Lawson Bishop - Welcome

About Us

Client Services:

  • Why Lawson Bishop
  • Our Markets
  • Our Services
  • Case Studies


    • Candidate Services:

  • Payroll Information
  • CV Advice
  • Interview Advice
  • Our Clients
  • Case Studies


    • Contact Us


    About Us

    Lawson Bishop specialises in recruiting financial professionals within the public sector and commerce & industry on a temporary, interim, contract and permanent basis.

    Established in 2001, Lawson Bishop set out to satisfy the growing demand for quality recruitment services in an industry which seemed static in its processes. Our consultants, managers and directors have over 20 years experience in financial recruitment. Along with innovative ideas, we offer a straightforward approach, structured, pro-active and creative solutions and a truly consultative service.

    Our aims:

  • To provide an exceptional and memorable service to our clients and candidates.
  • To be a business partner, not just a service supplier.
  • To show you that our experience makes a difference.
  • To make you life easier.


    • “Our success and vision lies in our tailored approach to your individual recruitment needs. We believe that by working in partnership with you, we will continue to provide a niche, honest, and exceptional service.”

    Nicky Acuna Ocana - Director


    Why Lawson Bishop

    Lawson Bishop represents the best of both worlds: a niche company where you never feel like just another ‘candidate or client’ and the benefit of being part of a larger business model.

    Lawson Bishop is about more than filling your staffing needs. We work in partnership with clients and candidates and offer a bespoke, confidential and personal service.

    We are more than recruiters. Our experienced consultants each have an honest and open approach to recruitment and will provide creative solutions with new ideas and methodologies.

    Benefits of working with us:

  • Time saved – You only receive relevant, fully screened and qualified CV’s.
  • Innovative and cost effective solutions.
  • Expertise in delivery to niche sectors.
  • Large national candidate database.
  • Personal approach.
  • Investment in latest technologies to ensure accuracy, efficiency, on time and on budget.
  • Provision of security cleared candidates.
  • If we can’t help you, we’ll say so.


    • Through our ability to draw on the extensive recruitment capability of MPS Group International plc, we are positioned to offer you the recruitment solutions of a multi national company whilst maintaining a unique, personal service.

    The difference in our approach comes in delivering solutions to match the way you want to recruit and the determination to be the best at what we do.


    Our Markets

    In specialising within public sector and commerce & industry organisations, Lawson Bishop offers you expert advice from trained consultants and access to skilled candidates with specific sector focused experience.

    We have built a successful track record in a variety of organisations resulting in strong working relationships with numerous companies, departments and institutions in and around London and the Home Counties.

    Commerce & Industry:

    We recruit for all commerce & industry sectors from niche companies through to multinational organisations within media, transport, oil & gas, property and construction, pharmaceutical, retail and the service sector.

    Public Sector and Not-for-profit:

    Lawson Bishop recognises the pivotal roles played by senior level finance professionals in these organisations and we are dedicated to matching the skills, experience and personality of individuals to each assignment we manage.

    We have proven expertise and experience in a variety of public sector environments including:

  • Central Government – government departments, executive agencies and NDPB’s.
  • Local Government – London Boroughs and local councils.
  • Charities and not-for-profit organisations.
  • Health – NHS trusts, primary care trusts and strategic health authorities.


    • We have a large national database of candidates ranging from Accounts Assistant to Finance Director level, all with specific central government and NDPB experience. We also supply Project Accountants, Systems Accountants, Change Managers, Commisioning Accountants, Fundraising Specialists, Costing and Efficiency Experts and PFI/PPP candidates with a wealth of government experience.

    Click here to read comments from both clients and candidates we have worked with and placed in these areas.


    Our Services

    We offer an innovative and highly professional service. Working in partnership with you, we offer expert advice and provide a high calibre service.

    We provide an exceptional and memorable service to our candidates and clients. We aim to make your life easier and to show you that our experience makes a difference.

    We aim to be your business partner and not just a service supplier.

    Given that no two companies are the same, we take time to understand your company’s environment, background and recruitment needs. This enables us to supply candidates with relevant industry experience as well as ensuring they also fit your company culture.

    We can provide the following candidates:

  • Financial Directors.
  • Financial Controllers/Heads of Finance.
  • Management/Financial Accountants.
  • Finance Managers.
  • Qualified Accountants.
  • Assistant Management Accountants/Assistant Financial Accountants.
  • Tax Accountants.
  • Treasury Accountants.
  • Internal Auditors.
  • Systems Accountants.
  • Project Accountants.
  • Business/Financial Accountants.
  • Payroll Managers.



    • Payroll Information

    This information is designed to help us to pay you. It explains the process of how Lawson Bishop pays its temps/contractors.

    Timesheet Guidelines:

    Timesheets need to be received no later than 5.00pm on Tuesday and will be paid into your bank account on the Friday of that week.

