COVID 19 - How it's Impacting Your Recruitment

Meet our Transactional Temps and Interim Specialists

Why is it that so many people and businesses in Yorkshire trust and rely on Sharp Consultancy to support their temporary and interim financial recruitment strategies? Sharp Consultancy is Yorkshire’s largest, most experienced and best-connected independent company committed exclusively to financial recruitment. We’re the true specialists. Unlike so many other firms, financial recruitment is all we do - so we’re probably the most focused and knowledgeable company in the region. And in Yorkshire, no other specialist Temporary and Interim Finance Recruitment team enjoy as many years of combined finance sector experience. Therefore, both our Transactional Temps and Interim Specialists divisions are the most knowledgeable in the region. Karen PitchforthKaren Pitchforth has over two decades of recruitment experience, dedicating more than half of that to Sharp Consultancy and is pivotal to our Interim Specialist division. Dedicated to South Yorkshire businesses, Karen has a vast network of part-qualified, fully qualified, or qualified by experience interim finance specialists in the region.Karen's Company ProfileKaren's LinkedIn ProfileColin MolyneuxColin Molyneux’s career spans almost 25 years and now in his second stint with Sharp Consultancy has been a key component in our Interim Specialist division. His expert focus on sourcing and placing Qualified Interim professionals across West Yorkshire and has a concrete commitment: whether it’s days or hours, he’ll meet your deadlines. Colin's Company ProfileColin's LinkedIn ProfileStuart DouglassStuart Douglass has been an integral part of our Interim Specialist division since 2016, building on a career spanning over 25 years. He focuses exclusively on senior interim roles within West and North Yorkshire and covers Part Qualified, Qualified by Experience and Qualified requirements. His deep understanding of the finance market means he is a trusted advisor to many clients. Stuart's Company ProfileStuart's LinkedIn ProfileDeanna CrosbyDeanna Crosby has established herself as a leading Transactional Temps expert in South Yorkshire. She focuses predominantly on the Barnsley, Doncaster, and Rotherham areas supplying variety of Transactional Temps including, Finance/Accounts Assistants, Credit Controllers, Sales and Purchase Ledger Clerks and Payroll. Dee provides a rapid response to meet her clients’ needs. Deanna's Company Profile Deanna's LinkedIn ProfileLiam O'FlahertyLiam O'Flaherty has over 20 years of finance recruitment experience. Now in his fifth year with us, Liam specialises in Transactional Temp recruitment throughout West Yorkshire. His deep understanding of the local market, combined with his consultative approach, ensures that both clients and candidates receive unparalleled service and support. Liam's Company ProfileLiam's LinkedIn ProfileTom TurnerTom Turner is now in his sixth year in recruitment, and entering his 3rd year with Sharp Consultancy, where he has quickly established himself as the go-to transactional temp specialist in the Sheffield market. Covering all aspects of transactional finance, Tom is the person to find the right fit when it comes to temp Finance Assistants, Accounts Payable Clerks, Accounts Receivable staff and payrollers. With shrewd judgement, he makes precise recommendations.Tom's Company Profile Tom's LinkedIn ProfileSo, with circa 100 years of combined Transactional Temps and Interim Specialist recruitment experience, and more than a third of that within Sharp Consultancy itself, the real question is not why is it that so many people and businesses in Yorkshire trust and rely on Sharp Consultancy to support their temporary and interim financial recruitment strategies? But more why would you choose to go anywhere else? Our aim is to earn your trust by providing a superior experience. To discuss how Sharp Consultancy assist you and your business speak to one of these leading experts in their field on 0113 236 6300 or 0114 261 1700.

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COVID-19 has had a widespread and sometimes devastating impact on businesses throughout the region; companies have grappled with an almost overnight move to home working, continual changes to working patterns and practices and for some, unfortunately, a significant downturn or complete standstill in their ability to trade.

With reports of a record number of redundancies and growing unemployment, it would be easy to forget that there are sectors of the economy which are experiencing high levels of demand and this in turn, creates its own – albeit different – set of challenges.

In recruiting terms, professional practice accountancy firms have, by and large, been amongst the least affected in terms of a decrease in demand and indeed, those businesses advising in areas such as statutory compliance, corporate finance and private equity have been very busy during the last 12 plus months.

Whilst COVID-19 may have brought many things to a screeching halt, businesses still need auditing, end of year accounts still need filing and, coupled with a sharp increase in mergers and acquisitions activity as well as those businesses which have unfortunately been unable to survive, the competition for top talent is fierce as accountancy firms look to increase their headcounts.

A shortage of candidates is prompting firms to redouble their staff retention efforts resulting in substantial pay rises and bonuses - often at levels more commonly reserved to recognise exceptional performance - now being offered to reward relatively modest promotions or increases in responsibility.

Not only are salaries being driven up, a further consequence of events over the last year is that many of the usual push factors that would motivate an individual to seek out a new opportunity have been removed - or at the very least been significantly watered down – making it harder for those looking to recruit to turn heads. With many employees working from home, lengthy commutes have been replaced with extra hours in the day and opportunities for promotion and salary increases can be clearly seen on the horizon.

Undoubtedly, the next 12 – 18 months will see further economic growth and ensure that candidate demand remains high; as a result, those looking to tempt talent away from their current roles will need to be creative – or dig very deep – in order to attract the desired individuals. However, money alone won’t be enough and, as workloads increase and employees become concerned about being pushed too hard and risking burnout, softer benefits and a flexible approach to creating a sustainable work life balance will have an increasing level of appeal alongside the desire for career progression.

With candidates valuing different things compared to 12 months ago – and with many finding themselves in a comfortable position that makes it easier to stay rather than look elsewhere – the onus will be very much upon businesses to create compelling, tailored opportunities to secure the calibre of candidates they need.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today to find out more.