Vitae means ‘life’... Our relationships with our clients, candidates and employees are for the long term, NOT here today, gone tomorrow. How do we actually achieve this?

We have built up a candidate database measured by quality and NOT size. The norm: with a few key words on your CV you will find yourself on the database of most agencies – some will not even take the time to speak with you.

We have built up a candidate database measured by quality and NOT size.

A random application that could lead to a CV being sent here, there and everywhere without permission or relevance.

Our candidates seek a working partnership and NOT just registration

Throw as many CV’s at a client as possible and hopefully one will hit the mark.

We match individual talent to company needs, and NOT CV’s to jobs.

A valued client portfolio used as a training ground for fledgling consultants to learn their trade.

Commercially aware consultants and NOT trainees.

At least 2 consultants turning up at the client’s office to represent their own separate areas of expertise.

A single point of contact for all recruitment and NOT an agency split into temporary and permanent divisions.

A directive from the top for all to follow regardless of personal flair or initiative.

Our employees are given autonomy and respect, and NOT a blanket volume based approach

Our collective experience for recruiting accounting and finance staff within the Home Counties, Greater and Central London areas, is unrivalled. Throughout the course of their careers our team has been responsible for successfully finding jobs for tens of thousands of candidates.Typically over 70% of all of our consultants’ business has been repeat business, a testament to our service delivery.Our consultants are known within their given markets and have envied reputations for service and delivery.Vitae as a whole has an ever expanding reputation for providing recruitment solutions and refreshing service delivery where others fall short.

We would love the opportunity to demonstrate how we are different. For more information please contact Ryan Lamb or Guy Barwell on 01923 202 202.Similarly, if you recommend a consultant to us whom we subsequently recruit, you will receive £1000.

Working For Vitae

Ryan, co-founder of Vitae, has worked within finance recruitment primarily within the Home Counties for nearly 15 years. After studying Political Science at Birmingham University, Ryan spent the first few years of his working life within the finance sector before entering the world of recruitment where he achieved widespread success both within a niche commercial entity and large global PLC. He has a leading reputation within the local market and has significant experience across all levels of finance recruitment.

RGuy, co-founder of Vitae, has spent all of his working life within recruitment after completing an Industrial Management degree at Nottingham Trent University. Guy has an enviable track record in recruitment building and managing divisions and business units from scratch, and providing strategy for one of the UK’s leading recruitment businesses. From a consulting perspective Guy has had notable success at the senior end of the market.

Our Team

Meet The Management Team

At Vitae, Registration is only the start of the process. If we feel we can assist you with your job search, we will go all out to source opportunities that really strike a chord and closely match your wish list.

Comprehensive interview preparation and honest feedback.

A genuinely proactive approach with an action plan to find you the right role.

Our clients will know that as a Vitae registration you are our preferred choice.

If we feel we can work with you, you can expect much more from your consultant:

At Vitae, Registration is only the start of the process. If we feel we can assist you with your job search, we will go all out to source opportunities that really strike a chord and closely match your wish list.Unlike the generic approach adopted by larger agencies, we will get to know you, really understand what makes you tick and tailor our approach to your needs. We will then match your individual talent to current opportunities as well as proactively find the best suited organisations and roles for you. We understand how we can best contribute to your success.Working with Vitae is not guaranteed. Registration is a pledge to proactively help those worthy of this status. Talent, ability, effort and drive are the traits we look for. Eligibility is simply not about a few key words on a CV.

What our candidates say

At Vitae’s inception, we had a strong desire to offer and deliver something a little different in terms of product and service delivery.

A database driven by quality NOT size.

Matching talent to needs NOT CV’s to jobs

Commercially aware consultants NOT sales driven clones.

A single point of contact NOT a split disciplined approach.

A shortlist of Members for each role NOT an irrelevant database dump.

A desire to earn our fee through consulting expertise NOT luck.

At Vitae’s inception, we had a strong desire to offer and deliver something a little different in terms of product and service delivery.Although the market was and is flooded with various recruitment solutions, Vitae identified a number of bugbears with the usual mainstream offering that frustrated our potential client base thus creating an opportunity to provide something different.

At Vitae we apply the same approach across the board regardless of whether we are working with a FTSE 250 commercial giant or a small entrepreneurial start up. Our primary focus is always to source the highest quality candidates within the finance and accountancy markets through the most appropriate / relevant method.Whether the role is permanent, temporary or a fixed term contract we will select the relevant method to source Vitae worthy registrations.We choose only to work with the best candidates on the market and likewise wish to service a client base that represents quality, excellence and success.

<blockquote>“Vitae are great recruiters. They have performed consistently in the times I have needed help, and has succeeded in bringing people into this organisation where other recruiters have failed.”</blockquote>United Biscuits, MiddlesexLead Recruiter

Vitae means ‘life’… Our relationships with our clients, candidates and employees are for the long term, NOT here today, gone tomorrow.

