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

Senior Credit Controller Location: Watford (Hybrid Working) Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 (depending on experience) Contract: Full-time, Permanent A well-established financial services business operating across the UK and Ireland is looking for an experienced Senior Credit Controller to join their finance team. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of the credit control function in a role that offers genuine responsibility, variety, and visibility across the organisation. The Role: Reporting to the Financial Controller, you'll play a key role in managing aged debt, improving collection processes, and building strong working relationships with both internal teams and external partners. You'll be the go-to person for everything credit control - from overseeing premium collections to leading monthly review meetings with senior stakeholders. Key Responsibilities: * Drive the timely recovery of outstanding balances across multiple business entities * Identify risk early by highlighting potential bad debts and recommending appropriate action * Liaise with clients and brokers to resolve queries and ensure smooth payment processes * Maintain accurate and up-to-date debtor reports, including aged debt summaries and ad hoc analysis * Ensure internal SLAs are met for all credit control-related queries, both via email and internal systems * Lead monthly credit control review sessions with senior management, offering insights and recommendations * Assist with payment allocations, account reconciliations, and support broader finance operations where needed * Help maintain the bank portal and assist in managing the team's payment rota About You: * You'll bring at least 7 years' experience in a credit control role, ideally within financial services or insurance * Strong communicator with the ability to engage credibly with both internal teams and external stakeholders * Confident in interpreting legal procedures around insolvency and recovery across the UK and Ireland * Highly organised with a methodical approach and keen eye for detail * Comfortable using Excel to a high level (pivot tables, lookups etc.) * Knowledge of the insurance sector would be beneficial but not essential * Positive, proactive, and solutions-focused Why Apply? * A chance to step into a senior, visible role with autonomy and influence * Join a collaborative team in a supportive and professional working environment * Hybrid working with flexibility built in * Opportunity to add value in a business that genuinely welcomes ideas and improvements Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Senior Credit Controller

Finance Manager £50,000 - £53,000 West Herts/Bucks Border Hybrid (4 days office) This isn't just another Finance Manager role. It's a chance to step into a key leadership position in an organisation that delivers meaningful, local impact every day. The environment is fast-paced but warm and collaborative - you'll be part of a committed team who genuinely care about the people they support and the work they do. Reporting into an experienced and supportive Finance Director, you'll take full ownership of day-to-day finance operations and lead a small, capable team. Key responsibilities include: * Leading, coaching and developing a small finance team and volunteers * Managing month-end and year-end processes, including audit prep and liaison with external auditors * Preparing and submitting VAT returns, ensuring compliance and acting as main contact with HMRC * Overseeing cashflow and short-term investments * Supporting the monthly payroll process alongside the People team * Collaborating closely with fundraising and trading teams to ensure accurate integration of financial data * Managing accruals, prepayments, fixed assets and restricted funds * Acting as the main point of contact for banking, systems and finance process queries * Reviewing and improving internal controls and financial procedures * Ensuring the finance function remains compliant, robust and audit-ready We're looking for someone who is: * Fully qualified (ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) * Experienced in leading a finance team and owning the full month/year-end process * Confident with systems (Sage Intacct experience a bonus) and has strong Excel skills * Proactive, hands-on and comfortable working both strategically and operationally * A natural collaborator who builds strong relationships across departments * Calm under pressure, with excellent attention to detail and a solutions-focused mindset The role is offered on a full-time, permanent basis with some flexible working (4 days in the office). The office is based in a beautiful setting on the Herts/Bucks border - commutable from places like Hemel, Watford, Tring, Berkhamsted, and St Albans. If you're looking for a finance leadership role where purpose, people and professionalism come together, I'd love to tell you more. All conversations will be kept strictly confidential. Drop me a message or email to arrange a chat - evenings or weekends are fine if that's easier. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Finance Manager

Our client, an industry leader in its chosen field with a fantastic reputation for quality and impressive market share, is looking to source a credible and highly motivated Credit Controller to join its talented team. The role will play a pivotal part in supporting the Credit Manager to drive collection performance, as well as having full accountability for your own portfolio of accounts. The successful candidate will work closely with Customer Services, Commercial Teams and Sales Account Managers to develop strong relationships with key customers that will ultimately benefit the business and contribute towards continued growth and success. You will also be integral in assisting with the ongoing improvements to the Credit Control process, using your initiative to improve procedures where necessary. Main duties include: * Running stopped orders reports * Allocating payments * Resolving customer queries * Chasing debtors and proactively communicating with them * Issuing sales invoices and credit notes * Meeting with Sales Team/Customer Services to resolve account issues * Reconciling Sales Ledger Control Accounts * Review credit limits and new customer limits The ideal candidate will have at least 18 months Credit Control experience gained in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. You will be well versed working in a medium - large sized organisation, working with high value ledgers and liaised with well regarded clients. You must have examples to date where you have significantly reduced debt and worked to strict deadlines, by applying a proactive approach and level of professionalism. You will consider yourself to have excellent communication skills, able to build relationships both internally and externally of the business. You must be confident and capable enough of going out into the business and interacting with a range of stakeholders, getting the information required to perform your role to a very high standard. This is a fantastic opportunity for a driven and enthusiastic Credit Controller to join an organisation well-known for providing an enjoyable and supportive working environment. This client can offer a clear career path for those who consistently look to add value and achieve their professional goals. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Credit Controller

