225+
5 reviews
Mike
16:04 13 Mar 23
Highly recommended! Josh and Sarah have been fantastic at Astute. They've found and placed me in 2 jobs now between them, both really responsive and excellent at keeping you up to speed with things. Very knowledgable about the roles and happy to talk to companies with any queries you have.
C R.
10:45 27 Jan 23
Great agency one of the best ones I've worked with! Liz has been a great help and support in helping me towards a new direction in my career life. She is very attentive and keeps me in the loop at all times! She makes the extra effort to work with my preferred requirements for work and even if it isn't completely attainable she meets me in the middle and does as much as she can to help! Also Liz is very funny might I add 😂 and I'm happy that I can now put a face to the name after all these years! Thank you again Liz for all your help and support! 😊
Christine
10:32 20 Dec 22
Josh and the Astute team was very swift to help me to find roles that matched my profile. They are really reliable and will help through every step of the recruitment process going out of their way to assist and follow up when needed. Could not find a better recruitment agency!
Helen Pinegar
16:19 18 Dec 22
Fantastic recruitment agency.. Josh was extremely enthusiastic, encouraging and clearly knowledgeable about what was needed from both the employee and the employers point of view. Extremely supportive especially in regards to interview preparation and endeavoured to procure feedback promptly. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Astute in the future to both candidates and recruiting businesses particularly for the right fit for the role!!!
Lisa Leigh
11:56 30 Nov 22
I have worked as a candidate for Astute and they have been excellent. Super friendly service and professional agents keen to fit the right person to the right job. It has been a pleasure dealing with them and I would happily work for them again in the future. Highly recommend this agency.
Contact us
Derby
Suite 1, Ground Floor West,Cardinal Square,10 Nottingham Road,Derby. DE1 3QT
Nottingham
Stanford House,19 Castle Gate, Nottingham, NG1 7AQ

An excellent opportunity for an experienced hands-on accountant to join this progressive and forward-thinking business based in Hucknall. Working in a small finance team and reporting into the Financial Controller your main duties as Management Accountant will be:

  • Production of monthly management accounts
  • Board packs with commentaries / variances / analysis
  • Cash flow forecasting
  • Fixed assets
  • Budgeting and forecasting
  • Balance sheet reconciliations
  • Helping with the audit
  • VAT returns
  • Assisting with the prep of statutory accounts
  • Business partnering with various functions
  • Getting involved with project work

The client is looking for experience over qualifications, so applications are welcome from Qualified/ QBE and Part Qualified people. They are looking for someone who wants a long-term stable job as this business has a very low staff turnover.

The role is office based 5 days a week, hours are 8:00am – 4:30pm with 30 mins lunch, free parking, 25 days holiday, excellent additional benefits package.

Salary: £45,000 – £55,000

Accounts Assistant – Part-Time (16 Hours per week)

Location: DE5

Salary: £14.00 – £15.00 ph.

Office-based – totally flexible hours to suit YOU!

Are you an organised, detail-driven Accounts Assistant looking for a flexible, part-time role in a supportive and dynamic environment? We’re seeking an enthusiastic individual to join our finance team, working 16 hours per week (with additional hours during peak periods in September and October).

 

Key Responsibilities:

 

  • Entering purchase invoices into Sage
  • Preparing and processing weekly payment runs
  • Reconciling receipts against credit card statements
  • Chasing outstanding invoices from sales for reconciliation purposes
  • Monthly supplier statement reconciliations
  • Maintaining and updating the company holiday spreadsheet
  • Supporting payroll by logging timesheets
  • Processing sub-contractor invoices and logging to Sage Projects
  • Providing general administration support and assisting with ad-hoc duties as needed

What We’re Looking For:

 

  • Solid working knowledge of Sage (experience with Sage Projects is a bonus)
  • Excellent attention to detail and strong administrative skills
  • Confident and professional telephone manner
  • Trustworthy with confidential information and a clear understanding of data security
  • Willingness to work additional hours when required to support the wider business

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to work flexibly while making a meaningful contribution to a busy finance function.