Send us your enquiries

<h1>Where to find us</h1>

<h1> </h1>

Our clients and candidates alike return to us, not just because we are accounting recruitment specialists, but because we only work with individuals who we believe have the potential to make a real difference.
Ryan Lamb &amp; Guy Barwell
Managing Directors

Anyone who has used a recruitment agency before will be familiar with some of the associated stereotypes. Many agencies make based on the size of their database, client portfolio and number of staff.

Specialists in Finance &amp; Accountancy Recruitment

Unlike the generic approach adopted by larger agencies, we will get to know you, really understand what makes you tick and tailor our approach to your needs. We will then match your individual talent to current opportunities as well as proactively find the best suited organisations and roles for you. We understand how we can best contribute to your success.

Dedicated to exceptional service delivery within Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Middlesex, Cambridgeshire and Essex, as well as our London based portfolio.

Our mantra is and always will be, delivering the highest calibre of candidates to our selected client portfolio.

Anyone who has used a recruitment agency before will be familiar with some of the associated stereotypes. Many agencies make promises based on the size of their database, client portfolio and number of staff. We believe they are missing the point and invariably under deliver...

Unlike the generic approach adopted by larger agencies, we will get to know you, really understand what makes you tick and tailor our approach to your needs.

Vitae apply the same approach across the board regardless of whether we are working with a FTSE 250 commercial giant or a small entrepreneurial start up. Our primary focus is always to source the highest quality candidates within the finance and accountancy markets through the most appropriate / relevant method.

A selection of feedback collated from our client portfolio.

At Vitae&rsquo;s inception, we had a strong desire to offer and deliver something a little different in terms of product and service delivery.

At Vitae&rsquo;s inception, we had a strong desire to offer and deliver something a little different in terms of product and service delivery.

Guy, co-founder of Vitae, has spent all of his working life within recruitment after completing an Industrial Management degree at Nottingham Trent University. Guy has an enviable track record in recruitment building and managing divisions and business units from scratch, and providing strategy for one of the UK&rsquo;s leading recruitment businesses. From a consulting perspective Guy has had notable success at the senior end of the market.

Our success and unprecedented growth has been down to our ability to develop, attract and retain some of the highest calibre financial recruitment consultants in the market.

From offices and environment, to state of the art databases and advertising, we believe in giving our consultants a competitive edge to enjoy and succeed in their jobs.

Vitae offers one of the markets most competitive and lucrative remuneration packages including leading basic salaries, monthly commission and a quarterly performance related profit share. Other financial and non-financial rewards include impressive quarterly prizes for top performers and regular expenses paid social events.

We don’t restrict your client horizons by pigeon-holing you in a certain sector or ‘post-code area’, Vitae is more concerned with encouraging you to expand your coverage through proactive business development, networking and relationships.Unlike other agencies Vitae consultants deal with both temporary and permanent vacancies, meaning no handing over jobs to other teams or pointless squabbles between consultants.

Success breeds success, that is why Vitae consultants are trained by top performing consultants with in-depth market / job knowledge and NOT by corporate training departments run by ex-recruitment consultants that may not have made the grade or aren’t up to speed with the market.

We don’t believe in a “one fits all” targeting approach or that hammering the phones is the best way to develop business. Our targets are kept to a minimum and are results / quality orientated rather than mindless volume. Individuals are encouraged to play to their strengths rather than conform to a corporate blueprint.We would love the opportunity to demonstrate how we are different. For more information please contact Ryan Lamb or Guy Barwell on 01923 202 202. Similarly, if you recommend a consultant to us whom we subsequently recruit, you will receive £1000.

“We Exist To Be Different” and that includes the way we work. After many years of recruitment experience gleaned within large corporations our founding directors had a good idea about what consultants like and don’t like.Vitae stripped back the recruitment role to concentrate on delivering unrivalled service to our clients, whilst allowing individuals to play to their own strengths. No Corporate Clones Here! Our culture is one of autonomy, meritocracy, leading by example and excellence.All our staff right up to the Directors are “Hands on”, client facing and fee earners.

Over the last couple of decades, Vitae has set about creating a brand synonymous with quality. We chose to avoid quick wins and set the bar high in terms of our product offering, focusing on candidate calibre and avoiding the numbers based approach synonymous with our industry.The client portfolio that we now work with across the Home Counties, Greater and Central London is testament to our efforts, and proof that recruitment consultancy can be carried out by credible individuals looking to add real value at every stage of the recruitment process.At the core of our philosophy to practise ‘real’ consultancy is our own recruitment policy. If you fit the mould of the stereotype, loud, in your face, Apprentice-esque show pony, then you are probably not for us. However if you have a multifaceted personality, are in tune with your own strengths and capabilities, and feel that you are a great judge of character, subtly getting under the skin of all those you make contact with, then Vitae may be the perfect environment to forge a long term career.Each Vitae consultant is taught how to operate in all areas of recruitment from candidate sourcing, client and candidate negotiation, as well as commercial business development.When we take on a new member of staff we do so in the knowledge that overnight success isn’t always the reality when it comes to a successful career in the industry, so as long as we see ambition, drive, tenacity and intelligence, we provide a training and support structure that allows for long term learning and growth.Aside from a highly competitive remuneration package and bonus structure, we provide a culture and working environment that is second to none. Once you research the industry you will find that for every moment of euphoria there is also the metaphorical slap in the face. We take this into account at all times and ensure that each day is filled with positivity, team based camaraderie, and a solution driven approach.If any of this appeals, we will be keen to receive your details together with a covering note indicating why you believe you would be a good match for the sector and specifically Vitae.

We would love the opportunity to demonstrate how we are different. For more information please contact Ryan Lamb or Guy Barwell on 01923 202 202.Similarly, if you recommend a consultant to us whom we subsequently recruit, you will receive £1000.*Subject to terms and conditions

Financial Accountant, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire (Hybrid working) £30- £35kpa plus benefits including Study Support and a 10% Bonus We're looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Financial Accountant to join our client's dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to grow their career in finance. You'll play a key role in managing financial records, reporting, and analysis, with ample opportunity for development and progression within the company. If you're ready to take on new challenges and advance your expertise in a supportive environment, we'd love to hear from you! Key Duties:- * Deliver timely and accurate reporting of financial results to management with clarity on key movements. * Prepare accurate and timely financial statements and coordinate with external auditors. * Maintain and implement financial systems to maintain a strong control environment and continuously improve the efficiency of financial processes. * Daily monitoring of Group's cash position & weekly preparation of cash flow. * Support the preparation of phasing of the cash flow budget. * Be responsible to enact money market deposits & arrangement of loan drawdowns to meet cash requirements. * Other ad hoc cash duties e.g. banking and making urgent payments on request. * Complete Balance Sheet reconciliations on a monthly basis. * Tracking and completion of service charge accounts. One offer is the chance to join a business that will offer growth opportunities, both professionally and academically- full study support is available. This includes the financial element and time off for study/ exams. The business has a track record of promoting from this role, so great potential. The successful candidate will ideally be part (early stages) of qualification and have a desire to progress their career in finance. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Financial Accountant 

Financial Controller, Chiswick £55- £65kpa plus benefits Our client, a true global force in their chosen industry, have created a Financial Controller role to support a seasoned Finance Director to help them grow to their next stage of development. The Finance Director is retiring and will offer the successful candidate a great hand over and will continue with the business on a non-exec basis. This role offers strong progression opportunities, with a platform to becoming a future CFO. The business has won multiple awards and offers a brilliant working environment. Key Duties:- - Preparation of monthly management accounts. - Download, analyse and prepare monthly sales from all platforms in multicurrency using excel. - Calculate VAT on sales where applicable. - Post and reconcile monthly sales, VAT, income and debtors. - Multi-currency bank reconciliations. - Balance sheet reconciliations. - Supplier payment runs. - Oversee monthly payroll. - Liaise with HMRC, banks, Accountants and advisers where required. - Preparation and submission of Quarterly VAT returns. - Supervise a small team. The successful candidate will be fully qualified (CIMA/ACA/ACCA) and have a strong record of career growth and achievement to date. Those coming directly out of practice will also be considered. Please note this is a 5 days a week in the office role. The business enjoys a healthy working environment and has won numerous accolades in the past. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Financial Controller

Senior Commercial Business Partner £80,000 - £100,000 + bonus and great benefits Uxbridge (Hybrid working - 1 day in the office pw) Our Client, a multi-dimensional global entity with UK Head offices based in and round London, is looking to source a proven commercial finance professional with a track record of delivering profit enhancing results across business units and divisions. The client, which prides itself on employee retention and development, has chosen to add to the existing finance team with the creation of a new role which will focus on partnering with all areas of the business and the senior management team, to help drive performance and profits. Aside from being formally qualified with multiple years post qualified experience, the successful candidate will have exemplary academics including strong A Level grades and a finance related degree from a reputable institution. They will be comfortable working within a fast paced commercial environment and be able to react to changing briefs and objectives. In addition, they will be communicatively strong and have experience liaising with people at all levels, subtly influencing and persuading as and when required. They will have a mindset that constantly questions the status quo as well as provide recommendations and potential solutions. Examples will need to be given of instances where mental agility has been displayed and results achieved through clever thought, and a proactive approach. Whilst the business is robust and secure, the role will be fluid and thus applications should only be made if variety and unpredictability appeals. Key areas will include: - Formulation of strategic plans and delivery of initiatives to the business as a whole. - Weekly analysis of sales and related movements. - Highlighting potential risks and gains to board of directors. - Analysing marketing spend, promotions and competitor performance. - Providing 1:1 support with regional managers and directors facilitating their personal growth and journey to achieve company goals. - Presenting strategy and results to large business groups with eloquence, confidence, style and charisma. The chosen individual will be part of a successful team dynamic and will be given the freedom to use creative thought and leave their stamp accordingly. On offer is the chance to make a real difference to the bottom line, whilst achieving regular career growth and personal development. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Senior Commercial Business Partner 

