How to Spot a Great Employer During Your Finance

How to Write a Winning CV as a Part-Qualified Accountant

Whether you’re halfway through your ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualification, being a part-qualified accountant is a valuable position that opens doors to numerous opportunities...However, capitalising on those opportunities starts with one critical tool: a well-crafted CV. Your CV isn't just a list of previous roles — it’s a strategic marketing document. It's your chance to demonstrate to employers that although you're not yet fully qualified, you already deliver tangible value and have the potential to grow into a fully-fledged finance professional. Based on experience within the demanding and fast-growing part-qualified market, here are five essential elements your CV must include to stand out.1. Lead with a Powerful Personal StatementThis is the first impression — and one of the most important parts of your CV. A strong personal statement should make hiring managers want to read more. Your personal statement should cover: Your current qualification status (e.g., “ACCA part-qualified with 7 out of 13 exams completed”). Your professional ambitions and what drives you. Key strengths developed so far (e.g., process improvement, analytical thinking, stakeholder collaboration). Areas you’re eager to grow in. Tailor this section for each role you apply to. Show your enthusiasm for the specific opportunity and highlight relevant experience. Crucially, mention where you've added value — perhaps by streamlining a process, supporting a new project, or exceeding performance targets.2. Showcase Your Professional Experience with ImpactThe experience section is your chance to back up your personal statement with evidence. Avoid vague job descriptions. Instead, go into detail: Describe key processes you’ve worked on (include figures or financial details where possible). Highlight your role in cross-functional teams or collaboration with senior stakeholders. Focus on contributions you've made — especially in process improvements, efficiencies, or data-driven decisions. Rather than just listing duties, emphasise achievements. What did you deliver? What changed as a result? Who benefited from your input? Remember: employers in the part-qualified market want to see your potential and how you've already added value. 3. Highlight Transferable Skills and Tailor for Each JobIt’s easy to fall into the trap of sending the same CV to every job. Don’t. Tailoring your CV to each opportunity shows initiative and relevance. Start by thoroughly reading the job description. Identify what the employer is really looking for — and match that to your skills and experience. For example, if the role emphasizes SOX compliance, IFRS, or UK/US GAAP reporting standards, and you’ve had exposure to these, make it clear. If a job involves partnering with non-finance departments, highlight any experience communicating with cross-functional teams or presenting financial insights. Mention transferable skills such as: Problem-solving Analytical thinking Use of ERP systems Forecasting and budgeting support This shows you’ve not just read the job description — you understand what the company needs and the transferable skills and experience you have.4. Don’t Just List Technical Skills — Demonstrate ThemHiring managers don’t just want to see a list of accounting systems and tools you’ve used — they want to understand how you’ve used them. For each system (e.g., SAP, Sage, Excel, Power BI), include: What you used it for (e.g., “automated monthly reporting using Excel macros”). Any efficiencies or improvements achieved through its use. If you implemented or helped roll out a system or process, explain your role and the outcome. Example: "Developed a reporting dashboard in Power BI that reduced manual month-end reporting time by 30%, allowing the team to focus on variance analysis and forecasting." This showcases your technical ability and your contribution to the wider team.5. Include Key Achievements or Case Studies Using STAR In a competitive job market, including 2–3 concise achievements or mini case studies can elevate your CV. Use the STAR Method to structure them: Situation – What challenge or context were you working in? Task – What was your role or responsibility? Action – What steps did you take? Result – What was the outcome? Quantify it if possible. For Example: Situation: Month-end reporting was consistently delayed due to data inconsistencies. Task: Identify the bottlenecks and improve the workflow. Action: Collaborated with the data team to build an automated reconciliation process. Result: Reduced reporting time by 2 days and improved data accuracy, enabling earlier board review. Including achievements like this gives your CV personality and provides excellent talking points during interviews. Final ThoughtsBeing a part-qualified accountant isn’t a limitation — it’s a launchpad. The right CV will not only reflect your current abilities but also show employers your drive, value, and potential. To recap: Craft a compelling personal statement tailored to each role. Highlight achievements and value-adds, not just responsibilities. Tailor your CV to every application — make your skills match the role. Showcase your technical experience with real examples. Include 2–3 achievements using the STAR method to give your CV depth. With these elements, your CV won’t just get you through the door — it will set the tone for your progression toward full qualification and a thriving finance career. 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 TODAYand let's chart your career path together.

