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Behind the Desk: Getting to Know Daniel Williams

Behind the Desk: Getting to Know DanWelcome to the first instalment of Behind the Desk—a new series designed to help you get to know the consultants behind our business. First up is our Business Manager, Dan Williams. From his journey into the world of finance and accountancy recruitment to his thoughts on the future of the industry in Yorkshire, Dan shares personal insights, professional lessons, and even a few light-hearted confessions (including his go-to karaoke song!). Whether you’re a client, candidate, or colleague, this Q&A offers a great chance to get to know Dan a little better—both in and out of the office.​Understanding the Journey: Personal Insights and InspirationsCan you tell us a bit about your career journey so far? How did you end up in finance and accountancy recruitment?I’ve always had a keen interest in people-focused roles, which naturally led me to a career in recruitment. I started my journey in Sales where I developed strong relationship-building and analytical skills. Over time, I realised that finance and accountancy recruitment was the perfect fit—it allows me to connect talented professionals with the right opportunities while staying engaged with the ever-evolving financial landscape. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I enjoy making a real impact on businesses and candidates alike.When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time? Any hobbies or interests?Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my wife and two young daughters who keep me on my toes! I also enjoy watching football and supporting the Might Reds! (Liverpool). I also try to hit the gym and stay fit and healthy, which helps me unwind and stay balanced. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is "Listen more than you speak—which is key to understanding people is key in any industry". This has stuck with me throughout my career, especially in recruitment, where building relationships and maintaining trust is crucial. It’s a reminder that persistence, adaptability, and a genuine approach always pay off in the long run.​Industry Perspective: Lessons and Approaches in RecruitmentWhat do you enjoy most about working in recruitment, especially in the finance and accountancy sector?The most rewarding part of recruitment, especially in finance and accountancy, is being able to connect talented professionals with opportunities that genuinely align with their skills and career goals. The finance sector is always evolving, and I enjoy staying up to date with industry trends while building long-term relationships with both candidates and clients. Seeing the positive impact a great hire can have on a business—and knowing I played a part in that—is incredibly fulfilling.What’s one thing you wish more people knew about working in recruitment?I wish more people understood that recruitment is much more than just matching CVs to job descriptions. It’s about understanding people, businesses, and industries at a deep level. A good recruiter is a consultant, advisor, and problem-solver, working behind the scenes to create the right fit for both clients and candidates. There’s a lot of strategy, relationship-building, and market insight involved, making it a dynamic and rewarding career.What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting in this industry?One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. Recruitment is a fast-paced industry where things don’t always go as planned—candidates decline offers, roles get put on hold, and market conditions shift. Learning to navigate these challenges while staying focused on long-term success has been invaluable. It’s all about persistence, building trust, and staying proactive in an ever-changing environment.​Lunch Laughs and Career WisdomWhat’s your favorite lunch to have at the office?A Meatball sub from the deli!What’s your go-to karaoke song (or the one you secretly love to sing)?My singing voice is best appreciated by the hard of hearing! And for those brave enough to endure my rendition of Livin’ On A Prayer, you might want to reconsider your life choices!If you could turn back time and give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be?I’d tell myself to focus on building genuine relationships and not stress too much about immediate results. Recruitment—and career success in general—is a long game, and the connections you build today can open doors in ways you don’t always expect. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone—it’s where the best opportunities are!​The Future in Focus: Aspirations and Industry OutlookWhat excites you the most in your career right now?Right now, I’m excited by the fast-paced evolution of the finance and accountancy sector and how recruitment is adapting to it. There’s a real demand for top talent, and it’s rewarding to help businesses find the right professionals while supporting candidates in securing roles that align with their career goals. The industry is always changing, and staying ahead of trends—whether it’s new regulations, digital transformation, or shifting job market dynamics—keeps things fresh and challenging.What do you think the future holds for finance and accountancy recruitment in Yorkshire?Yorkshire’s finance and accountancy sector continues to grow, with more businesses investing in specialist roles and embracing hybrid working models. I see a strong demand for skilled professionals, particularly in areas like financial analysis, risk management, and digital finance. As companies focus more on automation and data-driven decision-making, the need for top-tier talent will only increase. Recruitment will need to stay agile, building deeper partnerships with businesses to help them attract and retain the best people in an increasingly competitive market.If you could change one thing about the industry to improve it for candidates or clients, what would it be?I’d love to see even greater transparency and communication throughout the recruitment process. Sometimes candidates feel left in the dark after an interview, or clients don’t always have clear insights into candidate expectations. Improving communication and setting better expectations on both sides would make the process smoother and more efficient. Recruitment works best when it’s a true partnership, and fostering trust and openness benefits everyone involved.​We hope you enjoyed getting to know Dan and gaining a glimpse into his journey, insights, and personality. Behind the Desk is all about celebrating the people who make our team special, and we’re excited to continue the series with more of our brilliant consultants. Keep an eye out for the next feature—you might just discover something new about the person on the other end of the phone (or email)!​Thinking About Joining the Team?If Dan’s story has inspired you and you’re interested in building a career in recruitment with a supportive, people-focused team—we’d love to hear from you. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. Get in touch for a confidential chat about life at our company and the opportunities we have available.Check our our Careers Page​

