Sharp Consultancy Supports Yorkshire Children’s Charity’s annual schools day out at Cannon Hall Farm.

On Wednesday, September 11th, half of our staff from both the Sheffield and Leeds offices volunteered to support Yorkshire Children’s Charity. Each year, this charity provides hundreds of children from schools across Yorkshire with the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic day out at Cannon Hall Farm, and they rely on many volunteers to make this happen.This year, over 600 children who might otherwise not be able to enjoy a day trip like this, partook in what turned out to be a brilliant day. Yorkshire Children’s Charity is very close to our hearts here at Sharp Consultancy as not only is it focused on the county we call home, the charity helps children who for a variety of reasons, are in a position of disadvantage. For many of these children, this was their first visit to a farm and possibly their first experience outside their local area. Apart from a brief deluge for 10 minutes at the start of the day and a light shower at the end the day, the rain mostly stayed away. The team from Sharp Consultancy, along with many other volunteers helped get the packed lunches delivered, drinks poured, biscuits distributed and joined the teachers showing the children around the farm – from reptile houses to the pig pens (much holding of noses and retching noises!), tractor rides to see Llama’s and reindeer, sheep racing, ferret racing, meerkats and mongoose. It was a day like no other.No matter how old you are, if you think back really hard, you can probably just about remember the first time you saw a snake or huge monitor lizard in a zoo; or goggled at the size of a shire horse and the amazement you felt – multiply this by 608 children and you might just have some idea how special the day was. And don’t children ask the best questions. I have never been asked so many questions I didn’t know the answer to – ‘Why do snakes put their heads in that position?’ Why are some leaf cutter ants carrying leaves to their nest and some carrying them away from their nest?’ Why is that cow laying down and that one stood up?’ my answer – ‘it must be tired’ – there response ‘what’s it been doing to get tired?’ Or my favourite ‘What can run faster, a meerkat or a ferret?’. The team here at Sharp Consultancy had an amazing day (I think if enjoyment could be measured, we’d have given the children a run for their money!) It was a humbling and enlightening experience and on occasions, very emotional (my word, you really appreciate just exactly how lucky you are and have been). Most of all though it was a delight to meet 608 amazing young people, dozens of teachers and assistants (you really are heroes, and nothing will make me change my mind on that) and all our fellow volunteers and charity employees Annabel and Abbie – join the teachers in our collective hero worship. A day to remember…forever.

Read article

Job description

We are partnering with a dynamic multidisciplinary business in North Leeds, who are seeking a Commercial Accountant to join the team. The business has been trading for over 25 years and are specialists in providing a wide range of services to the renewable energy sector. They now have well over 15 sites in the UK and 400+ employees generating revenues in excess of £100m.

Reporting to the Financial Controller, this broad and varied role will have responsibility for creating accurate pricing models to support commercial decisions whilst working closely with commercial teams to aid the delivery bids and tenders. The role will also collaborate with IT to enhance and automate system and processes. This role is essential in helping the business understand its cost structures, optimise its pricing strategies, and improve overall financial performance and systems. The ideal candidate will have a strong commercial background with excellent analytical skills, and a keen interest in systems and process improvement.

Key responsibilities include:

Analyse and monitor cost data, including material, labour, and overhead costs, to ensure accuracy and compliance with financial standards.
Assist in the preparation of budgets and forecasts by providing cost data and analysis to support decision-making.
Oversee the valuation of inventory, ensuring that costs are accurately recorded and reported in line with company policies.
Prepare and present detailed reports on cost variances, trends, and recommendations to management.
Collaborate with the sales and operations teams to develop and refine pricing strategies that reflect true costs and desired profit margins.
Develop, implement, and maintain standard costing systems to streamline cost tracking and reporting processes.
Identify areas where cost efficiencies can be achieved and work with relevant departments to implement cost-saving initiatives.
Ensure all cost accounting activities comply with company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
Continuously review and improve cost accounting processes and systems to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Ideally will be able to demonstrate the below experience;

CIMA, ACCA, OR ACA qualification preferred but not essential.
Experience with financial modelling.
Advanced Microsoft Excel.
Background in Manufacturing or similar industries.
Strong commercial acumen.
High IT literacy with knowledge of various ERP systems.
Excellent problem-solving skills.

Sharp Consultancy is a finance and accountancy recruitment specialist assisting accounting and finance divisions of businesses in the Yorkshire and Derbyshire area. With over 30 years’ experience we pride ourselves on sourcing excellent finance professionals across all divisions of an accounts function, from finance administrators through to senior Finance Director appointments. Please visit our website for more information on accountancy jobs or accountancy recruitment, finance jobs or finance recruitment.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK full time without restriction. To apply please send your CV to the e-mail address stated, quoting our reference and specifying which website you saw this position advertised on. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive it is not always possible to respond to unsuccessful applicants. Therefore, if we have not responded to your application within seven days please note that on this occasion your application has not been successful.