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An interview isn’t just your chance to demonstrate why you’re the right fit for a role...

It’s also an opportunity to assess whether the business, culture, and leadership style are right for you. In the accountancy and finance sector, where accuracy, communication, and collaboration are crucial, the way a potential employer handles the recruitment process can reveal a lot about what it might be like to work with them.

While there’s no guaranteed way to know whether a move will be perfect, keeping an eye out for certain behaviours and asking the right questions can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Communication Matters

Before you even step into the interview room (or log into a Teams call), you can often gauge a company’s professionalism by how they communicate. Were the interview details clearly explained? Was the process organised, timely, and respectful of your availability?

If your interview has been rearranged multiple times without good reason, or communication feels disjointed, it could be a red flag — especially in finance roles where structure, planning and reliability are key.

Two individuals shake hands across a desk, representing a moment of collaboration or agreement.

First Impressions Work Both Ways

You’ll be working hard to make a strong first impression, but it’s just as important to consider theirs. Did the interviewer arrive on time and appear prepared? Did they take a moment to help you feel comfortable? Small signs like this can reveal a lot about their leadership style and how the team operates.

In accountancy and finance, where deadlines and accuracy are essential, an organised, punctual interviewer often reflects a well-run department.

Look for Genuine Interest

Even when the interview follows a set structure — which is common for finance roles such as Financial Accountant, Assistant Accountant or Finance Manager — a good hiring manager will still engage with your answers.

Positive body language, active listening and tailored follow-up questions all show that they’re genuinely interested in your background and how your skills could support the team. If they appear distracted or disengaged, it may be worth reflecting on why.

Are They Asking the Right Questions?

A cork board filled with colorful question cards, showcasing various inquiries and ideas pinned with pushpins.

Thoughtful, well-structured questions not only help you provide better answers, but they also signal that the interviewer understands the role. For example, a manager recruiting a Management Accountant should be able to clearly explain reporting lines, systems used, business partnering expectations and month-end duties.

If you’re frequently having to clarify vague or confusing questions, this might indicate challenges with communication or unclear expectations within the team.

Passion, Enthusiasm, and Vision

A great leader will speak positively about their role, the business, and the team’s direction. How long have they been with the company? Do they seem energised by future plans? A hiring manager who clearly enjoys their work is often a strong indicator of a positive culture and stable finance function.

How They Talk About the Team

A diverse workforce standing in a circle, holding hands, symbolising unity and togetherness.

Pay close attention to how they describe colleagues and the person who previously held the role. Open, positive reflections suggest a healthy team environment. Hesitation, negativity or vague answers may indicate previous difficulties or ongoing issues within the department.

Understanding why the role is vacant — expansion, promotion, or replacement — can also give you valuable insight into the culture and career progression opportunities.

Do They Welcome Your Questions?

A good employer understands that interviews should be collaborative. If you’re not offered the chance to ask questions, or your questions are met with brief, uninspired answers, it may suggest a one-sided approach to leadership and decision-making.

Conversely, employers who welcome your curiosity and provide honest, thoughtful responses are often those who value transparency and employee engagement.

Clarity on Next Steps

Clear communication about timelines and next stages shows respect for your time and professionalism — something particularly important within the finance sector where planning and timely reporting are essential.

Paper with handwritten next steps and colorful sticky notes arranged around it, indicating a brainstorming session.

A strong hiring manager will outline when you can expect feedback and what the remaining process looks like.

Partner with Experts Who Understand the Finance Market

At Sharp Consultancy, we work closely with finance and accountancy professionals across Yorkshire, helping you identify not only the right role, but the right environment in which to thrive. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield, our specialist consultants offer in-depth market knowledge, interview support and honest insight into employers across the region.

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 us TODAYand let's chart your career path together.

How to Spot a Great Employer During Your Finance Interview