Credit Controller

£28,000 – £30,000

40 hours per week

Fully office based – DE55

We are looking for a talented and driven individual to join our client’s dynamic team as a Credit Controller. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of a diverse accounts receivable portfolio and play a key role in driving efficient credit control processes across multiple regions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage a portfolio of accounts receivable, ensuring prompt payment and minimising aged debt
  • Take ownership of multiple regional ledgers, overseeing the day-to-day credit control cycle and contributing to an efficient order-to-cash process
  • Proactively contact customers, primarily by phone, to chase overdue payments and discuss account statuses
  • Collaborate with Sales teams to resolve queries and release orders, participating in monthly AR review meetings to support improved collection outcomes
  • Produce accurate account reconciliations and reporting for both internal and external stakeholders
  • Work closely with Cash Allocation and Finance teams to ensure audit compliance and support financial reporting requirements
  • Identify and implement process improvements within the Credit Control function
  • Support ongoing change initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness across the team

 

Essential Skills & Experience:

 

  • Prior experience in credit control or a finance-related role
  • Strong understanding of financial processes and customer account reconciliation
  • Highly organised, with the ability to manage and prioritise workloads effectively
  • Excellent communication skills – both verbal and written
  • Confident in building and maintaining strong working relationships across teams and with external stakeholders
  • Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and proactive
  • A collaborative team player with strong problem-solving abilities
  • Eager to contribute to continuous improvement and committed to personal and professional development

Are you an experienced Accounts Assistant looking for a part-time opportunity with flexibility and stability?  Our Derby-based client is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual to support their finance function in a varied and hands-on role.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Petty cash postings.
  • Handle queries related to accounts payable and receivable.
  • Cashbook processing & reconciliation of bank statements
  • Purchase & Sales ledger processing
  • Filing, maintaining digital finance records, and supporting the wider team with ad hoc finance duties as needed.
  • Helping with month-end tasks including journal preparation, ledger reviews, and reporting.
  • Produce monthly accruals and prepayments

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

  • Previous experience in a similar accounts role
  • Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
  • Competency with accounting software
  • A positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in

Benefits and Working Hours:

  • 25 hours per week, flexible across Monday to Friday to suit your lifestyle
  • £27,000 FTE salary (pro rata to part-time hours)
  • 20 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata)
  • Fully onsite role, based in a friendly and collaborative team environment

Job Opportunity: Temporary Financial Controller

Location: Nottingham
Contract Type: Temporary (3–6 months, with possible extension)
Start Date: July 2025
Salary: £350 per day
Hybrid working

We are seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Financial Controller to join our dynamic team on a temporary basis. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the finance function, support senior leadership with key insights, and ensure smooth financial operations during a transitional period.

🔍 Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead month-end and year-end close processes
  • Prepare and review financial reports, budgets, and forecasts
  • Manage cash flow and working capital requirements
  • Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and internal policies
  • Liaise with external auditors and tax advisors
  • Oversee and support the finance team as needed

Requirements:

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
  • Proven experience in a Financial Controller or similar role
  • Strong knowledge of financial reporting standards and compliance
  • Excellent Excel and financial systems skills
  • Ability to hit the ground running and manage competing deadlines

🎯 Ideal Candidate:

  • Adaptable, detail-oriented, and proactive
  • Confident communicator with senior stakeholders
  • Available immediately or at short notice

This critical phase in the business and play a key role in steering financial stability and clarity. If you’re a seasoned finance professional ready to make an immediate impact, I’d love to hear from you.

Accounts Assistant – 12-Month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Nottingham (on-site)
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Accounts Assistant to join a well-established business on a 12-month fixed term contract. Working from their modern Nottingham offices with on-site parking and excellent public transport links, you’ll play a key role supporting a finance function serving around 120 active clients.

