The Power of Long-Term Relationships in Recruitment

One of our core values at Sharp Consultancy is Relationships, and recently I was reminded exactly why that matters. We recently won a competitive recruitment tender with a key client across the region. Whilst our experience and market knowledge played a huge part, I genuinely believe the deciding factor was something much harder to replicate – trust. I've known the senior finance leader for several years before there was ever a recruitment project to discuss. During that time, we've met regularly for coffee, shared market insights, talked about the finance landscape and discussed the challenges businesses were facing. Most of these conversations didn't lead to a recruitment assignment, and that was never the point. For me, relationship building isn't about waiting for someone to have a vacancy, it's about being present, staying relevant and adding value over time. Sometimes that's sharing insight into the market, offering a different perspective on a hiring challenge or simply taking the time to understand what's happening in someone's business. These conversations build credibility long before there's a commercial opportunity. So, when the recruitment opportunity came around, I wasn't introducing myself or trying to prove we understood the business in a single meeting. We've already built that understanding over years of honest conversations and consistent support. We knew what was important to them, the challenges they faced and how they wanted to approach recruitment. Winning the work was a fantastic result, but more importantly, it reinforced what I believe great recruitment is all about. The best recruitment partnerships aren't built when a role becomes live, they're built in the months and years beforehand. Trust develops through consistency, honesty and a genuine interest in helping people succeed, not through one conversation or one successful placement. That's why Relationship is one of our values at Sharp Consultancy. Because when trust comes first, opportunities tend to follow. The piece of recruitment may have been the outcome, but the relationship was the foundation that made it possible.

Read article

Job description

Sharp Consultancy are recruiting a temporary Accounts Payable Clerk to join a busy team in a growing business, based in the heart of Leeds City Centre.

As an Accounts Payable Clerk, you will play a key role in maintaining the accuracy and efficiency of the purchase-to-pay process. You'll work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders to process invoices, resolve queries, and support the smooth running of the accounts payable function.

Key Responsibilities

Process high volumes of supplier invoices accurately and efficiently.
Match invoices to purchase orders and investigate discrepancies.
Prepare and process supplier payment runs.
Reconcile supplier statements and resolve outstanding queries.
Maintain accurate supplier account records.
Respond to supplier and internal stakeholder enquiries in a professional and timely manner.
Ensure compliance with company policies, financial controls, and VAT requirements.
Assist with month-end activities and reporting requirements.
Support continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function.

Essential Skills & Experience

Previous experience in an Accounts Payable, Purchase Ledger, or Finance Assistant role.
Good understanding of accounting principles and accounts payable processes.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong organisational and time-management skills.
Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines.

Desirable

Experience working in a multi-site or high-volume transaction environment.
What You'll Get
Salary £26,00 - £28,000 dependant on experience (equivalent paid weekly via timesheet)
Hybrid and flexible working options
3 month temporary role

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

Temporary Accounts Payable Clerk

Job description