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

Working as part of a small but experienced Payroll team you will work closely with the Payroll Manager to ensure the business payroll runs accurately and efficiently.

Duties of the role are to include:

Manage the collation and submission of multiple payrolls across various sites, including starters & leavers along with any contract changes ensuring accuracy and timeliness
Act as the primary liaison with the 3rd party provider
Coordinate payroll cut-offs and approvals with home managers ensuring payroll deadlines are met across all sites
Manage payroll for varied contracts including full-time, part-time & bank staff
Ensure correct calculation of shift enhancements, bank holiday hours & statutory payments
Ensure payroll practices comply with UK employment legislation and HMRC regulations
Maintain accurate payroll records in line with GDPR and data protection requirements
Supervise and support payroll administrators, providing guidance and training
Act as a point of escalation for complex payroll queries
Work closely with site managers to resolve pay discrepancies
Perform balance sheet reconciliations and support month-end processes
Support external audits as required
Oversee the effective use of payroll and rota attendance systems
Produce payroll reports analysis for senior management
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy

The ideal individual will have the following skills and experience:

Proven experience in payroll processing, ideally within the care home sector
Experience supervising and mentoring payroll staff
Experience managing outsourced payroll services
High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
Strong communication skills
Confident working in a fast-paced environment

This is a great opportunity to join well established team within a business that offers a competitive salary package, a strong benefit package and genuine internal development opportunities.

Immediate interviews are available for suitable candidates so apply now or get in touch with Liam Connolly at Sharp Consultancy for more information.

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.

Consultant

Liam Connolly

Senior Consultant

Payroll Supervisor

Job description