Sharp Consultancy
Job title:
Assistant Finance Controller
Company
Sharp Consultancy
Job description
Behind the Desk: Getting to Know DanWelcome to the first instalment of Behind the Desk-a new series designed to help you get to know the consultants behind our business. First up is our Business Manager, Dan Williams. From his journey into the world of finance and accountancy recruitment to his thoughts on the future of the industry in Yorkshire, Dan shares personal insights, professional lessons, and even a few light-hearted confessions (including his go-to karaoke song!). Whether you’re a client, candidate, or colleague, this Q&A offers a great chance to get to know Dan a little better-both in and out of the office.Understanding the Journey: Personal Insights and InspirationsCan you tell us a bit about your career journey so far? How did you end up in finance and accountancy recruitment?I’ve always had a keen interest in people-focused roles, which naturally led me to a career in recruitment. I started my journey in Sales where I developed strong relationship-building and analytical skills. Over time, I realised that finance and accountancy recruitment was the perfect fit-it allows me to connect talented professionals with the right opportunities while staying engaged with the ever-evolving financial landscape. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I enjoy making a real impact on businesses and candidates alike.When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time? Any hobbies or interests?Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my wife and two young daughters who keep me on my toes! I also enjoy watching football and supporting the Might Reds! (Liverpool). I also try to hit the gym and stay fit and healthy, which helps me unwind and stay balanced. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is “Listen more than you speak-which is key to understanding people is key in any industry”. This has stuck with me throughout my career, especially in recruitment, where building relationships and maintaining trust is crucial. It’s a reminder that persistence, adaptability, and a genuine approach always pay off in the long run.Industry Perspective: Lessons and Approaches in RecruitmentWhat do you enjoy most about working in recruitment, especially in the finance and accountancy sector?The most rewarding part of recruitment, especially in finance and accountancy, is being able to connect talented professionals with opportunities that genuinely align with their skills and career goals. The finance sector is always evolving, and I enjoy staying up to date with industry trends while building long-term relationships with both candidates and clients. Seeing the positive impact a great hire can have on a business-and knowing I played a part in that-is incredibly fulfilling.What’s one thing you wish more people knew about working in recruitment?I wish more people understood that recruitment is much more than just matching CVs to job descriptions. It’s about understanding people, businesses, and industries at a deep level. A good recruiter is a consultant, advisor, and problem-solver, working behind the scenes to create the right fit for both clients and candidates. There’s a lot of strategy, relationship-building, and market insight involved, making it a dynamic and rewarding career.What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting in this industry?One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. Recruitment is a fast-paced industry where things don’t always go as planned-candidates decline offers, roles get put on hold, and market conditions shift. Learning to navigate these challenges while staying focused on long-term success has been invaluable. It’s all about persistence, building trust, and staying proactive in an ever-changing environment.Lunch Laughs and Career WisdomWhat’s your favorite lunch to have at the office?A Meatball sub from the deli!What’s your go-to karaoke song (or the one you secretly love to sing)?My singing voice is best appreciated by the hard of hearing! And for those brave enough to endure my rendition of Livin’ On A Prayer, you might want to reconsider your life choices!If you could turn back time and give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be?I’d tell myself to focus on building genuine relationships and not stress too much about immediate results. Recruitment-and career success in general-is a long game, and the connections you build today can open doors in ways you don’t always expect. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone-it’s where the best opportunities are!The Future in Focus: Aspirations and Industry OutlookWhat excites you the most in your career right now?Right now, I’m excited by the fast-paced evolution of the finance and accountancy sector and how recruitment is adapting to it. There’s a real demand for top talent, and it’s rewarding to help businesses find the right professionals while supporting candidates in securing roles that align with their career goals. The industry is always changing, and staying ahead of trends-whether it’s new regulations, digital transformation, or shifting job market dynamics-keeps things fresh and challenging.What do you think the future holds for finance and accountancy recruitment in Yorkshire?Yorkshire’s finance and accountancy sector continues to grow, with more businesses investing in specialist roles and embracing hybrid working models. I see a strong demand for skilled professionals, particularly