The verdict in three sentences
A mid-tier audit firm does not win the talent war against the Big Four with an online brochure: it wins with a website that proves its sector expertise and a careers portal that turns a visit into a qualified application. Budget sits between 22,000 and 45,000 GBP, plus 6,000 to 12,000 GBP for applications and online tests, delivered in 8 to 11 weeks. With agency fees at 15 to 20 % of first-year salary, the project pays back after 6 to 8 direct hires.
What clients and candidates expect
The people partner of a 140-person audit firm in London faces two audiences. Finance directors and audit committees want to check ICAEW registration, sector references and methodology. Graduates from LSE, Warwick or Russell Group universities compare the firm with the Big Four on training (ACA or ACCA support), progression and salary.
| Site block | Audience | Goal | 2026 indicative budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sector expertise (banking, manufacturing, real estate, public sector) | FDs, audit committees | Credibility, tenders | 4,500 to 8,000 GBP |
| Team and partners with ICAEW registration | Clients, regulators | Trust | 2,200 to 3,800 GBP |
| Insights and technical notes (IFRS, UK GAAP, Budget) | Clients, prospects | SEO, expertise | 3,000 to 6,000 GBP |
| Employer brand (pathways, training, internal stories) | Candidates | Attractiveness | 3,800 to 7,500 GBP |
| Additional language versions for international clients | Overseas groups | Reach | 3,000 to 6,700 GBP |
| Design, build, CMS, SEO | All | Foundation | 5,500 to 13,000 GBP |
| Website total | 22,000 to 45,000 GBP |
The careers portal, the real lever
A firm receiving applications by email loses 30 to 40 % of strong profiles through slow replies. The careers portal structures the journey from CV upload to interview.
| Feature | Simple option | Full option |
|---|---|---|
| Roles by position and office | Yes | Yes, with internship, graduate, senior filters |
| Online application with CV | Form | Reusable candidate profile |
| Online tests (accounting, Excel, numerical reasoning) | No | Timed MCQs, automatic scoring |
| HR dashboard | Application list | Stage pipeline, assessor notes |
| Graduate campaign (fairs, summer internships) | Dedicated page | Event sign-up and reminders |
| UK GDPR compliance | Notices and consent | Retention periods and automatic deletion |
| Price | 6,000 GBP | 12,000 GBP |
Hosting, maintenance and security cost 180 to 450 GBP a month, depending on monitoring level and backup frequency.
Comparing with current hiring costs
| Hiring channel | Cost per graduate hire (salary 32,000 GBP/year) | Average time |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment agency (15 to 20 %) | 4,800 to 6,400 GBP | 6 to 10 weeks |
| Paid job boards | 500 to 1,200 GBP | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Careers portal + campus fairs | 250 to 500 GBP (amortised) | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Employee referral | 1,000 to 2,000 GBP (bonus) | 2 to 5 weeks |
Mini case study
James, people partner of a 140-person audit firm in London, hires 40 graduates a year, 15 of them through agencies at an average 5,500 GBP, so 82,500 GBP a year.
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He invests 33,000 GBP in the website and 12,000 GBP in the full careers portal, 45,000 GBP in total, plus 300 GBP a month for hosting. If the site lets him hire 10 of those 15 profiles directly, savings reach 55,000 GBP a year. Payback comes in about 10 months on recruitment alone, without counting engagements won through the expertise pages.
FAQ
Can the site show our client references?
Yes, with written client consent and no confidential data. Wording by sector and size ("12 listed manufacturing groups") works in 70 % of cases.
Do we need other language versions?
For international groups, a French or German version adds 3,000 to 6,700 GBP. It can come in phase 2.
Do online tests replace interviews?
No. They filter 300 to 500 yearly applications down to 80 to 120 interviews, freeing 2 to 3 weeks of senior time.
How do we comply with UK GDPR?
Clear privacy notice, explicit consent, CV retention of 2 years maximum and automatic deletion. These settings are included in the full option.
How soon do direct applications start?
From the first month if the site is promoted on LinkedIn and at the autumn and spring campus fairs.
Let's scope your project. Describe your expertise and hiring targets, and we will price the website and careers portal over 8 to 11 weeks. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
