Specialists, not generalists: Why Investigo’s A&F team stands the test of time
Since 2003, Investigo’s Accounting & Finance (A&F) team has helped shape the London finance recruitment market. With just 18 expert recruiters supporting over 1,500 clients, the team proves that deep market insight matters more than sheer volume. We sat down withAndy Young, Director of the A&F team to talk about how the team has evolved, why specialism is more critical than ever, and what’s next for the future of finance.
The team has been around since 2003 - what’s changed most in the market, and how have you adapted?
The biggest shift is the sheer level of competition. When we started, a generalist approach could still get you by. That’s no longer the case. We’ve refined our model over two decades, going deeper into our niches, not just by role type or contract (perm vs interim), but by sector specialism. Every recruiter here has a clearly defined patch and a network they’ve spent years cultivating. That level of expertise is what sets us apart.
What does having 20+ years of history mean to you as a leader?
It’s something I’m incredibly proud of. There aren’t many recruitment teams in London with that kind of tenure and consistency. It means our clients trust us and trust attracts top-tier roles. That, in turn, brings the best candidates. But reputation has to be earned daily, so we work hard to live up to being the go-to A&F recruiter in the market.
Why is specialism so important in A&F recruitment today?
It allows us to deliver both speed and quality. When you truly understand your market - the people, the challenges, the trends - you’re not just filling jobs, you’re solving business problems. Clients don’t come to us for CVs; they come to us for outcomes.
Can you share an example where that specialism made a real difference?
Absolutely. A Real Estate client came to us after spending two weeks with a competitor who couldn’t deliver a shortlist. Our specialist in newly qualified finance talent within Real Estate had a curated network ready to go. We turned around a full shortlist in 48 hours and had the role filled within five working days. The client was blown away. They now use us exclusively for all their finance hires in London.
What’s the biggest misconception about the A&F recruitment market in London?
That it’s easy. It’s not. It’s one of the most competitive markets in recruitment. Success here requires consistency; regular client engagement, high-quality events, constant candidate pipeline development, and a team of highly skilled recruiters who know their markets inside out. There’s no coasting in this space.
You’ve got 18 people covering the London market - how do you work together to serve the market?
We punch well above our weight. Our size is intentional - we’ve built a team of experienced recruiters who go deep in their niches. That allows us to form meaningful, long-term relationships with our clients and candidates. We’re nimble, informed, and genuinely connected to the market we serve.
What’s something people might not know about your team culture?
We work hard, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. There’s a real family feel in the team. We’re tight knit, driven, and I won’t lie… a little competitive. But that drive is what fuels our success. We’ve got each other’s backs, and that sense of camaraderie carries through into how we support our clients and candidates.
What changes do you see coming in the A&F world over the next 3–5 years?
Finance is evolving fast. With new ERPs, automation, and AI, the role of the accountant is shifting. But that doesn’t mean demand is dropping, it means finance professionals will be doing different things, using different tools, and needing different skill sets. Our job is to stay ahead of those trends and help businesses find the right talent to navigate the change.
And finally, what do you want people to associate with the Investigo A&F team?
That we’re relationship-driven, not transaction-driven. We invest in our candidates and clients for the long term. Every consultant builds their own personal brand within their niche but those relationships are backed by the power of our wider A&F network. That’s where the real value lies.
Looking for your next A&F role — or hiring in the London market? Here’s who to talk to:
