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Meet Conor Martin: Accounting & Finance Expert

Leadership & CultureCandidate Tips

We are continuing our 'Meet the Team' series and this week we are getting to know Conor Martin, who brings an extensive background in Accounting and Finance to his role in recruitment at Fortis. Conor’s journey took him from the world of finance into recruitment, where he now leads the Accounting, Finance, and Insurance team with a particular focus on senior finance roles. Known for his commitment to building authentic connections and helping clients and candidates find the right fit, Conor’s strategic approach and deep industry knowledge make him an invaluable resource for both sides of the hiring equation. Get to know Conor as he shares his insights, approach to recruitment, and the trends shaping his sector.

What inspired you to pursue a career in recruitment? 

I realised Accounting and Finance wasn't the right path for me, but I gave it a solid go, almost a decade, before deciding to move on. Recruitment stood out because, in my previous roles, I always enjoyed the human interaction, project-based work, problem-solving, and achieving clear outcomes. It felt like a natural progression to use my experience to guide and advise clients and candidates in the Accounting and Finance sector. 

How long have you been with Fortis, and what is your favourite thing about working here? 

I’ve been with Fortis for over three years now, and my favourite things, equally, are the people and the autonomy. We have a great mix of backgrounds and experiences, and we complement each other’s strengths and humour. The autonomy is fantastic as well, encouraging us to learn by doing, with a “fail fast and move on” approach. 

What area do you specialise in, and what do you enjoy most about recruiting for this sector? 

I lead the Accounting, Finance, and Insurance team, focusing primarily on Accounting and Finance roles—particularly on the finance and senior hires side. Lauren expertly manages the accounting space. I also handle opportunities with Practices, covering all service lines. 

What advice would you give someone looking for a new job?  

My advice is to talk to a good recruiter—not just any recruiter. Find someone with experience in your area who offers genuine advice, not just job listings. Ask friends in similar fields whom they spoke with and how they made their moves, and don’t underestimate networking—friends, family, and acquaintances. You never know who knows whom until you ask. 

What has been a highlight for you in your recruitment career? 

It’s hard to pinpoint just one. For me, it’s hearing from clients about how well someone is doing and fitting in. I’ve helped people make moves that would have been challenging without someone fighting their corner. On a broader level, seeing my team grow, work through tough times, and truly find their footing has been incredibly rewarding. 

What sets Fortis Recruitment apart from other agencies? 

We are client-centric and solution-focused. Others may say the same, but we genuinely live it. We also focus on everyone as a whole, with no one in the business more important than another. We’re truly committed to delivering what our clients need and ensuring they approach the process in the best way possible. 

How do you build relationships with clients and candidates to ensure a good match? 

Assuming the CV is accurate, it’s all about understanding the person and their motivations and aligning those with the right organisation, team, and opportunity. On the client side, spending time with them outside of work is invaluable. It helps us break down purely transactional relationships and build strong professional partnerships—pints and golf are always helpful! 

What trends are you seeing in your sector, and how can you help your clients navigate them? 

The debate over hybrid working is intensifying. I see clients leaning towards a return to the office, while candidates are quite set in their preferences. It’s a tricky one to navigate because there are layers of policy within companies, some of which can be sidestepped. My advice: keep an element of flexibility if possible, even if it’s something earned over time. However, I know this isn’t always straightforward. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job as a recruiter? 

Providing a solution to a client when they’re struggling to solve the issue themselves. 

When you’re not working hard for your clients and candidates, what do you enjoy doing outside of recruitment? 

Golf, Golf, Golf, when I am not at home with my three children and beautiful wife. 

 

 

 

Conor’s dedication to delivering tailored recruitment solutions and his passion for helping people achieve their career goals shine through in everything he does. From building strong, lasting relationships with clients and candidates to offering expert insights on industry trends like hybrid working, Conor consistently goes the extra mile to ensure successful matches. If you’re a client seeking a recruitment partner who truly understands the finance and insurance sectors, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Conor. And if you’re a candidate looking to make your next career move, submit your CV and browse the latest opportunities here. Let Conor and the team at Fortis help you find the perfect fit.

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