Knowledge Hub – Finance Recruitment & Accountancy Insights

A global manufacturing group appointed a Finance Director to stabilise leadership, enhance oversight across multi-site operations and strengthen planning. Through a focused search, one hire delivered tighter financial control, improved reporting and stronger alignment between finance, operations and commercial strategy, completed in 45 days.

FP&A has become essential as organisations demand real-time insight, better forecasting, and stronger commercial decision-making. With rising pressure on costs and tighter cash, companies now compete for scarce FP&A talent that offers strategic clarity, scenario planning, and board-level influence.

A £30M retail group required a Finance Director to stabilise performance, strengthen controls and improve cash flow. A targeted search produced a strong shortlist and a successful placement within six weeks. The hire delivered rapid improvements in cost discipline, inventory management and lender confidence.

The ICAEW poll shows 74% of finance professionals expect the Budget to harm their organisation. Many foresee job cuts, price rises and reduced investment. ICAEW says the government missed a key opportunity to boost growth and must change course to restore business confidence.

In every Budget cycle, noise rises and uncertainty grows, but finance professionals bring the clarity others seek. Their grounded understanding of shifting numbers steadies discussions, guides decisions, and quietly shapes direction — proving why financial minds lead the room, whatever the market.

The Autumn Budget 2025 maintains headline tax rates but increases pressure through threshold freezes, higher taxes on non-wage income, tighter business rules and new sector charges. Finance teams face greater demand for forecasting, tax planning and strategic modelling as fiscal drag intensifies.