Business Details
17 Years
experience
Your Trusted Recruitment Partner in Finance & HR
Astute Recruitment has been dedicated to transforming the recruitment landscape since 2009, specializing in financial, HR, and office support sectors. Our people-first approach ensures personalized service, connecting candidates with roles that align with their career goals and employers with talent that fits their organizational culture. With offices in Derby, Nottingham, and Tampa, we combine local expertise with global reach to deliver tailored staffing solutions.Our team of experienced consultants prioritizes transparency, ethical practices, and long-term relationships, supported by a 15-year industry network. Recognized for innovation and excellence, we continuously adapt to market trends while maintaining a commitment to diversity and professional development. Client testimonials highlight our responsiveness, industry knowledge, and ability to match candidates with roles that foster growth and satisfaction.
Services
Financial Recruitment
Executive Search
HR Recruitment
Office Support Staffing
Accounting Roles
Interim Management
Public Sector Recruitment
Payroll Services
Recruitment Consultancy
Career Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- Over 160 years of combined experience in financial and HR recruitment
- Personalized approach to candidate and employer matching
- Global presence with local market expertise in East Midlands
- Award-winning leadership recognized by industry bodies
- Proven track record placing 300+ candidates in specialized roles
What people say
Fantastic agency
Excellent service
Swift to help
Knowledgeable consultants
Perfect fit for role
Services
Financial Recruitment
Specialized recruitment for finance professionals, connecting qualified candidates with roles in accounting, payroll, and financial management. We serve businesses seeking skilled professionals in transactional finance, corporate accounting, and financial leadership positions. Our consultants ensure candidates match both technical requirements and organizational culture.
Executive Search
Targeted executive search for senior financial and HR roles, identifying strategic leaders for organizations. Our process combines industry networks with rigorous vetting to place executives in finance director, CFO, and HR leadership positions. We focus on long-term cultural and professional alignment for leadership transitions.
HR Recruitment
Dedicated HR recruitment solutions for temporary and permanent roles across all HR disciplines. We place specialists in talent acquisition, employee relations, and HR operations within private and public sector organizations. Our consultants understand evolving HR challenges and compliance requirements.
Office Support Staffing
Specialist office support recruitment for administrative, clerical, and operational roles. We supply experienced professionals for front-of-house, back-office, and specialized support positions. Our candidates undergo skills assessments to ensure competency in office management systems and procedures.
Interim Management
Provision of interim financial and HR professionals for short-term business needs. We source experienced consultants for project-based assignments, maternity cover, and organizational transitions. Our interim managers deliver immediate impact while maintaining continuity during periods of change.
People
Sarah Stevenson
Managing Director
Co-founder with 15+ years in recruitment leadership. Recognized as Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors in 2015. Drives strategic growth while maintaining hands-on client engagement.
Mary Maguire
Managing Director
Co-founder instrumental in establishing Astute's US operations. Named among Derbyshire's 250 most influential businesspeople in 2017. Focuses on expanding the company's market presence and client relationships.
Josh Dunn
Senior Consultant
Specializes in transactional finance recruitment. Known for exceptional candidate support and market knowledge. Plays key role in maintaining high client satisfaction scores through transparent communication.
Liz
HR Recruitment Specialist
Career development expert with personalized approach to candidate placement. Recognized for attention to individual requirements and successful long-term matches in HR roles across multiple industries.
Andy Lilliman
Director of Talent Acquisition
Leads US recruitment operations from Tampa. Brings public accounting sector expertise to cross-border placements. Focuses on building relationships with accounting firms and financial institutions in North America.
Questions
What sectors do you specialize in?
We specialize in financial services, HR, office support, and public accounting recruitment across permanent, temporary, and executive roles.
How do you ensure candidate-employer compatibility?
Our four-step process includes role analysis, candidate screening, cultural assessment, and post-placement follow-up to guarantee optimal matches.
Do you operate outside the UK?
Yes, we have a US office in Tampa and place candidates across North America through our international network.
What support do you offer job seekers?
We provide CV optimization, salary negotiation guidance, market insights, and interview preparation for all registered candidates.
How quickly can you fill urgent roles?
With 160+ years combined experience, we typically identify suitable candidates within 48 hours for most financial and HR positions.
Can I work with multiple consultants?
Yes, our team collaborates to leverage sector-specific expertise while maintaining a single point of contact for streamlined communication.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Laura Mann
Jan 27, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism
I couldnt recommend Astute enough! They are all super friendly and actually want to fit you into the right job, they listened to what I wanted and didnt push anything that wasnt right for me - like most recruitment places do! Couldnt fault them, Thankyou guys!x
I couldnt recommend Astute enough! They are all super friendly and actually want to fit you into the right job, they listened to what I wanted and didnt push anything that wasnt right for me - like most recruitment places do! Couldnt fault them, Thankyou guys!x
Kelly Marsden
Dec 28, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
I couldn't recommend Astute recruitment more! Josh Dunn has recently been helping me find a new role, he's been available whenever I needed him, extremely professional and has even been checking up since I found out I got the job. Great service and very professional.
I couldn't recommend Astute recruitment more! Josh Dunn has recently been helping me find a new role, he's been available whenever I needed him, extremely professional and has even been checking up since I found out I got the job. Great service and very professional.
Stephanie Wass
Dec 12, 2021
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Sarah-Louise was very professional and responsive to my flexible working hours request for the role she had in mind for me. She was very encouraging and went above and beyond to ask the right questions of her client. She was very knowledgeable and gave me a great insight into the Company. After interview she was very quick to ask for feedback , from both sides and as a result I was offered the role the same day. I have now been happily working in my new role for nearly 2 months.
Sammi Kang
Dec 08, 2021
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Astute Recruitment have helped me with my dream job! A big thank you to Sarah-Louise. I asked for a flexible part time role that was close to my home and Sarah did not fail to deliver. I work with a fantastic team and enjoy going to work everyday. Astute were very quick to ask what I needed and provided me with enough support to help with the interview. Thank you once again!
Helen Eames
Dec 05, 2021
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Positive:Professionalism
Sarah and Sarah are lovely ladies, they do their very best to find the right job for the right person. Nothing is too much trouble. They are very professional, kind and always go the extra mile . I highly recommend this agency
Sarah and Sarah are lovely ladies, they do their very best to find the right job for the right person. Nothing is too much trouble. They are very professional, kind and always go the extra mile . I highly recommend this agency
