ASK THE EXPERT – NATIONAL PAYROLL WEEK

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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What recent trends and changes have affected the payroll industry and how is this effecting what hiring managers are looking for when it comes to recruitment?

Sharp Consultancy has been at the forefront of transactional financial recruitment across the North for more than 25 years. Our highly experienced specialist team has an extensive network of talented candidates for roles across the full spectrum of levels within accounts payable, credit control, payroll and purchase ledger.

With established and trusted relationships with leading businesses and organisations throughout Yorkshire and the North of England, we offer expert knowledge and unrivalled understanding of the marketplace to enable you to access to the very best employment opportunities in the region and make the ideal next career move.

During National Payroll Week (Mon 6 – Fri 10 Sep), our team of specialist consultants will be sharing their in-depth knowledge and expertise and offering the best possible recruitment advice to employers and candidates working in the sector.

Today, Andrew Walker, Commercial Director looks at recent trends and changes and what hiring managers are looking for when recruiting payroll professionals.

Over the last ten years or so there has traditionally been a focus on recruiting candidates with particular experience, usually in relation to changes in legislation such as RTI, auto enrolment or most recently the Government furlough scheme. We are also now seeing much greater importance being placed upon qualifications, in particular the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP).

Having fully trained payroll professionals is vital for organisations to ensure they remain compliant with the increasing number of regulations and legislation which impacts on the day to day running of a payroll department.

CIPP is the only Chartered Institute for payroll and pension professionals in the UK, and the training that they provide develops and formalises payroll knowledge and skills and demonstrates to employers that candidates with such qualifications work to the highest standards in the industry. In addition, CIPP members have access to the latest news and potential upcoming changes to ensure they are on the front foot to proactively respond to any updates and recommendations.

Traditionally, payroll was viewed as a more administrative role with far less emphasis placed upon qualifications when compared with today’s demands. However, due to the increasing amount of regulations and legislation, the way that payroll is now viewed has changed significantly and it is seen much more as a value-added role.

Due to a shortage of qualified candidates, companies should now be investing in training and qualifications such as the CIPP for their payroll staff, in a similar way to they do for accounts staff with AAT, ACCA or CIMA. And as a result – alongside the increased demand for payroll professionals due to changes in regulations and legislation – employers also want, need and can expect more from individuals in areas such as management information and reporting.

Those pursuing a career in payroll who hold such qualifications are seen as a very attractive prospect to employers and similarly, those companies which view qualified payroll professionals in the same way as accountants have been seen and offer formal training and professional qualifications, such as offering CIPP courses, will stand-out to candidates looking to make their next move. Those who do not offer adequate investment in training and development will find it harder to compete for the best talent and may also find that they are on the back foot when it comes to retention as demand for payroll staff continues to rise.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent transactional finance professionals across the full spectrum of roles including accounts payable, credit control, payroll and purchase ledgers. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today to find out more.