Orka Financial

Thames Valley Recruitment Market Update December 2024 November brought a mixed bag of activity in the Thames Valley finance and accountancy recruitment market. While some areas continued to show strong growth, there were also signs of caution as businesses assessed the economic outlook for 2025. Here’s what we observed last month: Continued Growth in Temp Recruitment - Temporary recruitment remained a standout performer in November, with sustained growth across the market. This trend may be a response to the recent budget announcement, as businesses increasingly turn to flexible hiring solutions to navigate economic uncertainty. Temp roles are providing companies with the agility they need to manage fluctuating workloads without committing to permanent hires. A Slowing Market Overall - November felt slower compared to previous months, with many businesses adopting a “wait and see” approach as the year draws to a close. This has contributed to what feels like an early Christmas slowdown in the market. The true extent of this will become clear in January, but for now, it’s evident that some employers are holding off on major decisions until 2025. Ongoing Demand for International Experience and Language Skills - The need for candidates with international entity experience and European language proficiency (German, French, Spanish, and Italian) remains a noticeable trend. As businesses continue to operate and expand internationally, these skills are highly sought after, particularly in roles supporting global operations. Knee-Jerk Recruitment Freezes in Labour-Intensive Sectors - The recent increase in National Insurance contributions has had an immediate impact on some sectors. Businesses with labour-intensive workforces, such as manufacturing and logistics, have reacted with sudden recruitment freezes. This reflects the financial pressures these sectors are facing and their cautious approach to managing costs. Resilient Sectors Driving Growth - Despite the overall slowdown, certain industries continue to perform strongly and drive hiring activity. Tech/software, energy, and renewables remain robust, demonstrating resilience and pushing forward with their recruitment plans. These sectors are capitalizing on innovation and growth opportunities, making them standouts in the current market. Looking Ahead - As we approach the end of the year, December will likely see a continued emphasis on temporary roles and niche skills like international experience and language proficiency. The overall pace of the market may remain subdued as businesses finalize their strategies for 2025, but resilient sectors are expected to maintain momentum. If you’re planning your next career move or looking to hire, now is an ideal time to prepare for the opportunities the new year will bring. Get in touch to discuss how we can support your goals – [email protected] https://orkafinancial.com/

Jack always receives excellent feedback and is quickly becoming the go-to recruiter for transactional finance and Assistant Accountant roles in the east Thames Valley (Maidenhead, Slough, Uxbridge, High Wycombe etc). If you are looking to hire or find a new role in Jack's market, don't hesitate to get in touch with him. Jack Purser 🔵 🔴 ⚫ ⚪ [email protected] 01753 272337

NEW ROLE: Financial Systems Analyst-Basingstoke 1-2 days a week- £45,000-£60,000. Our client is a growing professional services business seeking to hire a a Financial Systems Analyst, reporting to the Head of Financial Systems and will work as part of the Financial Systems team to support. The role holder will also look to develop and implement new, innovative and efficient financial systems and reporting. For more info please contact [email protected] or see https://lnkd.in/ehkqBdPD

NEW ROLE: Group Finance Manager-Basingstoke- £70,000-£75,000 plus 10% bonus. Our client is an acquisitive business who is continuing to expand their Group Finance Function, they seek to hire a Group Finance Manager who will be responsible for preparing the group’s monthly consolidated statutory reporting, providing critical support to the Group Financial Controller and developing the Group Assistant Accountant. For more info please contact [email protected] or see https://lnkd.in/ehkqBdPD

Unlike the weather, the market is warming up. Let us know if we can assist with your next hire or finding you the perfect role to further your career. https://orkafinancial.com/

NEW ROLE: Financial Controller-Bracknell-£65,000-£75,000 plus benefits. Our client is a growing sustainable technology helping accelerate the journey to net zero. The role will report to the Finance Director and manage 1 report. The role will suit someone with proven experience of building strong relationships within the non-financial stakeholders to take a joined up, proactive approach. You will be a true financial leader, taking ownership of the delivery of business and financial targets. For more info please contact [email protected] or see https://lnkd.in/ehkqBdPD

NEW ROLE: Pricing Manager-Reading- £55,000-£65,000 plus benefits. Our client is a growing multisite operation who have big plans to get to £2B revenue over the next few years, due to continued growth organically and through acquisitions they seek to hire a Pricing Manager to take ownership of the UK business. The role will manager 1 report and partner a range of stakeholders across the business providing insight and analysis to identify risk and opportunities across the business’ core supplier base. For more info please contact [email protected] or see https://lnkd.in/ehkqBdPD

Ben Lambourne is hiring...... Accounts Payable Opportunity Salary £26,000-£30,000 DOE - Maidenhead (office based) Ben Lambourne has started working with an established business in Maidenhead that is currently recruiting for an Accounts Payable Assistant. Reporting to the Accounts Payable Team lead you will joining an established finance department, being involved with the full accounts payable function. The role would suit an experienced AP candidate who can make decisions and has strong communication skills. If this is you, please send an email to [email protected] for further information.

John Mcilwee is hiring..... Senior Financial Accountant role - Staines (hybrid) - paying up to 60K Our client is a global tech business looking for a Senior Financial Accountant to join their UK&I business unit (circa £100m revenue). The role will report to the Accounting Director and will sit within their core accounting team. The Senior Financial Accountant will provide accurate and timely recording, classification and reporting of accounting transactions. There will be an emphasis on reconciliations, SOX controls, reporting results and recording of transactions. This will be the perfect role for someone making their first move from a medium to large sized practice who is looking to develop their skills in a hands-on role. Please get in touch for more info 07740 753539 or [email protected]

NEW ROLE: FP&A Manager- Reading- £70,000-£75,000 plus bonus and benefits. The role will suit a qualified commercially astute ACA/ACCA or CIMA qualified Accountant who wants to be a value add support to all key business stakeholders driving business growth and strategy. For more info please contact [email protected] or see https://lnkd.in/ehkqBdPD