Two Years in Manchester: Reflections on Growth and the Bright Future of Finance Jobs in Manchester

Two Years in Manchester: Reflections on Growth and the Bright Future of Finance Jobs in Manchester
By James Maude, Divisional Director – Manchester, SF Recruitment

Two years ago, I was given the exciting challenge of helping to launch SF Recruitment in Manchester. Today, with a team of six and plans to grow to ten by the end of 2025, I’m proud to say that we’ve built something special. Over 250 finance professionals placed into roles they love. Over 100 local businesses supported. A growing footprint in the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic cities.

Our journey in Manchester started with a focus on finance recruitment. We collaborated with businesses of various sizes. Our focus was on placing finance leaders, mid-level professionals, and emerging talents throughout the region. Since then, we’ve expanded into procurement and, most recently, technology recruitment – with more growth on the horizon in HR and engineering.

But while our own growth is exciting, it’s the wider story of Manchester that truly energises me.

The Finance Job Market in Manchester is Thriving

Manchester has firmly established itself as a financial powerhouse. It’s not just the UK’s second-largest economy—it’s a magnet for talent and investment. From traditional finance roles to cutting-edge fintech, the variety of opportunities available in Manchester right now is nothing short of extraordinary.

What makes this market so exciting is the diversity of employers: from global firms like PwC and Barclays to homegrown successes like AJ Bell. Whether you're an experienced Financial Controller, an ambitious Investment Banking Analyst, or an up-and-coming fintech developer, there’s real momentum in the city.

We’ve seen this first-hand. Demand for finance professionals in Manchester has soared, particularly across roles like Risk Analyst, Financial Controller, and Finance Business Partner. Businesses are actively seeking candidates who bring not just technical knowledge, but commercial acumen and a strategic mindset.

Fintech and Innovation on the Rise

The rise of fintech has added a whole new dimension to the city’s finance scene. Manchester is now a go-to location for fintech startups and tech-led financial services, offering roles for developers, analysts, and digital product leaders. We’re seeing a real crossover between finance and tech talent—and that’s one of the reasons we’ve just launched our dedicated Technology division here.

Fintech in Manchester isn’t just a buzzword. It’s driving real innovation—blockchain, AI-driven finance tools, and next-gen mobile banking apps are being built here. That blend of traditional finance and digital disruption is a major draw for ambitious professionals looking to future-proof their careers.

Skills That Stand Out in Today’s Market

If you’re exploring new finance jobs in Manchester, the competition is strong—but so are the opportunities. A strong academic foundation is still valued, especially in areas like accounting, economics, and business, but we’re also seeing a rising demand for candidates with professional certifications like ACA, ACCA or CFA.

The top candidates we place tend to bring:

• Analytical thinking and commercial awareness
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Digital fluency with financial systems and tools

What Comes Next

At SF Recruitment, we’re just getting started. We are currently hiring in our Finance, Technology, HR, and Engineering teams in Manchester. We are also seeking experienced recruiters who wish to join an ambitious project.

We’ve also just launched our latest Technology Salary Survey, designed to help employers stay competitive and informed on market trends and pay benchmarks. If you’d like a copy, or want to discuss how we can support your recruitment plans, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Manchester is growing, and so are we. There’s never been a better time to be part of this city’s finance community—and I’m excited about what we’ll achieve together in the years to come.