About the Role
Reporting to the Finance Director, you’ll be responsible for delivering a wide range of transactional finance duties, helping to keep the accounts running smoothly in a busy environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage the purchase ledger, processing approximately 150–200 invoices per week
  • Maintain the accounts receivable ledger
  • Oversee credit control and chase outstanding debt to ensure timely payments
  • Process the weekly payroll for around 400 temporary staff
  • Accurately process accounts data using Sage 50
  • Analyse and report financial data using Excel (VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables)
  • Support ad hoc tasks and projects as required by the Finance Director

What’s on Offer:

  • Competitive salary of £28,000
  • Modern office environment with on-site parking
  • Bus stop nearby with excellent public transport links
  • Friendly, supportive team culture

About You:

  • Experience in an Accounts Assistant or similar transactional finance role
  • Confident managing high invoice volumes across purchase and sales ledgers
  • Previous experience handling payroll
  • Proficient in Sage 50 and Excel (including VLOOKUP and Pivot Tables)
  • Strong communicator with a proactive, problem-solving mindset
  • Available to commit to a 12-month fixed term contract

If you’re looking for your next challenge within a welcoming and collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today!

Are you an experienced payroll professional looking to make a difference in a dynamic and fast-paced environment? Astute Recruitment are working on an exciting opportunity with our Derby based client to add a Payroll Officer to their finance team.

About the Role
As Payroll Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring the smooth and accurate running of monthly payroll processes for over 1,000 employees across multiple locations. Working closely with the Payroll Manager, you’ll support the day-to-day operations of the payroll function and contribute to ongoing system improvements as the organisation undergoes an HR systems transformation.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare and process monthly payroll data
  • Manage multiple payrolls with minimal supervision
  • Collaborate with managers across the business to resolve payroll queries
  • Process starters, leavers, and employee changes accurately and in a timely manner
  • Handle statutory payments such as sick pay, maternity, and unpaid leave
  • Complete post-payroll checks and set up payment runs
  • Contribute to payroll system enhancements and reporting
  • Maintain accurate payroll and HR records

Candidate experience and requirements:

  • Proven experience in end-to-end payroll processing
  • Strong working knowledge of Excel (e.g. VLOOKUPs, formulas)
  • Experience working with HR systems and setting up bank payments
  • Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills
  • Effective communicator with a collaborative approach
  • Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation
  • Experience using BrightPay would be an advantage but not essential

Why This Role?
This is a great opportunity to join a supportive and forward-thinking team at a time of growth and transformation. You’ll be part of an organisation that truly values its people and encourages ideas to improve the payroll experience for everyone.

Benefits and Hours:

  • Salary up to £33,000 depending on experience
  • 37.5-hour working week with flexible start and finish times
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Assistant Accountant (Maternity Cover, 9 Months)
Location: Nottingham
Salary: Up to £30,000

Astute Recruitment is proud to be working on behalf of a leading Nottingham-based client in their search for an Assistant Accountant to join their finance team on a 9-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave. This is a brilliant chance to gain exposure to a successful, growing business based in Nottingham.

About the Opportunity:

Reporting into the Finance Management team, the Assistant Accountant will help deliver timely and accurate monthly management accounts while supporting wider finance operations. You’ll play a key role in maintaining balance sheet controls, assisting with audits, and contributing to process improvements in a friendly, professional environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Complete reconciliations including bank, client accounts, and accruals
  • Oversee and submit VAT returns
  • Handle department-level financial reporting and commentary
  • Support nominal and departmental cost reviews
  • Undertake data analysis and forecasting

What We’re Looking For:

  • AAT qualified (or similar) or equivalent experience in a finance role
  • Solid month-end and balance sheet experience
  • Familiarity with Sage 50 and confident Excel skills
  • Sharp attention to detail and proactive attitude
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to prioritise, work independently, and meet deadlines
  • Curious, enthusiastic, and keen to learn about the wider business