in areas like financial analysis, risk management, and digital finance. As companies focus more on automation and data-driven decision-making, the need for top-tier talent will only increase. Recruitment will need to stay agile, building deeper partnerships with businesses to help them attract and retain the best people in an increasingly competitive market.If you could change one thing about the industry to improve it for candidates or clients, what would it be?I’d love to see even greater transparency and communication throughout the recruitment process. Sometimes candidates feel left in the dark after an interview, or clients don’t always have clear insights into candidate expectations. Improving communication and setting better expectations on both sides would make the process smoother and more efficient. Recruitment works best when it’s a true partnership, and fostering trust and openness benefits everyone involved.We hope you enjoyed getting to know Dan and gaining a glimpse into his journey, insights, and personality. Behind the Desk is all about celebrating the people who make our team special, and we’re excited to continue the series with more of our brilliant consultants. Keep an eye out for the next feature-you might just discover something new about the person on the other end of the phone (or email)!Thinking About Joining the Team?If Dan’s story has inspired you and you’re interested in building a career in recruitment with a supportive, people-focused team-we’d love to hear from you. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. Get in touch for a confidential chat about life at our company and the opportunities we have available.Check our our Careers Page×Job details Posted 02 May 2025 Salary £50,000 – £55,000 Free parking, hybrid working, pension LocationLeeds Job type Discipline , ReferenceJPL40635ConsultantConsultantAssistant Finance ControllerJob descriptionFinancial Controller – High-Growth, Multi-Sector GroupA truly exciting opportunity has arisen for a Financial Controller to join a dynamic and fast-growing group operating across multiple industries. The business has experienced exceptional growth, supported by strategic private equity investment, and is now entering a pivotal phase of its 10-year expansion plan. This next stage is focused on capitalising on market opportunities and significantly increasing revenue across its diverse portfolio.This newly created Financial Controller position will play a key leadership role within the finance function, working closely with the Group Finance Director and senior stakeholders across the business. The role blends strong financial stewardship with commercial acumen, playing a vital part in driving performance, improving profitability, and supporting strategic decision-making.Key Responsibilities:Lead the preparation of consolidated monthly management accounts and deliver insightful performance analysis versus budget and forecast.Act as a key finance partner to operational and commercial teams across the group, driving accountability and financial understanding.Own the month-end close process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and ensure the integrity of financial records.Manage the preparation and review of audit schedules and be the principal point of contact for external auditors.Drive the annual budgeting and quarterly forecasting processes, working across business units to ensure alignment with strategic goals.Lead initiatives to improve commercial reporting, margin analysis, and profitability.Support the evaluation of strategic growth opportunities, including M&A and investment appraisals.Oversee fixed asset accounting, depreciation schedules, and capex reporting.Develop and mentor a growing finance team, fostering a high-performance culture.Continuously improve financial systems, controls, and processes to support scalability.The Ideal Candidate:Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with strong technical grounding.Experience gained either from audit or within a commercial, fast-paced, multi-entity environment.Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams.Strong commercial mindset with the ability to influence non-finance stakeholders.Comfortable working in a high-growth, evolving environment with a hands-on approach.Ambitious and forward-thinking, with the drive to grow into a Finance Director position in the near future.This is a standout opportunity for a high-calibre finance professional seeking a commercially focused, leadership role within an entrepreneurial and fast-moving group. It’s ideal for someone looking to take the next step toward becoming a Group Finance Director.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.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.Sign up for job alertsIf you are a human, ignore this field Create alertYou agree to ourShare this jobSimilar JobsLeedsPermanent£50,000 – £55,000 Free parking, hybrid working, pensionHuddersfieldPermanent£55,000 – £65,000 Private Healthcare / Bonus / Pension / Hybrid WorkingHuddersfieldPermanent£70,000 – £80,0000HalifaxPermanent£55,000 – £65,000 Generous Annual Leave / Private Healthcare / Pension / Life Assurance / Employee Assistance / Hybrid WorkingLeedsPermanent£55,000 – £60,000 Generous Annual Leave / Private Healthcare / Pension / Life Assurance / Employee Assistance / Hybrid Working
Expected salary
£50000 – 55000 per year
Location
Leeds
Job date
Sun, 04 May 2025 00:40:31 GMT
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