How to Spot a Great Employer During Your Finance

Economic Outlook Roundtable: What Yorkshire’s Finance Leaders Are Saying About Growth, Hiring and the Road Ahead

Senior finance professionals from across Yorkshire recently joined Sharp Consultancy for an exclusive roundtable discussion featuring an economic update from Paul Mount, Economist and Deputy Agent at the Bank of England. The session provided a timely, in-depth look at the UK’s economic landscape — followed by a candid conversation about what businesses are experiencing on the ground.The picture that emerged was one of cautious realism. While official forecasts point to easing inflation and a gradual return to stability, many organisations across the region continue to navigate weak demand, rising labour costs, tightening legislation and stalled investment projects. Yet despite these pressures, there remains a strong sense of resilience and adaptability — qualities that have long defined the Yorkshire business community. At Sharp Consultancy, our specialist finance and accountancy teams speak daily to employers and professionals across commerce, industry, public practice and the not-for-profit sector. What we heard in this session closely aligns with the insight we gather from clients and candidates across the region. Below, we explore the key themes shaping business confidence, recruitment activity and the outlook for 2026. Inflation Is Easing, but Confidence Has Yet to Follow The Bank of England outlined its latest central forecast: Inflation expected to gradually return toward the 2% target. GDP growth set to remain modest but stable through 2026. Interest rates anticipated to settle around 3.5% based on market expectations. Unemployment projected to hold near 5%. However, the sentiment in the room was clear: despite improving headline numbers, confidence across most sectors remains fragile. Many organisations described the environment as “flat” — not contracting, but unable to capitalise fully on opportunities due to economic uncertainty. Sharp Consultancy continues to see this play out: businesses are stabilising rather than expanding, focusing on cash management, operational efficiency and carefully controlled hiring. Labour Costs Continue to Reshape Workforce Strategies Wage pressures were a recurring theme throughout the discussion. Employers highlighted: Significant increases to the National Living Wage. Higher employer National Insurance contributions. Expected future changes to minimum wage equalisation for younger workers. Rising cost and complexity associated with apprenticeships. These factors are pushing up costs at every level of the workforce and reshaping recruitment behaviours. Across Sharp Consultancy’s accountancy and finance divisions, we are seeing: Strong demand for replacement hires where roles are business critical. Lower volumes of growth hires, particularly in commercial and project-focused appointments. Clients increasingly prioritising candidates who bring breadth, adaptability and long-term value. Construction & Infrastructure: Capacity Under Pressure Leaders from the construction sector painted a challenging picture — one mirrored by many Sharp Consultancy clients operating across the wider built environment. Key themes included: Planning delays of 9–10 months, particularly related to the Building Safety Act. Businesses holding on to workforce capacity despite reduced margins — a strategy that may not be sustainable in 2026. Difficulty justifying new capital expenditure under IFRS when future cashflows are uncertain. Concerns that smaller subcontractors may not withstand prolonged delays or reduced demand.Yet, attendees also highlighted that construction could become a catalyst for economic recovery — provided policy reform and planning improvements unlock stalled projects. Manufacturing: Rising Costs and Shifting OperationsLeaders representing manufacturing shared concerns around: Rising energy and operational costs. Increased frequency of site closures and offshoring. Significant challenges in attracting engineering and technical talent. Early signs of contraction in several sub-sectors, with aerospace a notable exception. These pressures reinforce the growing importance of finance leaders who can model scenarios, manage volatility and guide long-term planning — roles Sharp Consultancy continues to support across the manufacturing landscape. Charity & Public Sector Organisations Facing Acute Strain For organisations reliant on local authority funding, the challenges are particularly stark. Attendees reported: Government and council funding caps. Rising NI, wage costs and VAT changes adding millions to annual budgets. Increasingly complex consultation requirements under forthcoming employment legislation. The likelihood of significant cuts to the frontline services in the months ahead.Sharp Consultancy’s continues to work closely with organisations navigating these pressures, supporting clients through restructuring, recruitment challenges and financial planning needs. Recruitment Outlook: Stability Over Expansion Across sectors, the message was consistent: 2026 is expected to be cautious, steady and focused on maintaining capability rather than expanding headcount. Attendees forecast: Workforce levels remaining broadly flat. Hiring driven by essential replacement roles. Transformation, M&A and large-scale project hiring likely to remain subdued. Improved recruitment confidence only once interest rates and policy direction stabilise. For employers, this means sharper competition for high-quality finance talent — an area where Sharp Consultancy’s specialist teams continue to provide targeted, market-led support. What Comes Next? A Slow but Steady Rebuild Despite the challenges discussed, the roundtable ended on a constructive note. Many leaders believe that once interest rates settle and stalled investment begins to move, the region could see a more meaningful upturn — potentially from 2026 onwards. Yorkshire businesses have proven time and again that they are resourceful, resilient and ready to adapt. Sharp Consultancy remains committed to supporting them through every stage — whether stabilising teams, recruiting future leaders, or navigating the next phase of growth. If you’d like to understand what these economic trends mean for your business or team, speak to our specialist consultants for a confidential market discussion. Contacts Us

