I wanted to share a few brief insights from the transactional and part-qualified finance market — these trends are shaping candidate behaviour and influencing the speed and success of current recruitment campaigns.
Keep your process streamlined
Candidates at this level are often in multiple processes, and top talent can be snapped up within days. Where possible, we recommend minimising delays between CV review, interviews, and offers.
As your recruitment partner, we stay close to each candidate; keeping you informed of competing offers, changing interest levels, and notice periods so you can act quickly and decisively when you find the right fit.
Salary expectations are rising
We’re seeing consistent upward pressure on salaries across Accounts Payable, Receivable, Credit Control and Assistant Accountant roles. Candidates are more informed than ever and expect offers to reflect both market value and progression from their current package.
If you’d like a localised benchmarking guide, I’d be happy to provide current salary ranges we’re seeing across recent placements.
Our comprehensive salary survey serves as a valuable benchmarking tool to support informed hiring decisions and ensure competitive compensation when recruiting. Click here to view.
Career progression matters
Part-qualified candidates, in particular, are prioritising roles that offer clear development pathways; whether that’s study support, exposure to month-end, or succession plans. Even at the junior level, “where can this role take me?” is a question we’re hearing more and more
Flexible working is still a key driver
While full-remote roles have reduced, candidates continue to favour positions offering some flexibility. Where hybrid isn’t possible, being transparent early helps us target the right profiles who are happy with on-site expectations.
Get in touch…
If you’re planning to hire soon or want to sense-check your approach, I’m happy to chat through market conditions or give you a quick snapshot of what talent is available in your area right now.
Sarah.arnold@howett-thorpe.co.uk
01252 718777