This month we caught up with Sophie Orme, who joined MERJE in July 2025, to talk all things Finance and Accountancy recruitment. Sophie shares her insights on how the market has evolved, the skills in demand, and what both candidates and companies need to do to succeed in today’s competitive environment. She also gives a glimpse into her personal goals, career advice, and a few fun facts about herself.
- What first got you hooked on the world of Finance & Accountancy recruitment?
Initially, I was drawn to Finance and Accountancy recruitment because of the earning potential and the fact that it’s such a stable, in-demand area, as every business needs a strong finance function to run effectively. Over time, what’s really kept me engaged is how much I’ve learned about an industry I previously knew very little about. It’s fascinating to understand how finance underpins every part of a business and to connect talented people with roles that genuinely make an impact. - How are you settling into life at MERJE and what are you enjoying most about your role?
After taking a career break, I feel I’ve settled into life at MERJE really well. What I’m enjoying most is how collaborative the environment is, not just within the finance team but across all departments. There’s a real sense of encouragement and support here, rather than a competitive or ‘every person for themselves’ mentality. - How has the finance recruitment world changed since you started out? Any big shifts you’ve noticed?
I think the finance recruitment world has become much more dynamic. There’s now a real focus on candidates being able to do more than just traditional accounting, with data, systems, and business partnering skills in high demand. The market has also become more competitive and saturated with strong candidates, so people aren’t just moving for salary increases anymore, they’re looking at the full package, career progression, and long-term opportunities. Hybrid and flexible working have also become major factors, changing how both candidates and clients approach roles. - What’s the biggest challenge for finance hiring right now, and what’s exciting about the market too?
One of the biggest challenges in finance hiring right now is retaining good talent. Buybacks are becoming more common, and even when you present someone with a great opportunity, it’s often easier for them to stay put and accept a counteroffer. The tricky part is that while that might seem like the safer choice in the short term, it’s not always the best move for their long-term career growth.
What’s exciting, though, is that the market is constantly evolving. You’re always learning about new roles, new businesses, and new people, which keeps the work fresh and really rewarding. - With everything going on in the economy, how are candidates and clients behaving differently?
With everything happening in the economy, both candidates and clients are being much more strategic in their decisions. In a time where restructuring, budget cuts, and redundancies have been quite common, people are taking extra care to make the right choices, whether that’s moving roles or hiring new team members. Everyone’s doing their due diligence to ensure their next step adds long-term value and stability. - What kind of finance pros are most in demand at the moment? Any surprising trends?
Right now, businesses are looking for finance professionals who demonstrate consistency and reliability, people who have stayed in roles long enough to develop real expertise. Companies with a strong reputation or a history of internal promotions are also attracting more candidates, as this signals stability and growth potential. - What’s your top piece of advice for someone looking to level up their finance career?
My top advice would be to build a mix of technical skills and broader business experience. Take opportunities to network, gain exposure to different areas, and keep learning, whether that’s through formal qualifications or new projects, because that’s what will really help you stand out and progress in your career. - What should companies do if they want to stand out and actually attract top finance talent?
To attract top finance talent, companies should highlight long-serving employees and demonstrate longevity within the business, as it gives candidates confidence that the company invests in its people. Strong benefits and bonuses above the legal minimum, opportunities for further study, and clear career progression also make a big difference. Keeping up with modern expectations like flexible working and a positive culture shows that the business is forward-thinking and values its team. - How do you see tech and AI changing the future of finance roles (and recruitment itself)?
Tech and AI are definitely shaking up both finance roles and recruitment. In finance, there’s a growing need for people who can work with automation, data analytics, and AI-driven tools. In recruitment, it’s allowing people to work more efficiently and freeing up more time to really get to know people’s motivators, spot potential, and build relationships, something ChatGPT hasn’t quite cracked yet! - What personal goals or milestones are you aiming for in 2026?
As I approach the big milestone of 30, one of my personal goals is to run a marathon before the day in May, as it’s something I’ve always wanted to achieve. Professionally, I want to continue expanding my network and become a go-to person for both clients and candidates, someone they feel confident reaching out to for advice on the market and opportunities. - Quick Fire Round 🔥
The last podcast or Netflix series you watched? When They See Us, great watch.
Your go-to caffeine fix on a busy morning? Large Americano, no milk.
Dream holiday destination? Two weeks in the French Alps, lots of snow, fondue, and cosy bars.
If you weren’t in recruitment, what would you be doing instead? I’d like to think I’d be a restaurant critic, eating great food and being paid for it!
