Jonathan Abelson

I’m a co-founder of MERJE and responsible for the implementation and execution of its overarching business strategy, goals and ambitious growth plan. I also take pride in placing senior finance professionals across the Property sector.

I’m a dedicated husband and father to four kids, as well as two rambunctious dogs who frequently wreak havoc in the Manchester office. I’m a passionate and vocal supporter of Manchester City. My other interests include attending the gym (but going easy on the exercise), holidays and dining at some of Manchester’s finest restaurants.

Why MERJE?

My proudest achievement is seeing where MERJE has got to since we incorporated the business in 2011. We have expanded from two brothers and a friend working out of small, dingy offices to building our own purpose-built headquarters, employing 40+ staff members and achieving an annual turnover in excess of £10m.

Loves & Loathes

I love my family, food, holidays, Man City and, since lockdown, has enjoyed relaxing on the golf course.

I loathe gin, personal training, diets and tomato ketchup.

Andrew Varty

With more than 20 years’ worth of Senior Finance and Audit recruitment experience, I lead the Finance and Audit teams across London and Manchester. I primarily focuses on the recruitment of qualified accountants and auditors up to director level across multiple sectors and locations. I love building and fixing things, hence why I tend to be the go-to person if anything needs sorting and have earned the reputation of office handyman!

Why MERJE?

MERJE is a professional organisation that operates with a relaxed approach, enabling me to focus on my specialism without the bureaucracy of larger firms. Having worked with the directors for a number of years, it provides the perfect work/life balance, working with experts within our own areas and delivering excellent services to clients and candidates.

Loves & Loathes

I love being outdoors, either on my bike or in the garden (drinking, not planting!).

I loathe having to repeat myself and people not using the MERJE IT system effectively.

Gemma Cardew

My background is within Financial Services, having spent more than 12 years working for a high street bank across Customer Operations and Fraud & Financial Crime. This has given me an invaluable grounding around the complexities of working within and recruiting into regulated environments, as well as supporting myself to establish high levels of trust in all of my engagements. I provide support and guidance to clients and candidates across Financial Services and Commerce & Industry.

When I’m not in the office entertaining the Manchester team with my ‘Scouse’ verbatim, I can be found frequenting the odd nice restaurant with my husband or playing glorified taxi driver to any one of my three children.

Why MERJE?

MERJE offered me a unique opportunity to build upon my experience in recruitment and to specialise in a niche area. I could see the significant value that this adds to both the candidate and client journey. I was also drawn to the high-performing culture and that MERJE just did things differently. There is a transparency and desire to always do things right which I found compelling! We have an amazing ‘one team’ culture which is driven from the top down.

Loves & Loathes

I love making people laugh, drinking good wine and playing pranks on my kids.

I loathe bad manners, especially people who don’t say thank you when the door is held open for them, and snakes.

Mandy Abelson

After many years in the Advertising World, I decided to take the plunge 3 years ago into the world of Finance recruitment, and hasn’t looked back since! From planning media campaigns to finding Finance and Audit professionals their perfect next career step, I am all about forging strong, genuine relationships and supporting both candidates and clients however I can.

When I am not resourcing for the likes of Finance Directors, Audit Managers, Accountants and the rest, I can be found either online shopping, watching trash TV or looking to book her next holiday.

Why MERJE?

I chose MERJE because of the values and work ethic that we uphold every day. I feel like I am an important part of a family where everyone is striving for the same goals. The collaborative working environment is second to none and, without wanting to sounding too cliché, it really is a case of work hard and play hard. I never have that Sunday night dread of a new working week because I couldn’t ask for a better team to spend five days a week with!

Love & Loathe

I love Grey Goose, anything carb related and feeding snacks to the entire Manchester office as much as I can.

I loathe loud eaters and liars.