James Polley

I lead Morgan McKinley’s Accountancy & Finance practice, connecting leading Financial Services firms with fully qualified accounting professionals

Specialist Area

We specialize in end-to-end finance recruitment—placing qualified talent from NQ to Finance Director level across permanent and contract markets. We support clients through industry shifts by delivering specialized expertise in financial and management reporting, regulatory change, finance transformation, fund reporting, and financial controls.

My Advice

To stand out in today's market, candidates must go beyond duties and highlight their value-add. Employers prioritize professionals who can transform processes and elevate performance. Structure your CV to showcase concrete examples of key initiatives—focusing on your direct involvement and the resulting outcomes

My Background

Since joining Morgan McKinley in 2014, I have specialised in supporting Financial Services organisations with their talent acquisition strategies, building long-standing relationships based on trust, market expertise and consistent delivery.

Having spent the majority of my career focused on interim and contract recruitment, I now oversee both the Interim and Permanent divisions. This enables me to advise clients on the most effective hiring solutions, tailored to their business objectives and workforce requirements.

I currently partner with CFOs and Finance Directors across Asset Management and Private Markets, helping them attract and secure exceptional accounting talent. My focus is on delivering strategic hiring solutions that strengthen finance functions and drive business performance.