​SPOTLIGHT ON… INTERIM

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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With over 20 years experience in recruitment, we caught up with Karen Pitchforth, who specialises in the placement of part and fully qualified (or QBE) interim finance professionals from accounts assistants to finance directors and business consultants across the South Yorkshire region to find out more about the current challenges facing the market.

Tell us a little about your career to date.

I Joined Sharp Consultancy in 2013 and have been a recruiter for over 20 years. My first role saw me recruiting GPs into Locum appointments and from there I spent a couple of years managing a local branch of a commercial recruitment business. In 2007, I joined a national recruiter where I moved into placing interim qualified accounts professionals which has been my area of specialism ever since.

How is the current marketplace and what are your expectations for the remainder of the year?

The market is currently very busy; we are seeing a lot of opportunity for both seasoned professional interims as well as people stepping into the interim world for their first time. As confidence continues to build in the market, I would expect that this is a pattern that we will see carry on over the next 6 – 12 months.

What are the main recruitment challenges being faced in this area?

The main recruitment challenge affecting the interim market is ensuring that companies and hiring managers are in the best possible position to keep pace with the speed at which decisions are currently being made – candidates are being snapped up very quickly by employers that are able to make swift decisions.

Candidate demand is extremely high so processes need to be handled efficiently and in a timely fashion; working with someone who has an in-depth knowledge of the local market, strong candidate network and years of experience with interim recruitment will really pay huge dividends.

What can/should employers be doing to overcome these challenges?

Employers need to appreciate that at times like these, their own recruitment processes must keep pace with the market, or they will find themselves at risk of losing out on the best candidates to those who are able to be much more fleet of foot. They should also look at what they can put in place to meet the demand that we are seeing in the candidate market right now for flexibility in working hours and hybrid working.

What particular skills are currently in demand and what should candidates be doing to take advantage of this opportunity?

Within the interim market there is a real wide range in terms of the skills which are in demand, however I am seeing a much greater number of longer-term contracts being offered compared to recent years. This is extremely encouraging and can offer candidate who may have found themselves unexpectedly seeking out new opportunities and may not have previously considered an interim role, another strong option to consider in their job search.

Can an interim appointment support companies struggling with making a permanent appointment in the current market?

Absolutely. The current high-level demand for quality candidates can often see considerable pressure applied to the recruitment processes for permanent roles and the need to have somebody in place quickly. However, finding the ideal candidate can take time and, where workload demands are such, interim support can remove that pressure by ensuring that the role is suitably covered and allow a thorough process to take place in order to find the right permanent appointment.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. 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.