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Jobs in Sheffield

Jobs in Sheffield

Sheffield, nestled in South Yorkshire, is a city renowned for its industrial roots, green spaces, and friendly community spirit. As one of the UK’s most progressive and liveable cities, Sheffield offers a compelling mix of career opportunities, a thriving cultural scene, and excellent transport links. This article takes a closer look at the city's lifestyle, commuting options, and most common career paths.

Living in Sheffield: Culture and Lifestyle for Accountancy & Finance Professionals

Sheffield is a city rich in culture and creativity—an attractive place to live and work for professionals seeking accountancy and finance jobs in South Yorkshire. With a strong musical heritage, the city has produced iconic acts like Arctic Monkeys and Pulp, and continues to thrive as a live music hotspot. Venues such as the Leadmill, O2 Academy, and Sheffield City Hall host performances year-round, contributing to the city’s vibrant social scene.

Art and theatre also play a major role in Sheffield’s cultural identity. The Millennium Gallery and Graves Gallery showcase a mix of contemporary and historic exhibitions, while the Crucible and Lyceum Theatres deliver an impressive calendar of drama, comedy, and musicals—perfect for professionals looking to enjoy a high quality of life outside the office.

Sheffield’s multicultural community is reflected in its wide variety of festivals and diverse food scene. Events like Tramlines Festival and Sheffield DocFest draw national attention, while the city’s restaurants and cafes serve everything from traditional Yorkshire dishes to international cuisine. For finance professionals relocating to Sheffield or considering a new role in the area, the city's dynamic lifestyle is a key benefit.

​Commuting in Sheffield for Accountancy and Accountancy & Finance Professionals

Sheffield offers a well-connected and efficient transport infrastructure, making it an ideal location for professionals seeking accountancy and finance jobs. Sheffield Railway Station provides direct train links to major UK cities including Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, and London—positioning the city as a strategic base for commuters and businesses alike. With London just over two hours away and Manchester reachable in under an hour, Sheffield is a convenient hub for finance professionals working across the North and beyond.

Public transport in Sheffield is reliable and accessible, with a strong bus network and the Sheffield Supertram providing easy access to key areas across the city. Park-and-ride facilities support those commuting from nearby towns and suburbs, making it simple to travel into central Sheffield for work.

As one of the UK’s greenest cities, Sheffield also supports eco-friendly commuting. The abundance of green spaces and tree-lined routes makes walking and cycling a popular choice for many professionals—particularly those working in the city’s compact and walkable centre. For those exploring finance careers in Sheffield, the ease of travel adds another layer of appeal to this vibrant and connected city.

​Common Careers in Sheffield

Sheffield has a diverse and evolving economy, making it an excellent place to grow a career. Key sectors in the city include:

  • Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering: Sheffield has a global reputation for innovation in manufacturing and metallurgy, with the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and companies like Boeing, Rolls-Royce, and McLaren investing heavily in the region.

  • Accountancy and Finance: Sheffield has a strong professional services sector, with growing demand for accountants, financial analysts, and finance business partners across industries ranging from manufacturing and healthcare to education and the public sector.

  • Healthcare: As the home of Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust—one of the UK’s largest—there are wide-ranging roles in medicine, nursing, research, and support services.

  • Education: With two major universities—the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Hallam University—the city offers numerous roles in teaching, research, administration, and student support.

  • Digital and Tech: Sheffield’s tech sector continues to grow, especially in software development, cybersecurity, and data services. The city is part of the wider Northern Powerhouse tech ecosystem.

  • ​Public Sector and Professional Services: Local government, civil service, and legal firms play a significant role in the city’s employment landscape, alongside accountancy, recruitment, and consultancy businesses.

Conclusion

Sheffield is a city that beautifully balances history with innovation. Its cultural richness, reliable transport links, and wide range of career opportunities make it an appealing choice for professionals at all stages of their career. Whether you're seeking urban convenience, access to the outdoors, or a supportive professional community, Sheffield delivers on all fronts.

Jobs in Sheffield

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