Management Accountant - Immediate Start Bristol (Flexible Hybrid 2 days in Office) Initially 6 Month FTC (Possibly Temp to Perm) Circa £50,000 + Benefits We are looking for an experienced part or qualified accountant to join this highly successful division of a major wider Group with revenues of over £2Billion. Initially offered as a 6 Month Fixed Term Contact the role be based at the company's Divisional Head office in Bristol on a Hybrid basis, typically 2 days a week. The role will work closely with the Financial Controller to support the finance team through a period of growth and change playing a crucial support role. This will be a hands-on and varied role assisting with various financial reporting deadlines as well as collating, analysing and interpreting data from various sources. Responsibilities: * Assist with various periodic reporting requirements including month end, project, overhead reporting and cashflow reporting. * Preparing, reviewing and posting journals. * Balance sheet reconciliations. * Review and allocation of operational and overhead costs to relevant cost centres ensuring relevant cost centre, project and function codes are correctly applied. * Assist with resolving AP and AR issues, manage aged debtors and creditors. * Assist and liaise with commercial and operational teams over monthly cost value reconciliations. * Support with external audit as required. * Other ad hoc support to finance teams What we are looking for: * Must be available to start within 2 weeks maximum (Ideally you will be available immediately) * You will have at least 3 -5 years relevant experience within a management / financial accounting role. * Previous experience of month-end reporting. * Previous experience of posting journals, balance sheet reconciliations etc….. * Part or qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) * Able to easily commute to Bristol and work in the office at least 2 days a week (Slightly more whilst being induced) Vitae Financial Recruitment Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Management Accountant - Immediate Start

Senior Finance Business Partner, Hatfield £80,000 - £85,000 + generous benefits package and bonus Hybrid Working (3 days in the office) Our client, a well know and much respected brand of choice, is looking to add the capabilities of a talented and highly driven finance professional to their ranks in the capacity of Senior Finance Business Partner. The position which has materialised due to internal movements and succession planning will allow for real creative flair and a chance to play a pivotal role within a fast moving leading commercial enterprise. Those interested in applying for this position must be able to provide solid working examples of business partnering with large corporate entities, facilitate sound decision making and understanding real time performance. Specifically you will focus on the following: * Provision of cost estimates into business cases, upon which investment decisions, pricing calculations and customer commitments are made. * Lead process improvement initiatives and develop procedures for implementation. * Identification and realisation of cost efficiencies, working with product and resource planning to develop a road map along with KPIs linking operational performance and cost drivers. * Liaise with Financial Control to ensure correct accounting treatment is applied to costs included in business cases. * Partner with Procurement to inform purchasing strategies, secure road map resources and drive efficiencies. * Collaboratively work in a cross-functional capacity and across a wide range of stakeholders. 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. Advanced spreadsheet capabilities are a pre-requisite for any application. On offer is a varied and challenging remit which will provide regular opportunities for new learning as well as the potential to plot a long term career path moving forward, ideally towards a head of position. Individual and company success will be acknowledged and rewarded accordingly and a working environment will be provided which is incredibly social, inclusive and team driven. All applicants must have an impressive academic record, be professionally qualified (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) and ideally have a number of years post qualified experience in the retail, FMCG or logistics sectors. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Senior Finance Business Partner 

Payroll Advisor, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire (Hybrid working) £30- £34kpa plus great benefits- 27 days leave plus BH's The post holder will be responsible for the operation of the payroll function, providing pay and employee relations advice to employees and all its related activities. Key Duties:- * Ensure that the business meets all its statutory and fiscal obligations in the remuneration of its staff and more general reporting requirements. * To manage the pension schemes. * To be responsible for the preparation and processing of the monthly payroll on the Sage 50 Payroll system. This will involve checking data in the integrated people database including changes for any new roles or working hours. * Taking a people team lead on all pay related changes and queries from the point of change forms, updating the Sage database and completing associated letter correspondence. * Lead on and process sickness absence related pay (SSP), flexible working pay changes and maternity pay - advising employees on legal requirements. * To manage the accuracy of all payroll items and deductions. * To continuously review payroll processes and contribute to payroll projects as required e.g. updating documentation/databases. The business enjoys a healthy working environment with an excellent office environment. The successful candidate will have payroll experience and ideally experience of Sage 50 Payroll. Experience is also needed in administering different pensions schemes- answering queries, liaising with employees directly and the pension providers. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Payroll Advisor