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An interview isn’t just your chance to demonstrate why you’re the right fit for a role...

It’s also an opportunity to assess whether the business, culture, and leadership style are right for you. In the accountancy and finance sector, where accuracy, communication, and collaboration are crucial, the way a potential employer handles the recruitment process can reveal a lot about what it might be like to work with them.

While there’s no guaranteed way to know whether a move will be perfect, keeping an eye out for certain behaviours and asking the right questions can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Communication Matters

Before you even step into the interview room (or log into a Teams call), you can often gauge a company’s professionalism by how they communicate. Were the interview details clearly explained? Was the process organised, timely, and respectful of your availability?

If your interview has been rearranged multiple times without good reason, or communication feels disjointed, it could be a red flag — especially in finance roles where structure, planning and reliability are key.

Two individuals shake hands across a desk, representing a moment of collaboration or agreement.

First Impressions Work Both Ways

You’ll be working hard to make a strong first impression, but it’s just as important to consider theirs. Did the interviewer arrive on time and appear prepared? Did they take a moment to help you feel comfortable? Small signs like this can reveal a lot about their leadership style and how the team operates.

In accountancy and finance, where deadlines and accuracy are essential, an organised, punctual interviewer often reflects a well-run department.

Look for Genuine Interest

Even when the interview follows a set structure — which is common for finance roles such as Financial Accountant, Assistant Accountant or Finance Manager — a good hiring manager will still engage with your answers.

Positive body language, active listening and tailored follow-up questions all show that they’re genuinely interested in your background and how your skills could support the team. If they appear distracted or disengaged, it may be worth reflecting on why.

Are They Asking the Right Questions?

A cork board filled with colorful question cards, showcasing various inquiries and ideas pinned with pushpins.

Thoughtful, well-structured questions not only help you provide better answers, but they also signal that the interviewer understands the role. For example, a manager recruiting a Management Accountant should be able to clearly explain reporting lines, systems used, business partnering expectations and month-end duties.

If you’re frequently having to clarify vague or confusing questions, this might indicate challenges with communication or unclear expectations within the team.

Passion, Enthusiasm, and Vision

A great leader will speak positively about their role, the business, and the team’s direction. How long have they been with the company? Do they seem energised by future plans? A hiring manager who clearly enjoys their work is often a strong indicator of a positive culture and stable finance function.

How They Talk About the Team

A diverse workforce standing in a circle, holding hands, symbolising unity and togetherness.

Pay close attention to how they describe colleagues and the person who previously held the role. Open, positive reflections suggest a healthy team environment. Hesitation, negativity or vague answers may indicate previous difficulties or ongoing issues within the department.

Understanding why the role is vacant — expansion, promotion, or replacement — can also give you valuable insight into the culture and career progression opportunities.

Do They Welcome Your Questions?

A good employer understands that interviews should be collaborative. If you’re not offered the chance to ask questions, or your questions are met with brief, uninspired answers, it may suggest a one-sided approach to leadership and decision-making.

Conversely, employers who welcome your curiosity and provide honest, thoughtful responses are often those who value transparency and employee engagement.

Clarity on Next Steps

Clear communication about timelines and next stages shows respect for your time and professionalism — something particularly important within the finance sector where planning and timely reporting are essential.

Paper with handwritten next steps and colorful sticky notes arranged around it, indicating a brainstorming session.

A strong hiring manager will outline when you can expect feedback and what the remaining process looks like.

Partner with Experts Who Understand the Finance Market

At Sharp Consultancy, we work closely with finance and accountancy professionals across Yorkshire, helping you identify not only the right role, but the right environment in which to thrive. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our specialist consultants offer in-depth market knowledge, interview support and honest insight into employers across the region.

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAYand let's chart your career path together.

How to Spot a Great Employer During Your Finance Interview