HR Manager – 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

Location: Derby
Start Date: End of July (early start negotiable)
Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 (depending on experience)
Contract: Fixed term – 12 months | Full-time, office-based (Occasional Flex, Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm)

An established engineering group is seeking a confidential and experienced HR manager. This is an opportunity to join a dynamic organisation on a 12-month contract, working closely with senior leadership to help shape the future of the business.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the C -suite, you will lead the implementation of a new HR system (MidlandHR), drive strategic HR initiatives, and oversee key aspects of the employee lifecycle. You’ll play a vital role in both HR operations and people strategy at a time of significant growth and change.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the implementation of MidlandHR across the organisation
  • Design and deliver effective recruitment strategies and onboarding processes
  • Oversee payroll systems, benefits administration, and compliance measures
  • Manage offer letters and contracts for salaried employees
  • Create and roll out structured training and development programmes
  • Develop HR policies and procedures that support compliance and performance
  • Manage employee relations, including grievances, performance issues, and engagement
  • Align HR initiatives with overall business goals, using data to inform decision-making
  • Provide regular reporting to senior leadership
  • Support with general HR administration as needed
  • Occasionally travel to project sites or to our Limerick Head Office in Ireland

Essential Experience & Qualifications

  • Strong, up-to-date knowledge of UK Employment Law (essential)
  • Ability to develop HR policies, manage employee relations, and lead strategic initiatives
  • High level of professionalism and ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Strong IT skills, including Word, Excel, and ideally HRIS systems (MidlandHR experience desirable)

Desirable Experience

  • Familiarity with Irish Employment Law
  • Background in construction or engineering sectors
  • Confident communicator with strong organisational skills

What’s On Offer

  • Competitive salary (£40,000–£50,000 depending on experience)
  • 12-month fixed term contract with potential for extension
  • Pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro-rata; 3 days allocated for Christmas closure)
  • Private healthcare and life assurance
  • Opportunity to make a lasting impact during a period of strategic growth
  • Collaborative and forward-thinking working environment

HR Administrator Opportunity – Full Time | Permanent

Location: Derby City Centre
Start Date: End of July (early start negotiable)
Salary: £27,000 – £32,000 (depending on experience)
Contract: Permanent | Full-time, office-based (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm)

A growing international engineering and construction organisation is seeking a highly organised HR Administrator to join their UK-based HR function, based in Derby. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is looking to further develop their HR career in a supportive and expanding business.

About the Role

Working closely with the HR Manager, the successful candidate will support a wide range of HR administrative responsibilities, including:

  • Managing internal and external recruitment postings and interview coordination
  • Issuing employment offers and contracts accurately and efficiently
  • Supporting onboarding and induction processes across multiple sites
  • Maintaining employee records, holiday tracking, and training compliance documentation
  • Creating and distributing a monthly company newsletter
  • Providing ad hoc support and HR presence at sites across the UK and occasional travel to our Head Office in Limerick, Ireland
  • Supporting payroll and ensuring timely submission of employment documentation
  • Upholding GDPR compliance and company policies

This is a hands-on role that requires a strong administrative foundation and excellent attention to detail.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

  • Have experience within HR / administration environment
  • Strong IT literacy (MS Office, especially Excel)
  • Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion
  • Highly organised with excellent communication skills

Desirable Experience

  • Experience working in the construction or engineering sector
  • Familiarity with Irish Employment Law
  • Prior use of HRIS systems such as MidlandHR

What’s On Offer

  • Competitive salary (£27,000–£32,000 depending on experience)
  • Generous pension scheme – 7% employer contribution
  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro-rata; 3 days allocated to Christmas closure)
  • Private healthcare and life assurance
  • Opportunities to work across the UK and Ireland as part of a growing, international group
  • Supportive team environment and ongoing career development opportunities