    Timesheets can be faxed across for the attention of Lawson Bishop payroll department on fax: 0207 082 3002. There is no need to send a duplicate copy of your timesheet in the post.

    Payment is made on a weekly basis via the BACS system directly into your bank/building society. We process one payroll per week.

    In order to ensure prompt payment the timesheet must be filled out in the correct manner. It is important to note the following:

  • Your Lawson Bishop registration number
  • Your name and address
  • The company name
  • The week ending date (based on a Friday)
  • Print the name of the person who authorised / signed your timesheet


    • Please remember that it is your responsibility to ensure that the timesheet is signed by an authorised person.

    Payments cannot be guaranteed unless you have confirmed receipt of the fax or email.

    It is your responsibility to notify us, in writing, of any change to your:

  • Bank/building society details
  • Address
  • Telephone number/mobile number
  • Change from PAYE to LTD Company


    • Please do not write these changes on your timesheet.

    Under no circumstances can we pay money into an account in another person’s name.

    PAYE Candidates

    Holiday pay is to be claimed using the timesheet (bottom right hand corner box).

    It is in your interest to provide us with parts 2 and 3 of your original P45 as soon as possible (part 1a is for your records). Faxed copies or photocopies are not acceptable. If you do not have a P45, please call 0207 038 6560 to request a P46 form. If we do not receive your P45 or P46 form, you will be put on an emergency tax code.

    LTD Company Candidates

    Lawson Bishop have been advised by HM Inspector of Taxes that we can only pay through Ltd companies if we have the following documentation (which should be sent directly to your consultant).

  • Certification of incorporation
  • Form CT41 to show the company’s Corporation Tax reference number or a letter detailing the    Tax District and reference that deals with the company’s Corporation Tax Affairs


    • If you are VAT registered, an invoice on Ltd company headed paper must be sent in with each timesheet for payment to take place. If you are not VAT registered then you do not have to submit an invoice.

    Please note that payments can only be made to the Ltd Company, and under no circumstances can we make a payment to the individual representatives of the Ltd Company.

    If you work through a Ltd company, Lawson Bishop is not your ‘employer’ for purposes of the Working Time Regulations.

    If you have any queries regarding VAT or receipt of timesheets/invoices, or any other issues regarding payment of your assignment contact your consultant on 020 7038 6560.


    CV Advice

    Finding a new job is a very important issue. In today's competitive environment the need to market and sell yourself effectively is increasingly important. Remember, YOU are the product and YOU have the responsibility of packaging, presenting and marketing that product. In a normal selection process you have two fabulous opportunities to create the right impression on your prospective employers, namely your CV and the interview.

    Why do you need a CV?

    Your CV is the first thing on which an employer can judge you. It is your own personal advertisement. It gives you less than two minutes to create the right impression on a potential employer and secure you an interview.

    Where do you start?

    Start by assembling the facts and listing the information you need to include in your CV. Tailor the CV to the company/department and position whenever possible - it can be time consuming but can help get that role.
    Don't expect to write the perfect CV at the first attempt. Once you have decided what to include, you can then concentrate on the layout.

    What details should your CV include?

  • Personal details: Name, date of birth, nationality, contact address, telephone numbers of    home, office and mobile phone.
  • Education: Degree course, university/college, degree classification and similar details for any    further and higher education courses.
  • Professional qualifications: Dates of professional qualifications achieved and current stage    of qualification if still studying, intended date of next exams and exam record to date if    applicable.
  • Work experience: Experience should be presented in reverse chronological order. Give    details of the companies you have worked for including the type of business and its turnover.    Specify the dates at each company (year and month), include details of the job content and    the scope of the position. Think of your job in terms of tasks performed, the level of    responsibility you had and your achievements. Make sure the detail is factual and    quantitative where possible. A potential employer wants to know what you can already do    and what challenges they may have for you.
  • Systems: Detail all systems you have used previously and currently, including spreadsheets,    word processing, accounting and graphics packages. State the level of expertise and version    of the system.
  • Languages: Define your level of competency by basic, conversational, fluent, mother tongue.    This is especially important in light of the open European market.
  • Remuneration: Detail your current remuneration package. Your salary is only a part of any    negotiated remuneration package and benefits such as car, pension, bonus and share options    may fundamentally alter the picture.


    • How should your CV be presented?

    Your CV must look like a professional document. The credibility of the content may be challenged if the CV is poorly presented.

    The following checklist should help:

  • No unexplained gaps - if you have travelled or been out of work, say so. Someone's guess    may not be positive!
  • No necessity to state reasons for leaving each position.
  • Career in reverse chronological order with dates stated in months and years.
  • Ideally a CV should not be any more than three pages, although the crucial factor is to    ensure that the information it contains is relevant, complete, concise and interesting. It's    proven that on average, readers absorb 60% of the first page, 40% of the second, and the    third is generally a waste.
  • Personal details, educational details and professional qualifications, together with details    of your most recent position should appear on the first page. If the reader is not excited by    the first page, they are unlikely to read on.


