Sharp Consultancy’s Salary Survey 2026/27: Finding the Best Talent in a Competitive Yorkshire Finance Market

Over the past 12 months, the Yorkshire finance and accountancy employment market has entered a relatively stable period following several years of volatility and rapid salary inflation.Hiring activity remains consistent across most finance disciplines, however employers are adopting a more cautious and measured approach to permanent recruitment, likely borne from the economic uncertainty businesses are navigating. As a result, there has been a wider increase across interim hires and salary movement has become more controlled with recruitment processes taking longer than in previous years. Despite this stabilisation, skills shortages continue to be a defining feature of the market. This is particularly evident between the qualified and senior level, where replacement hiring in key roles continues to exceed the available candidate pool and the data reflected in this salary survey aligns closely with what we are seeing daily across the Yorkshire finance market. While hiring volumes have levelled out, the underlying challenge remains unchanged: demand for high-quality finance professionals continues to outweigh supply. What the data does not always fully capture, but we have seen consistently across the market, is the increasing complexity behind each hire. Employers are no longer simply recruiting for technical capability; they are seeking finance professionals who can influence, adapt and add value, often in uncertain trading conditions. This has resulted in longer recruitment timelines, narrower shortlists and a growing reliance on trusted market insight to secure the right individuals. Across the candidate market we are seeing a more selective approach to new opportunities. Job seekers are making increasingly considered career decisions, weighing role scope, leadership quality, flexibility and long-term opportunity alongside salary. Many of the strongest candidates are not actively applying for roles, which means traditional, employer led recruitment strategies are no longer sufficient. Employers are no longer simply recruiting for technical capability; they are seeking finance professionals who can influence, adapt and add value, often in uncertain trading conditions.This is where a relationship-driven recruitment partner becomes vital. At Sharp Consultancy, and through our work with our executive division - The CFO Partnership - our long-standing relationships across the South Yorkshire finance community allow us to engage with high-performing talent that is not always visible to the wider market. Our understanding of both client environments and individual career motivations enables us to make introductions that are aligned not just on skills, but on culture, ambition and long-term fit. In a market where salary growth is increasingly controlled and competition for talent remains intense, our ability to advise, challenge and guide both clients and candidates is vital. Recruitment partnerships built on trust, transparency and deep market knowledge are what ultimately ensure the best outcomes - securing the right talent for our clients, and the right opportunities for the candidates we represent.

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Job description

Sharp Consultancy are currently working with a manufacturer based in South Yorkshire with over 30 years expertise within their unique sector. They are a family run company (including an office barketing manager!) who specialise in construction and are currently making considerable efforts to be more sustainable. Our client has an impressive reputation within South Yorkshire and pride themselves on winning a variety of large contracts with well-known clients.

Being an SME, the culture fit is important, with less than 20 people across the whole company and a single direct report, they’re looking for somebody who can join the team and be proactive with the accounts providing support to the SLT when required. This role is perfect for somebody who’s looking for a well-rounded finance role and looking for wider operational mentorship.

What’s on offer:

£50,000 - £55,000 salary
10% car allowance
Westfield Health level 2
25 + 8BH
1 day a week work from home
Networking and social events available

Duties and responsibilities:

Overseeing financial operations across the company and providing accurate management accounts with analysis and commentary using Fathom
Lead process changes, financial systems, software updates and internal controls
Lead on cash management processes including forecasting cycles and budgeting
Ensure company compliance with tax obligations and deadlines
Support audit process with external auditors
Acting as a trusted business partner with operational and commercial teams

Person specification:

ACCA/ACA/CIMA – qualified

For further information or a private and confidential conversation either for this specific opportunity or your personal job search please contact Demi Trueman on 0114 261 1700.

Sharp Consultancy is a finance and accountancy recruitment specialist assisting accounting and finance divisions of businesses in the Yorkshire and Derbyshire area. With over 30 years' experience we pride ourselves on sourcing excellent finance professionals across all divisions of an accounts function.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK full time without restriction. To apply please send your CV to the e-mail address stated, quoting our reference and specifying which website you saw this position advertised on. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive it is not always possible to respond to unsuccessful applicants. Therefore, if we have not responded to your application within seven days, please note that on this occasion your application has not been successful.