Sharp Consultancy Salary Survey 2025/26: A Comprehensive Look at the Year Ahead in Finance Recruitment
We are pleased to unveil our Salary Survey 2025/26, offering an essential guide to the financial recruitment market across Yorkshire and the North of England. Now in its latest edition, the survey continues to provide a vital benchmarking tool for employers and professionals alike, based on real market data and insights gathered directly from the regions finance professionals.With over 30 years of experience in accountancy and finance recruitment, Sharp Consultancy has long been recognised as a trusted partner in the region. This year’s survey reflects not only on salary levels but dives deeper into the evolving motivations, expectations, and challenges facing today’s finance workforce.Key Findings from This Year’s Survey:💼 Salary & Hiring Trends: After several years of volatility, salaries across transactional and part-qualified finance roles have stabilised, signalling a more balanced market. Senior roles continue to command competitive packages, particularly in Finance Director and CFO appointments, where demand remains strong across both the SME and PLC landscapes.🤵 Candidate Sentiment: Over half of professionals surveyed are open to new opportunities, whether actively searching or passively open to the right offer. Unsurprisingly, the top reasons for moving include improved salary and benefits, better work-life balance, and clearer career progression.🏡 Workplace Preferences: Hybrid working remains a key benefit, with over 80% of respondents stating it influences their decision to join or stay with a company. Interestingly, many are willing to return to the office full-time if it comes with strong mentorship and professional development.📊 Interim & Fractional Roles on the Rise: Interim professionals, particularly those with experience in FP&A, system implementations, and business transformation, are in high demand. A growing trend is the emergence of the “Fractional CFO” – a strategic solution for SMEs seeking senior finance expertise without the commitment of a full-time hire.📉 Economic Sentiment: While 2024 presented its fair share of challenges, notably during the post-election period, there is cautious optimism for the year ahead. Employers are still hiring – especially for business-critical roles – but with a sharper focus on ROI and long-term strategic value.Why This MattersWhether you’re looking to hire, benchmarking your own salary, or considering your next move, the Sharp Consultancy Salary Survey 2025/26 is your go-to resource for navigating the finance recruitment landscape. It reflects the real-world experiences of candidates and employers, backed by our on-the-ground knowledge across Leeds, Sheffield, and beyond.Download the Salary SurveyTo discuss how these findings apply to your business or career, contact one of our expert consultants today.
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