    • Style and presentation

    Once the content of your CV is completed it needs to be presented in an attractive style. A simple straightforward design is always best..

    Word process your CV, e.g. using Microsoft Word, unless a hand written application is specifically requested.
    Your covering letter should also be word processed.
    Use a good quality white or cream paper and stick to a white background.
    Choose black font and a simple typeface.
    Avoid using underlining and capitalised headings.
    Make good use of ‘white space’.

    It may take several drafts to finally come up with a format that you are happy with. Ask a friend or colleague to give their honest opinion of your efforts. The whole point of the CV is to get you an interview, would yours?

    So let's see about preparing for that interview.....


    Interview Advice

    The interview is the most important part of any job application. Give yourself the best possible chance by preparing in advance. Ask yourself the following questions:

    Preparation

  • The company- What do you know about it? Can you get more information - an annual report    for example? How big is it? Is it an international company?
  • The department- How many people work in this area? What personalities do they have?    How busy is the department? How is it structured?
  • The interviewer(s)- How many people will you be meeting? What are their positions? How    long have they been there? What are they like? Will you be reporting to them?
  • The interview- How long will it be? Will it be technical? Will you be expected to make a    presentation? Is there a test? What do the interviewers like about your CV?
  • The vacancy- Why has it come about? What are the day to day duties? What are the    prospects for progression? Will you have to supervise? If so, how many people?
  • The rewards- How much are they paying? What are the benefits? Will you get paid    overtime? Your consultant should be able to help with all of these issues but also try to find    out background information for yourself. Always look at the company's website.


    • Read through your CV. Ensure you can give more information than is on your CV. Think of the positive reasons why you left each position. When reviewing your day to day duties assess the things you are particularly good at.

    What promotions have you had? Why were you selected ? It is important to highlight the elements of your roles that sell you as an individual. Always have a list of relevant questions to ask during or at the end of any interview. This not only demonstrates enthusiasm but also allows you to get the information that you require from the process.

    Presentation

    Dress professionally.

    Arriving

    "Arrive" early but be punctual. It is helpful to arrive in reception 5 or 10 minutes before the interview and announce yourself at the desk just before the stated interview time. This will allow you to relax and assess the surroundings, giving an opportunity to get a "feel" for the company and the types of people it employs.

    First impressions/introduction

    It is said that 80% of all interviews are decided in the first 5 minutes. If this is true then you will understand how important your entrance and introduction are.

    A bad first impression is very hard to overcome whereas by creating a good first impression you will have to do very badly in the rest of the interview to fail.

    The interview

    A firm handshake, good eye contact and a winning smile all help to create the desired image.

    Answer the questions clearly and concisely - don't ramble. Be confident. Pay attention. Show interest in what the interviewer is saying. Show interest in the role (even if you are not interested, give yourself the option to turn it down). Sit up straight. Maintain a positive attitude throughout. If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. Make sure you sell yourself, your abilities and your strengths. Do not lie in an interview; always answer honestly. At the end ask the questions you have prepared if they have not been covered during the interview.

    After the interview

    Thank the interviewer(s) for their time, give a firm handshake and another winning smile!

    If asked whether interested always answer in the affirmative; it is difficult to convince anyone that you have changed your mind after the event.

    Feedback

    Learn from your interviews. Contact your consultant to discuss how you performed. They will also give you the feedback from the client. You may not agree with what is said but don't get defensive. Incorporate this advice into your next interview.

    Success doesn't always come easy but with good preparation interviews will not be an ordeal. They can even be enjoyable. Good Luck!


    Our Clients

    In specialising within public sector and commerce & industry, we have built a successful track record in a variety of organisations resulting in strong working relationships within numerous companies, departments and institutions. This enables Lawson Bishop to offer you access to a wide range of clients in and around London and the Home Counties.

    Commerce & Industry

    We recruit for all commerce & industry sectors from niche companies through to multinational organisations within media, transport, oil & gas, property and construction, pharmaceutical, retail and the service sector.

    Public Sector and Not-for-profit

    Lawson Bishop recognises the pivotal roles played by senior level finance professionals in these organisations and we are dedicated to matching the skills, experience and personality of individuals to each assignment we manage.

    We have proven expertise and experience in a variety of public sector environments including:

  • Central Government – government departments, executive agencies and NDPB’s.
  • Local Government – London Boroughs and local councils.
  • Charities and not-for-profit organisations.
  • Health – NHS trusts, primary care trusts and strategic health authorities.


    • Click here to read comments from both clients and candidates we have worked with and placed in these areas.


    Contact Us

    Lawson Bishop

    33 Queen Street
    5th floor
    London
    EC4R 1BR

    Telephone: 020 7038 6560

    Fax: 020 7038 6408