Celebrating International Women's Day with Hannah Shilling

In celebration of International Women's Day, we're shining a spotlight on women in financial leadership roles. In this instalment, we had the pleasure of speaking with Hannah Shilling.After graduating from the University of Leeds with a degree in Mathematics, Hannah began her finance career as a Graduate Trainee at Croda International Plc, where she also completed her ACCA studies. She then advanced to the role of Group Assistant Accountant. Seeking new challenges, Hannah joined Costcutter Supermarkets Group, where she climbed the ranks to become Head of Finance. Currently, she is the Director of Corporate Accounting & Transactions at Card Factory, where she continues to excel in her field. Hannah's role at Card Factory is varied and dynamic, requiring her to wear many hats and tackle diverse challenges each day. Join us as she shares her journey, career-defining moments, and the traits that have fuelled her success. 1.Please can you provide a summary of who you work for and your current role?I am Director of Corporate Accounting & Transactions at Card Factory. I look after Management Accounting, FP&A, Transactions and Procurement. A typical day for me can involve reviewing divisional performance, working on Finance transformation projects, and defining our procurement strategy. So, a very interesting and varied role, which involves me wearing a lot of different hats!2.What have been the one or two most defining moments in your career to date?I would say without a doubt when I became Head of Finance at Costcutter Supermarkets. I had joined Costcutter as an analyst 5 years earlier, so to build my career and step into a senior leadership role after returning from maternity was a very proud moment.3.What are the most important personal traits, values or characteristics that, being a female finance leader, has really helped to contribute to your success?Being nosy and stubborn! In all seriousness though, opportunities have presented themselves through me stepping outside of my lane and getting involved in all sorts of things that were only vaguely linked to my role. And you’ve got to be resilient and determined if you want to be a true change agent in a larger organisation. I describe myself as having a healthy level of discontent with the status quo, so I’m always agitating at how we do things better, faster. If apathy sets in, I know that it’s time for a new challenge.4.What is the one piece of advice that you would share with the next generation of female finance leaders as they look to build their careers?Build your resilience and confidence when your career is in a steady state, so you’ve got plentiful reserves to draw on when you step up to a stretch opportunity. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.Hannah Shilling's career in finance is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Her journey from her Graduate role at Croda International PLC to a senior leadership role at Card Factory PLC is truly inspiring. Despite the progress that has been made, women still face significant challenges in the finance industry. In the UK, women hold only 33.5% [1] of senior management roles in financial services, and while they make up 41.1% [2] of finance professionals, they are underrepresented in leadership positions. Hannah's advice to build resilience and confidence, and to seek help when needed, is invaluable for aspiring female finance leaders. As we celebrate International Women's Day, we hope Hannah's story provides inspiration to female finance professionals to embrace challenges and pursue their career goals with confidence and determination. 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 TODAY and let's chart your career path together.

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Charlie Marper

Business Manager

Charlie joined Sharp Consultancy in 2021, bringing extensive experience in the recruitment sector, specifically in Accountancy Practice recruitment across South, West, and North Yorkshire. His academic background includes a degree in Criminology, which provides a unique perspective and analytical skills beneficial to his career in recruitment. Despite initially entering a completely unrelated field post-graduation, a fortuitous conversation with a family friend led him to explore recruitment. Seven years later, he has honed his expertise in this arena, covering a broad spectrum of service lines including audit, accounts, and tax.

Charlie's primary focus lies in Professional Practice recruitment, where he has successfully matched numerous professionals with roles that align with their skills and career aspirations. His coverage spans South, West, and North Yorkshire, ensuring comprehensive service delivery in these regions.

Friends often describe Charlie as personable, charming, and humble. These traits have significantly contributed to his ability to build strong relationships with both clients and candidates, fostering an environment of trust and mutual respect. Outside of his professional life, Charlie is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys discussing various sports topics. His passion for travel often sees him exploring new destinations and cultures, enriching his personal and professional outlook. Additionally, he participates in tournament poker events across the UK and US, a hobby that sharpens his strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Charlie is also the proud parent of two Sphynx cats, who are a significant part of his life. If you encounter him at a networking event or meeting, feel free to ask for a picture—he always has plenty on hand to share.

For those seeking a reliable, personable, and highly skilled recruitment partner in the Professional Practice sector, Charlie is here to assist. Connect with him to explore how he can help you achieve your recruitment goals.