Celebrating 16 Years with Bond Williams
My Journey of Tenure and Experience
I’ve proudly been part of the Bond Williams team since September 2009, marking 16 years. Over this time, Bond Williams has become more than just a workplace, it’s my second family. The freedom to manage my own workload, combined with the support of a fun, collaborative team, makes every day rewarding.
Specialisation in Finance Recruitment
At Bond Williams Accounting & Finance, we specialise in finance recruitment across a broad range of sectors, including commerce, industry, practice, public sector, and not-for-profit. We cater to all levels of financial professionals, from trainees and accounts assistants to finance managers, directors, and CFOs. While our core focus is on permanent, interim, contract, and temporary placements in Dorset and Hampshire, we’ve also extended our reach to Newcastle, Scotland, and London for select clients.
Why Choose a Specialist Accounting and Finance Recruiter?
Choosing a specialist recruiter in accounting and finance offers significant advantages. My team and I truly understand the intricacies of the financial industry, ranging from regulatory changes and market trends to evolving skill sets. This enables us to provide tailored advice and insights that generalist recruiters often can’t match.
We also have access to a deeper, more refined pool of talent. Over the years, we’ve built a vast network of candidates with both technical expertise and industry experience. This allows us to not only match candidates based on their skills but also on cultural fit and long-term career goals – leading to stronger, more successful hires for both companies and individuals.
In a market where high-quality candidates are in short supply, having a specialist recruiter who knows the specific nuances of the finance sector ensures that you get access to the best opportunities or talent quickly and efficiently. We act as trusted partners for both clients and candidates, guiding them through the complexities of the market while streamlining the recruitment process.
Market Challenges and Emerging Trends
The past year has brought unique challenges. Some clients have chosen to recruit independently, which makes it more difficult to source top-tier candidates. This is where the value of a specialist recruiter becomes even more apparent. We offer a deep understanding of the financial sector, allowing us to navigate these challenges and provide tailored solutions.
A noticeable trend we’ve seen is candidates entering the job market solely to secure counteroffers from their current employers. This often results in wasted time if the candidate isn’t genuinely motivated to move. Sometimes, a productive conversation with their current employer can resolve frustrations without the need to explore other roles. From an employer’s perspective, retaining talent means making sure staff feel engaged and valued – not just through pay but also through flexible benefits and ensuring that their current salary reflects their true worth before they receive competing offers. Even with a counteroffer, a candidate who seriously considered leaving may still move on within six months.
In this competitive market, attracting and retaining strong candidates requires more than just competitive salaries. Flexibility is crucial, but it doesn’t always have to mean a strict hybrid policy. Sometimes, offering occasional flexible hours can make a significant difference.
Key Issues in the Accounting and Finance Marketplace
For Candidates:
Good candidates are in short supply, and they’ve become more selective, particularly when it comes to hybrid working arrangements. Employers who don’t offer flexibility risk losing top talent to competitors who do.
For Clients:
Securing quality candidates has become increasingly challenging, particularly for companies with rigid in-office requirements. Offering flexibility, along with competitive salaries, is critical to attracting and retaining top talent. It doesn’t always have to be a formal hybrid policy, small adjustments to working hours can go a long way in making your company more attractive.
Advice for Candidates and Clients
For Candidates:
Keep strong communication with your recruitment agency and be cautious of counteroffers. Remember why you initially considered leaving, and make sure those concerns are fully addressed before accepting a counteroffer. While it may seem like an immediate solution, the short-term benefits of a counteroffer may not outweigh the long-term challenges.
For Clients:
Take the time to understand what’s important to your staff, especially after the shifts of the past few years. Flexible working arrangements, reasonable hours, and a generous leave allowance are now major priorities for candidates. It’s important to reassess your benefits package and salary structures to ensure they align with current market expectations. Consider surveying your employees to ensure that the benefits you offer remain relevant.
Why I’ve Stayed in Recruitment
With over 35 years of recruitment experience, I still find immense satisfaction in helping both companies and candidates thrive. Every day is different, fast-paced, diverse, and rewarding. I love helping people at the start of their careers and supporting them as they grow. My extensive network and industry expertise allow me to think creatively and uncover hidden gems of talent that others might overlook.
And finally, how do I unwind after a busy day?
I relax through swimming, photography, reading, and occasionally enjoying a glass of Sauvignon Blanc!
