Liverpool Daily Post My Working Day: Sean Morris, Howarth Morris

12/01/2011

Getting job satisfaction from the recruitment process

Sean Morris is co-founder and director of Howarth Morris Financial Selection, a recruitment consultancy dedicated to part qualified and qualified financial recruitment. He lives in Lowton near Warrington and is married to Kath. The couple have two young daughters, Kyra and Zoe.

0630:  Stirring as my eldest daughter climbs into our bed, I am shortly fully awakened by the theme tune to Peppa Pig playing on my phone.  At only three years old, my eldest daughter Kyra has fully mastered the navigation structure of an iPhone.  One year old Zoe serves as snooze alarm, shortly following up with a cry for her morning milk.  With a couple of rounds of toast and a thermal mug of coffee for my car journey, the nursery run is completed with military precision and I’m on my way to Liverpool.

0830: Pre-interview catch-up with an ACCA qualified financial controller who we have put forward for a UK financial controller role with one of Liverpool’s premier maritime companies. She’s an outstanding candidate and sure to exceed my client’s expectations.

0930: Arriving at our new office at The Plaza, Old Hall Street, I catch up with Zoe Sheen, the manager of Howarth Morris’ Merseyside operation. Our meeting discusses the status of the recruitment assignments we are working on, which companies we have meetings with, the candidates we are interviewing and we review the new CVs received.  With recruitment activity up 120% over the same period last year, it looks like its going to be a busy year which is positive news for finance professionals in Merseyside.

1200: Off to a meeting with our PR and marketing consultants, Active Profile, to sign off the new Howarth Morris website. Reviewing the new website is a proud moment as I rarely get the time to reflect on just how far we have come since our business started in January 2007. 

1300: A quick stroll through the city centre to grab some fresh air and a sandwich.  The character of Liverpool never ceases to inspire me.  My love for the city began when I was an undergraduate at Liverpool University and a stroll past the Cavern Club prompts fond memories of my student days. 

1400: I hear that the maritime company wants to offer our candidate the UK financial controller position.  Great news! We all know how good it feels to get a new job and being in the position to deliver the news still gives me a real kick.  The feeling is the same whether the job is for a trainee or a finance director; it’s great to know you have helped someone further their career.

1420:  A colleague tells me the official photos from the CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) awards have gone up on its website.  We were the only company to be highly commended by CIMA in the “Recruitment Consultancy of the Year” award, and the only consultancy shortlisted who are based in the North West. I comment that in a tuxedo I look like Daniel Craig in James Bond….the laughter in the office gives me the impression they don’t agree.

1500: Meeting with a leading renewable energy business.  Whilst this company is a long-term partner of Howarth Morris’, it is still a real privilege to get an insight into the evolution of the business. 

1600:  In a phone call with my co-director Paul Howarth, I hear we have placed a high profile candidate with the largest financial services business in the North West.  Another great result for both client and candidate.

1700: After an hour catching up with our key clients I check my emails which include a ‘thank you’ email from a management accountant I recently placed with a household name FMCG business in Liverpool.  A lovely gesture and a real reminder of why I love my job and take real pride in what we do at Howarth Morris.

1730: Meeting with a new qualified accountant looking to make his first move from accountancy practice into industry.  He is an exceptional candidate and with three excellent career opportunities for him, I have no doubt it won’t be long before we have secured him his next opportunity.

1900: Get home and find I have a battle with the children whether we should watch Dora the Explorer or the LFC game. Daddy wins.  Tip to all Dads:  By telling your pre-school kids that football is a game for kids called ‘spot the yellow man’ you can watch the game whilst they point and cheer every time the referee is on the screen!

LDP Business 12.01.11

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