Commercial Controller £70,000 - £90,000 + Great bonus and benefits package Hemel Hempstead (Hybrid working) Our client, a well know and much respected global enterprise, is looking to add the capabilities of a talented and highly driven finance professional to their ranks. The position which has materialised due to global restructuring and expansion, will allow for real creative flair and the opportunity to play a pivotal role across the business as a whole. Those interested in applying for this position must be able to provide solid working examples of business partnering with large corporate entities, facilitating sound decision making, and understanding key performance drivers. Specifically, you will focus on the following: * Provide continuous, reliable, and consistent financial support to strategic and operational decision makers. * Execution at all levels of the BU's. * Produce budget and forecasts (Proactive scenario simulation in forecasting) in a timely, accurate and effective manner and communicating these clearly to appropriate audiences * Reflect the financial impact and effect of decisions in the budget and forecasts. * Actively steer the BU full P&L in line with BU and Division strategies in collaboration with the Board and senior stakeholders. * Proactively provide financial support to strategic and operational decision making at BU/Customer level * Analyse and interpret commercial, operational & financial data and translate this into timely, structured, standard, and comprehensible sales, profitability and cost centre reporting & analyses * Act as a catalyst and drive the sales budget, forecast and estimates * Develop financial models and simulate multiple scenarios for business opportunities and special projects (e.g. for pricing, new product launches, investment projects etc.) * Perform a post-investment analysis after project finalisation The successful individual will be responsive to demand for fast turnaround of analysis to support decisions, maintain the appropriate balance of speed and accuracy and be ready to question assumptions in a constructive way. On offer is a varied and challenging remit which will provide regular opportunities for new learning as well as the potential to plot a career path moving forward. Individual and company success will be acknowledged and rewarded regularly. The position can be based remotely at home but with occasional visits to the Hertfordshire office as well as periodic trips to Europe. Applicants will only be considered if they are professionally qualified and have relevant UK based experience AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Commercial Controller

Management Accountant £45k-£55k Colchester, Essex (Office-Based) We are seeking a Management Accountant to join a dynamic and fast-paced team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on managing a variety of financial responsibilities, ensuring compliance, and delivering accurate and timely reports. If you're looking for a position where your skills will make a tangible difference, keep reading. The Role: As a Management Accountant, you will oversee key financial operations, providing valuable insights to support decision-making. From preparing management accounts to ensuring compliance with financial regulations, this role offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a skilled professional. What You'll Be Doing: * Producing financial statements, including departmental profit and loss accounts and monthly management accounts. * Reviewing calculations and reconciliations for accruals and prepayments. * Managing VAT, Landfill Tax, and Aggregate Levy returns, including reconciliation, submission, and payment. * Handling daily bank reconciliations and fixed asset register preparation. * Arranging hire purchase agreements and overseeing monthly balance sheet reconciliations, including intercompany accounts. * Assisting in the preparation of statutory accounts and supporting audit schedules. * Maintaining compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies. About You: We're looking for a self-driven, detail-oriented individual who can juggle multiple priorities with ease. The ideal candidate will have: * A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with 2 years of post-qualification experience. * Proven technical accounting ability and advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, IF functions, and lookups. * Experience with Sage 200 (preferred). * Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both financial and non-financial stakeholders. * A continuous improvement mindset, with a proactive approach to problem-solving. * Experience in the construction industry is a bonus but not essential. What's On Offer: * A competitive salary and benefits package. * The chance to work with a collaborative and supportive team. * Opportunities for professional development and career progression. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Management Accountant

