About Search Accountancy
The Search Story
Our story began with a simple but powerful idea: to provide recruitment agencies with a financial partner who truly gets it. As seasoned accountants, we know the recruitment world has its own set of financial challenges, whether it’s managing contractor payments, navigating tax regulations, or ensuring compliance with ever-changing laws.
We provide more than just accounting services; our clients see us as an extension of their team, offering personalised, expert advice that helps them thrive. We partner with recruitment agencies of all sizes, guiding them through the complexities of finance with clarity, precision, and a commitment to their success.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower recruitment agencies to achieve financial success and peace of mind. By offering expert accounting services, we aim to free you from the complexities of finance so you can focus on what you do best: finding the right talent and helping your clients succeed.
Our Approach
Our approach is built on understanding your business inside out so we can offer advice and solutions that genuinely make a difference.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all services. Recruitment agencies operate in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, and your accounting needs to keep up.
We take the time to learn how your agency runs, what stage you’re at, and where you want to go. Then we build financial strategies around you. Whether you're scaling fast or just starting out, our goal is to help you feel confident, supported, and always in control of your numbers.
For many recruiting firms that need a Finance Director but cannot justify the cost, our unique proposition lets us fill that role for them.
Our Leadership Team
Andy Sankey, Managing Director
Chris Newby, Financial Director
Chris Newby, Financial Director
With over five years of hands-on experience leading the internal finance operations of a multinational recruitment firm generating over £20 million in annual revenue, Andy brings a rare blend of strategic insight and practical know-how to the table. His career has spanned everything from supporting fast-growth startups to managing the com
With over five years of hands-on experience leading the internal finance operations of a multinational recruitment firm generating over £20 million in annual revenue, Andy brings a rare blend of strategic insight and practical know-how to the table. His career has spanned everything from supporting fast-growth startups to managing the complex financial frameworks of large-scale recruitment businesses.
Andy has developed a deep, working knowledge of the financial processes, compliance demands, and operational controls that are critical to success in the recruitment sector. His sharp understanding of how finance drives performance within recruitment businesses makes him a trusted advisor to clients looking to scale, streamline, and stay ahead in a competitive industry.
At the helm of Search Accountancy, Andy combines industry-specific expertise with a forward-thinking mindset, helping recruitment agencies build financially resilient, high-performing businesses from the inside out.
Chris Newby, Financial Director
Chris Newby, Financial Director
Chris Newby, Financial Director
Chris’s journey from Accounts Assistant to Financial Director is a testament to his drive, expertise, and deep understanding of the recruitment industry. Having risen through the ranks, he brings a ground-level appreciation of finance operations combined with the strategic vision of senior leadership.
Over his career, Chris has played a pi
Chris’s journey from Accounts Assistant to Financial Director is a testament to his drive, expertise, and deep understanding of the recruitment industry. Having risen through the ranks, he brings a ground-level appreciation of finance operations combined with the strategic vision of senior leadership.
Over his career, Chris has played a pivotal role in supporting and advising both UK-based and international recruitment agencies, including firms with revenues exceeding £10 million. His hands-on experience across all levels of finance gives him a unique perspective on what recruitment businesses need, not just to function, but to flourish.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail and practical, no-nonsense approach, Chris is passionate about helping agencies build strong financial foundations. At Search Accountancy, he leads with insight, integrity, and a genuine commitment to helping clients turn complexity into clarity.