Management Accountant Location: Office-based until completion of probation Salary: Circa £45,000 per annum (depending on experience) Are you a driven and detail-focused Management Accountant who thrives in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment? Do you have the ability to stay composed, manage multiple priorities, and deliver accurate financial reporting under tight deadlines? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. About the Role This is a dynamic and demanding role where you will play a key part in ensuring the accurate recording, monitoring, and reporting of financial transactions. You will need to be comfortable working under pressure, meeting deadlines, and maintaining attention to detail in a high-volume environment. What We're Looking For Our client needs someone with resilience, strong problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to take ownership of financial processes. The ideal candidate will have: Qualifications & Experience * Preferred: AAT, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or QBE with significant experience). * Experience in accounts payable and general finance functions. * Strong knowledge of financial reporting and month-end processes. * Experience using NetSuite (preferred) or similar ERP systems. Key Responsibilities * Prepare and review monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy under strict deadlines. * Reconcile supplier accounts, process invoices, and manage recharges. * Execute supplier payments and conduct daily bank reconciliations. * Support annual audits, budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis. * Continuously assess and improve financial processes to enhance efficiency. * Work closely with internal teams, customers, creditors, auditors, and external stakeholders. What You'll Need to Succeed * The ability to thrive under pressure and meet tight deadlines. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. * Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. * Proficiency in Excel and financial systems (NetSuite preferred). * A proactive mindset and the ability to take initiative in a demanding environment. What's in it for you? * Competitive salary circa £45,000 per annum. * A challenging yet rewarding role in a business where your impact is valued. * A strong benefits package including pension, holiday entitlement, and professional development opportunities. If you're someone who stays calm under pressure, can handle a fast-paced environment, and takes pride in delivering high-quality financial reporting, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your career. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Management Accountant

Job Title: Financial Controller - Insurance Location: Watford Salary: £90,000 - £100,000 plus Travel Allowance Benefits: Bonus, Excellnt Pension Contribution, Excellent Pension, Private Medical, 26 Days Holiday Hybrid Working: 2-3 days per week in the office We are seeking an accomplished finance leader with expertise in the insurance sector to join our client as a Financial Controller. This key role will oversee all aspects of financial reporting and operations, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards while driving efficiencies across the business. Key Responsibilities: Financial Reporting & Compliance: * Lead the preparation of statutory accounts and audit files. * Manage regulatory filings and company secretarial duties. * Ensure compliance with local and international accounting standards, liaising with external auditors as required. Taxation: * Oversee IPT, VAT, and Corporate Tax obligations. * Review and prepare tax returns, ensuring timely and accurate submissions. Treasury Management: * Maintain strong relationships with banking partners. * Manage bank mandates and approval processes. * Develop and monitor monthly cash forecasts to optimise liquidity. Group Reporting: * Coordinate quarterly group consolidation activities. * Work closely with regional and head office finance teams to meet group reporting timelines. Regulatory Compliance: * Prepare bi-annual and year-end submissions to regulatory bodies. * Contribute to annual reports and ensure ongoing compliance with industry regulations. Finance Operations: * Oversee the finance team's day-to-day operations, including outsourced activities. * Drive efficiency through the adoption of best practices and the implementation of new accounting standards. About You: Experience: * 10+ years of progressive finance experience, ideally within the insurance industry. Leadership: * Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, balancing hands-on involvement with strategic oversight. Technical Expertise: * Fully qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA) with a deep understanding of accounting principles and IFRS standards. * Experience with accounting systems such as SAP is advantageous. Strategic Focus: * Skilled at prioritising resources to achieve strategic goals and delivering process improvements. Communication: * Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Adaptability: * Energetic and proactive, with a results-driven approach and a commitment to continuous improvement. IT Skills: * Advanced Excel skills are essential. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to step into a leadership role within a forward-thinking organisation. If you are ready to make a lasting impact, apply now! AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Financial Controller - Insurance

Head of Mid-Market Client Management London, Hybrid (2 days per week) £75,000 - £85,000 + Competitive commission scheme + Travel allowance + 28 days holiday + day off for birthday + Healthcare for employee + dependent + Pension of 12% An exciting opportunity has arisen for a strategic and dynamic leader to take charge of a high-performing Client Management team within a global financial services organisation. This role is pivotal in driving retention, profitability, and expansion across the Mid-Market portfolio while fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration. As the Head of Mid-Market Client Management, you will: * Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Client Managers to achieve ambitious retention and growth targets. * Design and implement strategic plans that drive business success. Ensure strong operational efficiency, working closely with key stakeholders across the business. * Oversee client and broker relationships, identifying opportunities to expand services. Manage portfolio profitability by collaborating with risk teams to optimise loss ratios. * Drive compliance and best practice across regulatory frameworks, including KYC and GDPR. * Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and engagement. What We're Looking For * A proven track record in leading and developing high-performing teams within financial services. * Strong commercial acumen with experience in client retention and revenue growth. * Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships. * A deep understanding of trade credit insurance or a related risk management sector. * Exceptional analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities. * The ability to navigate complex environments and drive change effectively. Tech & Systems Proficiency * Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel & PowerPoint * CRM systems Qualifications & Experience * A-levels (minimum), with a degree in Business or Finance-related disciplines preferred. * Senior leadership experience in account management, insurance, or financial services. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a senior leadership role, working within a forward-thinking, globally recognised organisation that values innovation and collaboration. You'll have the chance to shape the future of a key business area while being supported by a strong leadership team. AGY - Vitae Financial Recruitment We Exist To Be Different - Membership NOT Registration

Head of Mid-Market Client Management

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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