AS WE LAUNCH THE SHARP CONSULTANCY 2019/2020 SALARY SURVEY, REGIONAL DIRECTOR AARON PEPPERDAY TAKES A LOOK AT HOW HIGH DEMAND FOR TOP TALENT IS AFFECTING THE ACCOUNTANCY AND FINANCE SECTOR ACROSS THE REGION.

​Over the last 12 months we have witnessed candidate demand far outstripping supply across many areas of the market and early indications show that trend is set to continue throughout 2019 and, potentially, on an even bigger scale.

We are very much seeing a candidate driven market and as a result recruitment is becoming more creative – and often aggressive – as employers step up their efforts to secure the top talent.

Whilst salary levels remain strong and we are witnessing good growth across many roles and levels, more emphasis is being placed upon offering flexible working opportunities, desirable benefits and soft perks such as the ability to buy additional holiday and tailor-your-own employee discounts in order to gain the edge over the competition.

In the current conditions with demand outstripping supply, employees are aware that they can earn – and often command – very good salaries. Yet, whilst this remains high on their list of requirements, savvy candidates are looking far more closely at roles which offer strong progression opportunities and positive working environments to go alongside the financial rewards.

Companies are becoming much more attuned to this way of thinking with an increasing number recognising the need to further improve their benefits packages – potentially alongside the ability to tailor these to suit individual needs – as well as ensuring clearly defined career paths are mapped out and positively communicated.

With high demand and lower levels of supply, employers are adjusting their approach, allowing themselves to flex their requirements to a greater degree. Those open to exploring candidates with a wider range of skills and experience rather than maintaining a firmly rigid view of the ideal appointment are more often than not, the ones that are reaping the rewards.

The market has seen key pinch-points develop over recent years and in particular we are witnessing a shortage of second (or third) time movers particularly across the south of the region where there are fewer people looking to make the move from the profession into industry. Competition is high and employers, recognising that this trend is set to continue, are looking to invest in the future by snapping up good quality graduates and candidates at more junior levels and bringing them through the ranks.

Whilst the economy has experienced growth in recent years, a level of uncertainty has remained which has made many employees somewhat reluctant to taking risks when it comes to making a move. However, with supply continuing to be a challenge facing employers, there remains a focus upon employee retention and ensuring the right balance between attractive salary levels, promotion and progression opportunities and job satisfaction is crucial as the perceived risk of making a move diminishes should one or more of these factors be out of kilter.

The above editorial is an extract from the Sharp Consultancy 2019/2020 Salary Survey; a full copy can be downloaded here.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance professionals.  With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond CONTACT UStoday to discuss your recruitment needs with a member of our team.

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