Job Title: Management Accountant Job Description To manage and oversee the accurate recording, monitoring, and reporting of financial transactions, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations. This role is pivotal in supporting the company's financial health and strategic objectives. Qualifications Education & Training * Preferred: AAT, ACCA, or CIMA-qualified (or QBE with substantial experience). * Completion of essential training, including GDPR, OH&S, and any other identified requirements. Experience * Proven experience in accounts payable and general finance functions. * Experience with NetSuite (preferred) or similar ERP systems. * Demonstrated ability to manage month-end processes and financial reporting. Place in the Organisation Reporting to: Financial Controller Working with: Internal teams, customers, creditors, auditors, and external stakeholders. Key Responsibilities * Prepare and review monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and timely submission. * Reconcile supplier accounts and statements, identifying and resolving discrepancies. * Process supplier invoices and manage recharges where applicable. * Prepare and execute supplier payments via BACS. * Conduct bank reconciliations and ensure daily postings are accurate. * Support annual audits by liaising with auditors and preparing required documentation. * Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities. * Provide detailed variance analysis and commentary on financial performance. * Continuously review and enhance financial processes for efficiency and compliance. * Handle ad-hoc financial tasks and projects as required by senior management. Skills & Attributes * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. * Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. * Proficiency in Excel and financial systems (e.g., NetSuite). * Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Additional Responsibilities * Ensure compliance with the company's OH&S and Environmental policies. * Report any incidents or risks related to health, safety, or environmental practices to senior management. Salary & Benefits * Salary: Circa £45,000 per annum (depending on experience). * Hours: Flexibility required to meet deadlines, including occasional evenings or weekends. * Benefits: Competitive package including pension, holiday entitlement, and professional development opportunities. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Senior Commercial Financial Analyst Hemel Hempstead (Hybrid Working) Circa £65,000 - £70,000 + Bonus + Benefits About the Opportunity: Vitae Financial Recruitment are proud to partner this circa £1Billion t/o market leader seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Financial Analyst / Finance Business Partner / Finance Manager to work within one of their fastest growing divisions. The role would suit someone looking for a truly commercial finance position which partners with key senor stakeholders across the wider business establishing robust relationships with both internal Senior Leaders and External Partners. The role offers the opportunity to become an expert in a key area of the business by collaborating and partnering with functional heads; Conducting analytics for trading call packs / trading decks; Modelling various commercial propositions around pricing and promotions; Acting as the finance lead for key business development opportunities; Contributing to capital investment projects; Monitoring labour control / costs; Supporting 5-year strategic plans; Performing the full month-end process, delivering insightful commentary for the board pack review; Supporting the transition from old legacy systems to the new Tableau reporting system for enhanced analytics and profitability; Contributing to periodic forecasting and annual budgeting; Collaborating with commercial teams to control margins and maintain strong financial control; Acting as the divisional finance lead. What we are looking for: * You must be Qualified CIMA, ACCA or ACA * Previous experience within a fast-paced commercial finance position * Must have previous experience of Business Partnering Senior stakeholders and developing trusted relationships with non-finance senior stakeholders * Previous experience of Reporting, Budgeting & Forecasting and providing Financial Analysis / Insight * Advanced Excel skills and ideally exposure to MI Systems, Tableu, Power BI or similar * The ability to tell the story behind the data and turn it into value adding insight AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Senior Commercial Financial Analyst

Job Title: Transactional Finance Supervisor (9-12 Month Contract) Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 (pro rata) Location: Welwyn Garden City (Hybrid Working Available) We're seeking a Transactional Finance Supervisor to join a dynamic finance team on a 9-12 month contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative environment while managing a variety of accounting functions across multiple regions. Key Responsibilities: As the Transactional Finance Supervisor, you will: * Oversee the accurate processing of accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions across multiple entities, ensuring timely and compliant operations. * Maintain robust balance sheet reconciliations, providing complete and accurate reports during month-end close. * Act as the senior point of contact for the transactions team, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure seamless operations. * Manage and update vendor and customer master data, ensuring all records are current and accurate. * Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures to improve processes and controls. * Identify and implement opportunities for efficiency improvements in systems and processes. * Support audits by managing external relationships and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. About You: The ideal candidate will bring: * Qualification: Qualified, Part Qualified or QBE. * Proven experience in a financial accounting or senior transactions accounting role. * Strong leadership skills, with experience in managing and developing teams. * Advanced knowledge of Excel and experience with SAP or similar financial systems. * A detail-oriented approach with a strong focus on accuracy and quality of work. * Excellent communication skills, with the ability to liaise effectively across teams and with external stakeholders. * A proactive mindset, eager to drive improvements and add value. Benefits: * Competitive salary of £45,000 - £55,000 (dependent on experience). * Flexible hybrid working, with time split between home and the office. * Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a critical accounting role. This is a contract role ideal for a skilled financial professional looking for a fresh challenge in a supportive, fast-paced environment. Vitae Financial Recruitment Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Transactional Finance Supervisor

