FRS 102 Revised Seminar Brings South Yorkshire Finance Leaders Together
In collaboration with Shorts Chartered Accountants, we recently hosted a seminar for senior finance professionals from across the region.The event brought together a number of Finance Directors, Financial Controllers and senior leaders from across the region for a morning of insight, discussion and networking over breakfast. It was a pleasure to welcome so many familiar faces, alongside new contacts, reflecting the strength and depth of the Yorkshire finance community. The seminar was presented by Howard Freeman, Audit & Accounts Partner, and Andy Ryder, Corporate Finance Partner at Shorts. We are extremely grateful to both speakers for sharing their time and expertise, and for delivering a clear, practical overview of the forthcoming changes to FRS 102, which came into effect on 1 January 2026 and are expected to impact a significant number of UK businesses. The session explored what is changing and why, particularly in relation to lease accounting and revenue recognition, and considered what the updates mean in practice for finance teams and business leaders. The speakers also addressed the new reporting requirements under FRS 102, the potential impact on EBITDA and valuation methodologies, and the key considerations for organisations as they prepare for implementation. Rather than focusing purely on technical detail, the seminar encouraged broader discussion around readiness, communication with stakeholders and the commercial implications of the changes. This led to a highly engaged Q&A session, with attendees sharing perspectives and experiences from their own organisations. At Sharp Consultancy, we are committed to supporting the finance community beyond recruitment alone. Events such as this form part of our ongoing effort to create opportunities for connection, knowledge-sharing and professional development among senior finance professionals. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Shorts for partnering with us on this event, and in particular to Howard and Andy for delivering such an informative and thought-provoking session. We are also grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion. We look forward to hosting further events in the coming months and continuing to work closely with our network of finance leaders across the region.If you would like to discuss how these changes may impact your finance team, or if you are considering strengthening your leadership function, please contact us for a confidential conversation.
The interview process plays a critical role in identifying the right talent—but it’s not just the candidates who need to prepare. For employers looking to recruit high-calibre finance professionals—whether for a temporary, interim, or permanent role—it’s essential to approach interviews with structure, insight, and professionalism.
At Sharp Consultancy, we support organisations across Yorkshire with the recruitment of finance talent at all levels—from part-qualified accountants to Finance Directors (FDs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). Here’s our guide to conducting an effective, professional interview that reflects positively on your business and helps you secure the right candidate.
Choose the Right Interview Format
When recruiting for finance roles such as Management Accountants, Financial Controllers, or Finance Business Partners, consider what interview format suits both the role and the stage of the recruitment process:
Phone interviews are great for early-stage screening.
Video interviews via Zoom or Teams work well when geography is a factor or for interim appointments.
Face-to-face interviews remain key for final-stage assessments and senior finance appointments.
Decide whether your process will follow a structured format, where each candidate is asked the same questions, or a more conversational approach tailored to the individual’s background.
Select the Right Interview Panel
The hiring manager—often a Finance Director, HR Business Partner, or Managing Director—should typically be involved in interviewing, especially for qualified or senior finance roles.
Remember: the interview is a two-way process. Choose interviewers who will positively represent your company culture, speak credibly about the team and wider business, and be enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Time It Right
Most first interviews for finance roles should last around 45–60 minutes, with more time given for second-stage or senior-level appointments such as Group Financial Controller or Head of Finance.
If you’re seeing multiple candidates in one day, build in buffer time between interviews to avoid running late or rushing through important conversations.
Plan the Practical Details
Ensure the location is professional, accessible, and welcoming. Whether interviews are taking place at your office or online, ensure that candidates receive clear instructions in advance:
Who they will be meeting
The expected duration
Directions, parking information, or joining links
Any supporting material they should bring (e.g., portfolio, case study presentation)
If interviewing in person, ensure someone is available to greet candidates and offer refreshments—it’s the small details that make a difference.
Be Fully Prepared
Have a printed or digital interview pack for each candidate, including:
A copy of their CV and cover letter
Any pre-interview exercises or assessments
Notes or feedback from other stages of the process
Preparation also signals professionalism and respect for the candidate’s time and effort.
Ask the Right Questions
To evaluate suitability, ensure you tailor your questions to the technical competencies, sector experience, and commercial awareness needed for the role.
Examples:
“How have you improved financial reporting processes in your current role?”
“Can you give an example of where your insight influenced a strategic business decision?”
“What are the key financial challenges facing our sector right now?”
Structured questions allow for comparison across candidates, while follow-up questions help explore their depth of experience.
Help Candidates Feel at Ease
Finance interviews can be high-pressure, especially for newly qualified candidates or those moving into their first management role. Set a positive tone:
Offer a drink
Start with small talk (“How was your journey?”)
Create a welcoming environment before diving into technical or competency-based questions
You’ll gain better insight into a candidate when they feel comfortable enough to be themselves.
Closing the Interview
Before wrapping up, give candidates a chance to ask questions—it shows engagement and gives them clarity.
Be transparent about next steps, timelines, and how/when they will hear back. Even if you're still deciding, maintain communication—finance professionals in demand won’t wait around without feedback, and you risk losing your preferred choice.
Always follow up with every candidate, whether successful or not. This reflects well on your employer brand and helps build a reputation as a professional, people-first organisation.
Need Support with Interviewing or Hiring Finance Professionals?
Sharp Consultancy is a specialist recruitment firm with a proven track record in placing high-quality accountancy and finance professionals across Yorkshire and the North.
Whether you're recruiting for a Finance Analyst, Qualified Accountant, or CFO, our experienced consultants in Leeds and Sheffield can help you attract and secure the right talent.
Sharp Consultancy is a specialist finance and accountancy recruitment partner for businesses across Yorkshire and the North East Midlands. With a deep understanding of the local market and access to a network of high-calibre professionals, we help organisations secure the talent they need to succeed. If you're looking to strengthen your finance team, CONTACT US to speak to one of our expert consultants to find out how we can help.
