Offered Two Finance Roles? How to Decide Which One

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.

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First of all — congratulations. Receiving two job offers is a fantastic achievement and a strong indication that your skills and experience are in high demand.

While this is an enviable position to be in, it’s completely understandable if you’re feeling unsure about how to make the final decision. This is an important career move, and it’s one you shouldn’t feel pressured into rushing.

What Not to Do

One of the most important things to avoid is trying to play one employer off against the other. While both organisations may have identified you as their preferred candidate, if either senses that your interest isn’t genuine, they may reconsider their offer. That risk is even greater if both employers get the same impression.

That’s not to say there isn’t room for negotiation — particularly in accountancy and finance roles — but a sensible approach is to identify your preferred offer first and negotiate with one employer only, rather than attempting to leverage both.

Look Beyond Salary

A person in a business suit sitting at a table in a modern café or office setting, with coffee cups in front of them during a conversation.

It can be tempting to assume that the role with the highest salary is automatically the best option, but this is rarely the full picture. Finance and accountancy professionals should consider the overall opportunity and how it aligns with their longer-term career goals.

Ask yourself:

Does the role offer clear progression opportunities?
Will the business support your professional development, qualifications, or leadership growth?
Does one role offer broader exposure to the business, systems, or stakeholders?

A slightly lower salary may be outweighed by stronger long-term prospects, greater job satisfaction, or a clearer pathway to promotion.

Compare the Role and Responsibilities

Take time to review the scope of each position. Are the responsibilities aligned with what you were hoping to achieve in your next move? For example, does one role offer more involvement in business partnering, systems improvement, team leadership, or strategic decision-making?

In accountancy and finance, gaining the right experience at the right stage of your career can be just as valuable as immediate financial reward.

Consider Work–Life Balance and Flexibility

Not all career moves are driven by progression alone. If your motivation is to improve work–life balance, flexibility, or wellbeing, it’s important to understand each employer’s approach to hybrid working, flexible hours, and office attendance.

Ask for clarity on how these arrangements work in practice — both now and longer term. You should also factor in commute time, travel costs, parking, and the potential impact of being more office-based in the future.

A person typing on a white keyboard at a clean desk, with a wireless mouse.

Culture, Values, and Reputation

While many elements of a job offer can be negotiated, company culture and values cannot. Take time to research each organisation’s reputation within the market. What do employees, clients, or industry peers say about working with them?

Reflect on your interview experience too. Which organisation felt more aligned with your values? Where did you feel most comfortable? Often, your gut instinct can be a powerful indicator of where you’ll thrive long term.

Making Your Final Decision

Weigh up the pros and cons of each opportunity carefully and be honest with both employers. Most organisations will understand that you need time to make an informed decision. Agree a clear timeframe, communicate openly, and stick to it.

Making the right choice now can have a lasting impact on your career — so take the time to get it right.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim, and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our experienced consultants support candidates and businesses across Yorkshire and beyond.

Contact us today for expert advice on your next career move.

Offered Two Finance Roles? How to Decide Which One Is Right for You