Job Title: Management Accountant Job Description To manage and oversee the accurate recording, monitoring, and reporting of financial transactions, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations. This role is pivotal in supporting the company's financial health and strategic objectives. Qualifications Education & Training * Preferred: AAT, ACCA, or CIMA-qualified (or QBE with substantial experience). * Completion of essential training, including GDPR, OH&S, and any other identified requirements. Experience * Proven experience in accounts payable and general finance functions. * Experience with NetSuite (preferred) or similar ERP systems. * Demonstrated ability to manage month-end processes and financial reporting. Place in the Organisation Reporting to: Financial Controller Working with: Internal teams, customers, creditors, auditors, and external stakeholders. Key Responsibilities * Prepare and review monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and timely submission. * Reconcile supplier accounts and statements, identifying and resolving discrepancies. * Process supplier invoices and manage recharges where applicable. * Prepare and execute supplier payments via BACS. * Conduct bank reconciliations and ensure daily postings are accurate. * Support annual audits by liaising with auditors and preparing required documentation. * Assist in budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning activities. * Provide detailed variance analysis and commentary on financial performance. * Continuously review and enhance financial processes for efficiency and compliance. * Handle ad-hoc financial tasks and projects as required by senior management. Skills & Attributes * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. * Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. * Proficiency in Excel and financial systems (e.g., NetSuite). * Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Additional Responsibilities * Ensure compliance with the company's OH&S and Environmental policies. * Report any incidents or risks related to health, safety, or environmental practices to senior management. Salary & Benefits * Salary: Circa £45,000 per annum (depending on experience). * Hours: Flexibility required to meet deadlines, including occasional evenings or weekends. * Benefits: Competitive package including pension, holiday entitlement, and professional development opportunities. Vitae Financial Recruitment Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Why did I write this article?
A few weeks back I was out with a group of friends, one of who has been out of work for a number of months. He has never been unemployed before, and on the face of it, he&rsquo;s loving his free time, seems to be in no hurry to get back into work and is relaxed about the situation.
 Appearances can be deceiving.
He asked for my view on the employment market, and I gave him an honest assessment.
&ldquo;It&rsquo;s tough out there&rdquo;
I didn&rsquo;t go into the detail you will see below but didn&rsquo;t sugar coat what I was seeing first hand. To my surprise there was a palpable look of relief on his face.
&ldquo;it&rsquo;s actually really good to hear, I was worried it was just me&rdquo;
LinkedIn is a fantastic platform for jobseekers and I&rsquo;m all for celebrating success, but it needs to be genuine. I get that companies want to promote themselves and give the impression that they are rocking it&hellip;&hellip;. but the example really hit home and highlights how some of the self-promoting content spurted out daily, is misleading jobseekers and leaving them questioning themselves.
&ldquo;From what I&rsquo;m reading on LinkedIn the market is Buoyant, yet no one is knocking on my door&rdquo;
Like all forms of social media there are huge positives to be had but not everything you see is real. It is no different to the rose-tinted view we get of others perfectly manicured family lives on Facebook or Instagram. If a recruitment company is really busy and they are posting to tell everyone how rushed off their feet they are, how did they find the time to post, why did they post and why are they also touting for new business? A rhetorical question I know. The key point here is that people do believe what they see on social media, they do compare themselves and it does impact mental health. Anyone who spends time on LinkedIn will see a barrage of daily click bait proclaiming&hellip;.
&ldquo;never been so busy! Get in contact, my inbox is bursting with jobs, feeling very confident about the market, don&rsquo;t delay call me today!&rdquo;
 &ldquo;the sun is shining, here&rsquo;s a picture of me at weekend in a field with a hat on, I&rsquo;ve just got back from holiday and we have just been instructed on 217 exclusive jobs working for a high growth scale-up, multi-award winning, universe leading employer of choice who offer mind blowing salaries and as much fresh fruit as you can get your hands on&hellip; the market has turned, get in contact!!!&rdquo; 
OK, so I have exaggerated a little (!) but you get the idea &hellip;&hellip;let&rsquo;s now deal with some facts and then I will share what I have seen on the ground.
Firstly, some context. Broadly speaking there was a post COVID bounce which saw a huge spike in recruitment activity. There was a lot of pent-up demand, a shortage of candidates and loads of jobs that needed filling in under resourced teams and burnout departments. We saw a war for talent, eye watering salary increases and lots of movement in the market. This recruitment frenzy ended mid-2023 and the UK labour market has since witnessed consecutive falls in the majority of employment metrics ever since. It&rsquo;s been steady at best.
What are the FACTS and Figures?
A selection of headlines from the latest ONS (Office for National Statistics) Labour Market Summary September 24.

