Working from Home in Finance: How to Stay Focused

Why a Strong CV is Non-Negotiable for Finance Professionals in 2025

As a Senior Resourcer at Sharp Consultancy, I’ve reviewed thousands of CVs...From those just starting out to seasoned professionals with decades of experience. One thing remains consistent: in today’s competitive market, a strong CV isn’t optional—it’s essential. Today, South Yorkshire’s finance landscape is more dynamic than ever. With growing demand across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and tech, accountancy and finance professionals are expected to bring more than just technical skills to the table. Your CV is your first opportunity to prove you’re up to the challenge. This blog marks the start of a three-part series focused on helping you craft a standout CV tailored to your career stage and goals. In this first post, we’ll cover general CV tips relevant to all finance professionals. In the next two instalments, we’ll dive deeper into: Transactional Finance CVs – how to highlight your experience in roles such as purchase ledger, sales ledger, and credit control. Part-Qualified Finance CVs – how to position yourself for progression while studying towards your qualifications. Stay tuned for practical advice and real-world insights to help your CV rise to the top of the pile. 🕒 First Impressions MatterRecruiters and hiring managers typically spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV. That means your CV needs to immediately communicate relevance, professionalism, and potential. A clean layout, clear structure, and tailored content can make the difference between landing an interview or being passed over. 🔍 Specialist Skillsets Are in DemandFinance roles today go far beyond number-crunching. Employers want professionals who understand how finance supports wider business goals. Whether it’s streamlining reporting, implementing new systems, or driving cost efficiencies, your CV should highlight the tangible impact you’ve made. This is your chance to showcase your value-add—what makes you different from the next candidate. Use metrics where possible to quantify your achievements and make them memorable. 📍 Standing Out in YorkshireYorkshire is home to a diverse range of industries, from advanced manufacturing and engineering to professional services and digital tech. This diversity creates exciting opportunities—but also fierce competition. To stand out, your CV should reflect sector-specific experience and transferable skills. Whether you’ve worked in a fast-paced SME or a large corporate environment, highlight how your background aligns with the needs of the region’s employers. 📊 Business Acumen is a MustFinance professionals are increasingly expected to contribute to strategic decision-making. Roles in FP&A, commercial finance, and business partnering are on the rise, and employers want candidates who can offer insight—not just information. Your CV should reflect your ability to influence outcomes. Have you helped drive revenue growth? Supported investment decisions? Improved forecasting accuracy? These are the stories that resonate with hiring managers. 📈 Show a Clear Story of ProgressionRecruiters look for signs of growth and development. A strong CV doesn’t just list job titles—it explains the “why” behind each move. Did you step into a leadership role? Take on a new challenge? Gain exposure to a different sector? Even lateral moves can be powerful if they show a deliberate effort to build your skillset. Make sure your CV tells a cohesive story of your career journey. 🔑 Final ThoughtsIn Yorkshire’s fast-moving industries, a sharp, well-crafted CV is your key to unlocking new opportunities. It’s not just about listing experience—it’s about showing impact, adaptability, and commercial value from the very first glance. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just exploring your options, now is the time to invest in your CV. Visit Our Candidate Advice Pages HereLooking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let's chart your career path together.

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As remote and hybrid working become more common across the accountancy and finance profession, creating a productive home working environment is essential.

Whether you're a Management Accountant juggling month-end, a Finance Analyst reviewing forecasts, or an Interim Finance Director working across multiple businesses, staying organised and disciplined at home can significantly improve both your performance and wellbeing.

Here are our top tips for making working from home work for you:

A woman sits on a couch with a laptop and coffee, focused on her work as an accountant from home.

1. Set Clear Working Hours

Establishing a routine is vital—especially when your commute is only a few steps. Set a clear start and finish time for your day, even if your hours differ from the traditional 9–5. Flexibility is a key benefit of home working, but make sure your colleagues, line manager, or wider finance team are aware of your availability.

✅ Whether you're prepping for a budget review or supporting the external audit, keeping structure in your day helps you stay accountable and focused.

2. Create a Dedicated Work Area

Separate your work from your home life by setting up a dedicated workspace. Ideally, this would be a spare room or office with a door you can close at the end of the day. If that’s not possible, choose a corner of your home where your laptop, finance documents, and spreadsheets can stay put without needing to be packed away at every mealtime.

✅ A consistent workspace reduces distractions and helps you mentally “switch on” when the day begins.

A home office desk featuring a computer, stacked books, and a clock, ideal for an accountant's workspace.

3. Set Boundaries with Those at Home

If you live with others, it’s important to set clear expectations—particularly during critical times like month-end reporting or year-end close. If you're managing family or childcare alongside remote work, agree time slots where you can work uninterrupted and communicate when you’re unavailable.

✅ Let your household know when you're in a virtual meeting or preparing management accounts that require deep focus.

4. Take Regular Breaks

Finance roles often involve long periods of concentration—analysing reports, reconciling accounts, or working through financial statements. Breaks are not only good for your wellbeing; they also improve productivity. Get some fresh air, go for a walk, or simply take your lunch break away from your desk.

✅ Stepping away can help you return to complex financial problems with a fresh perspective.

5. Dress for Your Working Day

A man, an accountant working from home, ponders over a shirt and suit for his outfit of the day.

While you don’t need to wear a suit at home, being presentable helps you get into “work mode” and feel more professional. Whether you're joining a video call with stakeholders or updating your finance business partner on the latest forecast, you’ll feel more confident dressed appropriately for work.

✅ Comfortable, smart-casual is usually a safe choice—especially with spontaneous Teams or Zoom meetings.

Looking to Take the Next Step in Your Finance Career?

Whether you're working from home, hybrid, or fully office-based, now is a great time to review your career goals. At Sharp Consultancy, we work exclusively with accountancy and finance professionals across temporary, interim, and permanent positions.

Our experienced consultants recruit across Yorkshire and the surrounding regions, placing roles from Assistant Accountants to CFOs, across industry, public practice, and not-for-profit sectors.

📍 With offices in Leeds and Sheffield, we have long-standing relationships with some of the region’s top employers.

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy?At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to usTODAYand let's chart your career path together.

Working from Home in Finance: How to Stay Focused and Maintain Balance