“Anyone noticed any changes in recruiting finance staff in the past year?”

I am guessing that this question may sound familiar to most HR & finance professionals across our network.  We would lose count of the number oftimes we are asked this question every single week.

So what are the issues and why is this question asked? Here are the main three factors;


Wage inflation has risen at the fastest rate in our memory. 6% across all sectors in the UK in 2021, but we estimate over 15% for some finance disciplines across the north, such as part-qualified accountants.

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Reduced candidate numbers – Advert yields are significantly reduced and the whole candidate pool of part-qualifieds, AP, AR, payroll and credit control is not deep enough to meet the increased demand.

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 A complete change of candidate behaviours and priorities – Not just around flexibility, agile working and flexibility but more decisions around wellbeing, L&D, diversity, sustainability and prospects affecting retention and recruitment.
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If businesses were failing to attract new customers, they would change their sales proposition. In exactly the same way, they need to address their employer proposition if their future plans depend on their people. So many employers are failing to address this, but I am seeing an increasing number investing time and planning in creating a modern, attractive proposition for their people.

I have worked in financial recruitment in Yorkshire for 24 years and have never known there to be so much change and challenges facing employers. I am sure that this will have a positive outcome for employees over the next few years as more employers sharpen up their propositions.

I am fortunate to work with a good number of employers who are leading the way in being progressive in retaining and recruiting good people. Great opportunities for many candidates and some easy lessons for all employers on how to improve their plans.

If you are looking for a job or looking to recruit and you want to find out more about how the market has changed, please contact me at any time

karen@pratappartnership.com // 07851258653