<ul>
<li>The number of vacancies in the UK decreased this quarter for the 26th consecutive period.</li>
<li>Total vacancies are down 14.3% year on year although 7.7% above pre-Covid levels.</li>
<li>Annual growth in total earnings sits at around 4.0%, in reality this is likely lower given a number of one-off payments within the public sector last year.</li>
<li>In real terms total earnings (when adjusted for inflation) is closer to 1.1%.</li>
<li>UK employment sits at around 74.8% is below estimates for the year but marginally increased last quarter (are we turning the corner?).</li>
<li>Unemployment sits at around 4.1% and has marginally decreased (right way).</li>
<li>UK economic inactivity (people not looking for work) sits at around 21% and whilst pre-Covid was trending down it has largely been trending up since COVID (largely the wrong way for economic growth but decreased last quarter so a positive sign?)</li>
<li>Redundancy numbers down quarter on quarter and down year on year (positive)</li>
<li>UK temporary workforce is down by 9.1%.</li>
</ul>
The FACTS suggest a mixed bag but clearly a tough market, steady at best with a spattering of small positive trends. What have we seeing on the ground?

<ul>
<li>More talented finance and accountancy professionals on the side lines that would have been snapped up a year ago.</li>
<li>Hiring intent isn&rsquo;t translating to job flow yet.</li>
<li>Salaries have levelled out after the post-COVID silly season where we saw what looked like unsustainable salary hikes as companies tried to outbid each other to secure talent.</li>
<li>Our counterparts in the talent acquisition / in-house recruitment space are reporting many of their colleagues being out of work and struggling to find new roles and in some cases resorting to lower paid jobs.</li>
<li>Recruitment Agencies (within the Accounting and Finance space) with publicly listed financials are typically showing net fee income is down typically 15-20%.</li>
<li>Our clients who operate within the M&amp;A space are experiencing a general lack of deal flow.</li>
<li>We are seeing an increase in protracted recruitment campaigns and jobs being pulled. Plenty of wavering.</li>
<li>For the time being the tide has somewhat turned from what was very much a candidate led market post COVID.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
 
Looking Forward and Summary
Key economic forecasts seem to point to some cautious optimism with inflation seemingly under control at around 2%. GDP looks like it will hold at a modest 1% growth for the year. Are we at a turning point in the economic cycle and the prospect of further interest rate cuts?
The key questions now is what can Labour do to promote growth and what will they do at a time when businesses need a confidence boost to start investing?
In the meantime, let&rsquo;s celebrate the wins when they come, look out for each other and try to be a little more real on a platform (LinkedIn) where people come to both progress their career but also to find jobs to pay their bills and support their families.
 To my friend who is still out of work, and to all the people who need to hear it, the market is still tough and it&rsquo;s not just you. It will come back.

This article discusses the tough and steady state of the current job market, contrasting the often exaggerated positive posts on LinkedIn. It highlights real data, such as decreased vacancies and wages, and shares personal observations of a more challenging recruitment environment, offering reassurance to jobseekers facing difficulties

Too much BS on LinkedIn can be damaging to mental health

Lately, I've noticed a subtle shift away from including location details on CVs, and it's got me thinking about why this small detail matters more than we might realise. While I understand that personal preferences and the rise of remote work have influenced this shift, here's why I believe adding your location remains crucial for both job seekers and us in the recruitment field: 1️⃣ Facilitating Connection: Sharing your location establishes an immediate connection with potential employers. It helps recruiters gauge your regional expertise and consider commuting factors &ndash; a small detail that can make a big difference in the early stages of hiring. 2️⃣ Targeted Job Searches: Your location info assists recruiters in matching you with opportunities that align with your geographical preferences. Whether you're eyeing a local position or open to relocation, clarity about your location enables us to present you with the most relevant job opportunities. 3️⃣ Efficient Recruiting Process: For recruiters, having location information streamlines the screening and shortlisting process. It allows us to present qualified candidates more efficiently, saving valuable time for both job seekers and hiring managers. In a job market that values clarity, adding your location to your CV provides an extra, and important, layer of insight.

This article highlights the importance of including location details on CVs, even with the rise of remote work. It explains how location helps recruiters connect with candidates, target job searches, and streamline the recruitment process, ensuring jobseekers are matched with relevant opportunities and saving time for all parties involved.

