Finding your next finance role shouldn’t feel like a second job. Yet for many qualified professionals, the process of scanning endless job boards, tailoring applications, and waiting for responses becomes exactly that.
We’ve all been there. You update your CV, apply to dozens of positions that seem to match your experience, and hear… nothing. Or you land interviews for roles that sounded perfect on paper but turn out to be completely misaligned with your salary expectations or career goals.
What specialist finance recruiters like us actually do for candidates
At NC Associates, we do more than just match CVs to job descriptions. Our team holds relationships with hiring managers that go back years, giving us insight into which companies are quietly looking before positions are advertised. We understand team dynamics and can tell you if you’ll clash with a potential boss—information you’d never get from a job description.
A study by TheLadders found that only about half of all available job openings are ever advertised publicly. This isn’t surprising when you consider the specialized nature of finance roles and the importance of finding the right cultural fit.
The hidden job market is real (and we have the keys)
Most finance professionals are familiar with the concept of the “hidden job market,” but many underestimate just how large it is. Studies estimate that up to 70% of all jobs are not published on publicly available job search sites.
Why? Companies often prefer to fill these positions through trusted channels. They might be replacing an underperforming employee who hasn’t yet left, restructuring a department, or creating a new strategic role they don’t want competitors to know about. In many cases, finance directors and CFOs simply don’t have time to sift through hundreds of applications.
Our consultants at NC Associates are already having regular conversations with these hiring managers. When a new requirement comes up, you want to be the first name we think of—not just another CV in a digital pile. That’s why we encourage finance professionals to connect with us even when they’re not actively looking.
The compensation conversation (we'll handle the awkward bit)
Negotiating salary is uncomfortable for most people. According to a PayScale survey, only 37% of workers have ever asked for a raise in their current job. When changing roles, many finance professionals leave money on the table by accepting the first offer.
Our team at NC Associates isn’t just comfortable having these conversations—we excel at them. We know what similar candidates are commanding in the market right now (not last year, not in general, but specifically this quarter in your location). We can advocate for you without the awkwardness of direct negotiation.
The data backs this up: candidates who work with specialist recruiters like us typically secure packages 10-15% higher than those negotiating alone, according to research by Hays. For a finance role paying £60,000, that could mean an additional £6,000-£9,000 annually. Over a five-year period, that’s potentially £45,000 in additional earnings.
Market intelligence you can't Google (but we have at our fingertips)
The finance sector moves quickly. Regulatory changes, market shifts, and industry trends all affect hiring patterns and salary benchmarks. Our specialist consultants live and breathe these changes daily.
We know which skills are becoming more valuable (and which are becoming automated). We understand which sectors are expanding their finance teams and which are contracting. We’ve heard directly from hiring managers about what they’re really looking for beyond the standard job description requirements.
Recent data from the Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) indicates that finance professionals who receive guidance from specialist recruiters are 24% more likely to secure interviews for roles that align with their career goals compared to those applying directly.
The interview advantage (we've seen behind the curtain)
Preparing for finance interviews has become increasingly complex. According to research by Gartner, 76% of finance departments now use some form of skills-based assessment during their hiring process.
When you work with [Your Agency Name], you benefit from our experience placing dozens, if not hundreds, of professionals in similar roles. We know:
- The specific technical questions you’re likely to face
- The soft skills this particular hiring manager values most
- Common scenarios or case studies you might be asked to analyse
- How to address gaps or potential weaknesses in your experience
A 2023 LinkedIn survey found that candidates who received specific pre-interview coaching from recruiters were 38% more likely to progress to final interview stages than those who prepared independently. Our candidates receive this level of preparation for every interview.
Building a long-term career partnership with NC Associates
We don’t just see you as a placement opportunity. We view our relationship with you as a long-term partnership that spans your entire career.
When you work with our team, you’re gaining allies who understand your career aspirations, strengths, and working preferences. As your career progresses, we can alert you to opportunities that align with your long-term goals, often before you’ve even considered looking.
According to a survey by Accountancy Age, finance professionals who maintain relationships with specialist recruiters change jobs less frequently but report higher overall career satisfaction and advancement rates than those who don’t.
Ready to transform your finance job search?
In a sector where time literally equals money, working with NC Associates is an investment in your career with measurable returns. From accessing hidden opportunities to securing better compensation packages and receiving insider guidance, the advantages are clear.
The most successful finance professionals don’t leave their career progression to chance. They build strategic partnerships with recruiters who understand their value and can advocate effectively on their behalf in a competitive marketplace.
Take the first step today and get in touch with our team today. Even if you’re not actively looking right now, having a conversation about your career goals and the current market could provide valuable insights for your future moves.
