market conditions, reputation management, role marketing, and remuneration. All this will be detailed in our Stipulation document, an authoritative brochure for clients and candidates.

Our Seal of Excellence

Our Seal of Excellence

​We would be happy to attend your interviews with the recommended candidates. This commitment not only shows our dedication to earning your trust but also reflects our confidence in the quality of the upcoming interviews.

Formal Referencing

Formal Referencing

The CFO Partnership happily obtains formal references for the successful candidates on your behalf. In fact, we often uncover more information, and many clients find our involvement enlightening.

The Smooth Landing

The Smooth Landing

Our role is to anticipate issues, manage expectations, minimise counter offers, and achieve successful outcomes—and that’s exactly what we do. We also excel in discussing expectations around working patterns and compensation, including salaries, bonuses, equity participation, and LTIPs. Our approach is subtle, sensitive, and influential, leading to successful conclusions.

Our elite approach

Discover the secrets behind the innovative strategies and methodologies that distinguish top performers, revealing the unique principles and practices that drive excellence and set them apart from the competition.

Recent Appointments

Michael Ball assisted Sewtec Automation with the appointment of a Financial Director

Sewtec Automation

Financial Director

Michael Ball assisted Sewtec Automation with the appointment of a Financial Director

With his innovative approach and extensive industry experience, Michael was perfectly positioned to assist in this Private Equity Backed company's search for a Financial Director.

Lee Sweeney helps Endless LLP with the appointment of over 10 employees to their investment and portfolio teams.

Endless LLP

Lee Sweeney helps Endless LLP with the appointment of over 10 employees to their investment and portfolio teams.

Lee used his expert industry knowledge and expertise to successfully places more than 10 candidate's with Endless LLP making a significant impact to their investment and portfolio teams.