Why Location Matters 🌎

An article discussing the factors chartered accountants should consider when making their first move into industry.
As recruiters we are often asked for career advice on whether it is better to work for large blue chip organisations or for smaller businesses. This is often most pertinent for recently qualified ACAs who are looking for their first move into industry but are unsure of the sort of business they want to work for.
The truth is, there is no straight forward answer to this question and is very dependent on experience, personality type and an individual&rsquo;s long term goals as well as the specific organisations&rsquo; ambitions for growth. This article will explore some of the factors you should consider before simply discounting roles on the basis of size alone!
What does big business have to offer?
Larger organisations will no doubt be offering newly qualified accountants roles that are more focused. These may be within financial control, reporting, management accounting or more planning and analysis roles but it will be rare to find a role that is a combination of all three.
Top employers overcome the &lsquo;boredom&rsquo; factor by rotating their people even if an upwards move isn&rsquo;t on the cards. Given that most ambitious individuals begin to get itchy feet after 18 months and will most likely start searching for a move after a couple of years in the same role, this is an essential part of large companies managing and retaining their top talent. As part of this, employees in this environment should expect regular reviews with their line manager and / or HR to understand career goals and how the business will help them achieve these.
Politics and self-promotion
Individuals working in large blue chips will often be faced with big personalities and internal politics; to get to the top in this sort of environment, you will need to master these. It is important to note, this doesn&rsquo;t mean shouting about how good you are, stepping on people&rsquo;s toes and fighting your way to the top. Inevitably, this sort of approach will mean you break more relationships than you make! The right approach is to network thoroughly, work hard and constantly strive to improve / achieve &ndash; gone are the days when just doing the day job well will be enough.
A career in a large company can be highly progressive and lucrative with excellent benefits but make sure you ask the right questions at interview. Don&rsquo;t focus only on the role but look to understand career growth, talent planning and career development opportunities. A short time in a role that&rsquo;s not perfect can be a worthwhile sacrifice for the right long term career.
What about smaller businesses?
Smaller organisations will often be offering opportunities that support a wider remit and so on paper often look more appealing, but it is much harder to guarantee career progression in the same way larger companies do.
There&rsquo;s no place to hide
Whilst in some larger companies it is possible to forge a career out of being a good manager, delegator and politician, in a small company environment this sort of approach will quickly be exposed. From a positive standpoint, your achievements will be quickly recognised and rewarded and you will more likely have a greater impact on the bottom line!
Chemistry is key
If you are set on working for a smaller business make sure you have a good relationship with your potential boss and the team as the likelihood is you will be spending a lot of time with them and won&rsquo;t always have a new one in the next couple of years.
Small doesn&rsquo;t mean unknown
There is a perception that working for a small business is somehow less glamorous than working for a blue chip. I wonder if a finance director with an equity stake in a rapidly growing PE backed company that is preparing for floatation on the stock market would agree? The reality is working within a small business can be extremely rewarding, helping you to achieve not only you career ambitions but your financial ones! The trick is to be picky; do your research in order to make an informed decision.
What about banking / Financial Services?
As a recruitment business predominantly outside of London but very commutable to it, we have a lot of people wanting to make the move away from this sector. Long hours and mundane roles do not always make the big pay check worthwhile! From experience, making the move out into industry can also be challenging with a potential pay cut and a less competitive skill set for a regional job market where there are few financial services entities.
Personality
There is little doubt that some accountants enjoy process, structure and routine whilst others thrive on change, variety and being exposed to a wide remit. Big 4 auditors are by nature trained to be process driven and large companies like to recruit this sort of individual as they will most likely have a complex structure and controls driven environment. By the same token smaller entities will often have a preference for those with a smaller practice background or those with a mixed audit / accounts preparation skill set. Personality fit is often more about company culture as opposed to size so it is important to do your research on an organisation&rsquo;s ethos and values. Use the tools available to you including LinkedIn to understand the sorts of people and backgrounds of those in the business. This can give you a really good picture of the people the business tends to recruit and whether you are likely to be a strong fit. As well as this you may find an ex-colleague or two who have made the move which will allow you to get an excellent informal reference on the business.
Conclusions
It&rsquo;s clear that making your first move into industry is a hugely important one and one that can shape the rest of your career so there are a number of things to consider below which may be useful.
<ul>
<li>Why am I leaving audit / practice, what do I like / not like about my current role?</li>
<li>Do I have a strong preference for a large or small organisation and why?</li>
<li>Is role or company more important to me at this stage of my career?</li>
<li>What are my ultimate career ambitions?</li>
<li>Ask for advice and speak to a specialist finance / accountancy recruiter you can trust.</li>
</ul>
As recruiters, we are often tarnished with the brush that we simply want the fee and don&rsquo;t care where we place our candidates. This is a comment that I would strongly disagree with. A good recruiter&rsquo;s job is to ensure we find not only the right skill-set, but equally a strong cultural fit as well as managing ambition and expectations from both a candidate and client perspective. If we get this wrong and have a string of unhappy individuals who feel we miss-sold them the opportunity, it is our reputation on the line and inevitably our client relationships will never last. Once a recruiter has a bad name it is very hard to re-build! The best recruiters are therefore the ones who are strong advocates of their clients and provide their candidates with honest, sound advice on a consistent basis.
Article Written by Rory McDermott <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorymcdermott" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorymcdermott">https://www.linkedin.com/in/rorymcdermott</a> Senior Associate &ndash; Vitae Financial Recruitment
Image courtesy of -Marcus- FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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