Why Partnering with a Specialist Finance

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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When hiring into your finance team—whether it’s an Assistant Accountant, Finance Business Partner, or Finance Director—finding the right talent can be challenging.

Many businesses choose to partner with a specialist recruitment consultancy to secure the best candidates efficiently and effectively. Here’s why engaging a finance recruitment expert can make a real difference to your hiring process.

1. Save Valuable Time

A piggy bank with a clock on top, representing the idea of saving time while saving money.

Recruiting finance professionals involves multiple stages: crafting job descriptions, advertising roles, reviewing applications, arranging interviews, and negotiating offers. This is time-consuming and can distract managers, Finance Directors, and CFOs from strategic responsibilities.

A specialist recruitment partner streamlines the entire process, handling the early stages and presenting you only with carefully selected, high-quality candidates who are ready to interview.

2. Sector Expertise and Market Insight

A strong recruitment partner does more than source CVs. They understand the accountancy and finance market—from skills in demand (such as FP&A expertise or systems implementation) to current salary benchmarks across Yorkshire and beyond.

They’ll advise on candidate availability, market challenges, and the competitive landscape, ensuring your offer is attractive and aligned with industry expectations.

3. Access to Hidden Talent

While job adverts reach active jobseekers, many high-calibre finance professionals are passive candidates—not actively applying for roles but open to opportunities that align with their career goals.

At Sharp Consultancy, our consultants have long-standing relationships with professionals across finance disciplines, giving clients access to this hidden pool of talent.

4. Salary Negotiation and Offer Management

After identifying your preferred candidate, making a competitive offer is crucial. Falling short at this stage can lead to losing your top choice.

We provide up-to-date salary data for roles ranging from Part-Qualified Accountants to Chief Financial Officers, advise on benefits packages, and manage negotiations to secure a successful outcome.

5. Fresh Perspective

Replacing a departing finance team member often leads to a like-for-like hire. A recruitment partner challenges this approach, asking questions about your short- and long-term goals to identify skills and experience that could bring a new dynamic to your finance function and add greater value to your organisation.

A shortlist of interview candidates sitting on chairs, each focused on their papers as they await their interviews.

6. Strong Interview Shortlists

By conducting first-stage screening and interviews, a specialist consultant ensures that every candidate you meet has the right technical expertise (whether that’s statutory reporting, budgeting, or M&A support) and cultural fit for your business.

This targeted approach means you spend less time filtering applicants and more time choosing from a highly qualified shortlist.

7. Flexible, Solutions-Focused Approach

Sometimes you need an immediate solution, such as a temporary or interim finance professional to cover a resignation, illness, or long notice period. A good consultancy provides these options quickly, ensuring continuity in your finance function without compromising on quality.

8. Specialist Knowledge

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Finance recruitment requires more than generic hiring skills. A dedicated consultancy brings deep sector knowledge, understanding the nuances of finance roles, professional qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA), and industry-specific challenges. This expertise allows for more strategic advice and a better overall hiring outcome.

Sharp Consultancy is a specialist finance and accountancy recruitment partner for businesses across Yorkshire and the North East Midlands. With a deep understanding of the local market and access to a network of high-calibre professionals, we help organisations secure the talent they need to succeed. If you're looking to strengthen your finance team, CONTACT USto speak to one of our expert consultants to find out how we can help.

Why Partnering with a Specialist Finance Recruitment Consultancy Gives You the Hiring Edge