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.

Read article

Job description

Sharp Consultancy is seeking an experienced and motivated Accounts Payable Manager to join a large finance team in Harrogate. Reporting to the Head of Shared Services, you will take ownership of the Accounts Payable function—leading a high-performing team to ensure invoices are processed efficiently, accurately, and paid on time.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys driving process improvements, and is passionate about delivering best-in-class financial operations.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop the Accounts Payable team to deliver a consistently high standard of service
Set and monitor KPIs, ensuring strong performance management and continuous team development
Oversee day-to-day AP operations, ensuring compliance with procedures and service level agreements
Build effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders across the business
Monitor key metrics including payment timeliness, invoice backlog, and query resolution
Identify and implement process improvements to drive efficiency and accuracy
Ensure all AP activities are completed accurately, including verification of third-party deliverables
Provide timely and reliable financial information to internal and external customers
Maintain and update departmental procedures and documentation

What We’re Looking For

Proven experience in Accounts Payable, ideally in a managerial role
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team
Proactive mindset with the ability to work independently and take ownership
Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate across departments
A continuous improvement approach to processes and systems
High level of attention to detail and accuracy
Confident user of Microsoft Excel

What We Offer

Salary £40,000 – 12 month fixed term contract
Competitive benefits package including:

25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Salary sacrifice pension scheme
Life assurance (3x salary)
Additional holiday purchase scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme & Virtual GP service
Discounts on leading brands, gym memberships, and more
Learning & Development opportunities with access to structured training

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

Emma Gregson

Divisional Director

Purchase Ledger Manager

Job description