SHARP CONSULTANCY SLEEP OUT FOR ROUNDABOUT!

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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After weeks of build-up, Friday finally saw Sharp Consultancy take on the cold for Roundabout’s Sleep Out 2019. Despite concerns surrounding the weather following the heavy floods, the event went ahead in the heart of Kelham Island, and saw 8 of the Sheffield office join 80 hardy souls who braved the near freezing temperatures.

The night kicked off with a motivating presentation that included inspirational accounts by Keisha and Aaron – 2 young people whose lives have been dramatically improved by the services and support offered by the Sheffield based charity.

A lively workshop by Sheffield percussion group Unbeatable Energy (www.unbeatable-energy.co.uk) got the blood pumping, and the kind folks at 92 Burton Road kept people fed and watered with a selection of drinks and jacket potatoes. The Sharp team kept in good spirits, but at midnight the real challenge began as people attempted to settle down in their sleeping bags on the cold hard warehouse floor, with half of the Sharp team attempting the ultimate challenge of sleeping in the open courtyard.

Following a long, tough night, the team headed back to their homes with a renewed sense of perspective and a sense of pride at raising over £2,000 – smashing the original £700 target.

Ben Graney, Business Director had this to say.“I am really proud of our team for the way they took on the challenge. I’d like to thank all of our clients, family and friends who donated and supported us. Roundabout are a charity that everyone should know and care about. No young person should ever have to contemplate not having a warm bed to sleep in – yet Roundabout are needed to provide services to over 250 young people every day in Sheffield alone – and are just one of many local homeless charities.

It is staggering to me that the amount of homeless people in the UK continues to rise. For over 325,000 people to be homeless in a country as wealthy as ours is incredibly sad, and unfortunately this is an issue that continues to not receive the publicity or support that it so desperately needs.

I slept outside and made it through the evening by thinking of home, but knowing so many people don’t have that light at the end of the tunnel was a stark realisation that more needs to be done – and the earlier the cycle of homelessness can be broken the better. We look forward to working with Roundabout again in the future.”

If you would like to know more about supporting Roundabout, please visit their websitehttp://www.roundabouthomeless.org/. Alternatively you can contact Ben onbengraney@sharpconsultancy.comor 07943 577 233. If you would like to make a donation, please follow the link to the Sharp Just Giving pagehttps://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sharp-consultancy-sleep-out-2019.