MAKING A SUCCESS OF MANAGING YOUR TEAM REMOTELY

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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Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Your team won’t be able to pick up on the verbal and non-verbal cues that help you – and them – judge the status of certain projects. In remote finance or accountancy roles, this is especially important. Encourage and initiate regular communication and one-to-one calls so there is agreement about what the key priorities are for the day.

Arrange Regular Team Briefings and Catch-Up Calls

Ensure regular briefings take place by arranging one-to-one calls and conducting team meetings via Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Google Meet Hangouts. In the recruitment industry and finance sector alike, using available technology effectively is key. Make sure your team can access and understand the digital resources that have been put in place. Encourage feedback from your team – which leads nicely into the next tip.

Be Realistic in Your Expectations

Appreciate that it might not be possible for someone to work to their usual pattern throughout the week. Employees in accountancy or finance jobs with children may be facing additional pressures on their time. Ask what is feasible and, where reasonable, be flexible in how they are structuring their working times.

Focus on Outcomes

Shift your focus to agreeing on the outcomes that are expected for each person, rather than concentrating on ‘working hours’ or the time taken to complete particular tasks. In recruitment roles, this might mean setting targets for candidate outreach or client engagement. Agree on suitable deadlines and be clear on your expectations about how and when you need to be updated.

Trust Your Team

It is unlikely that every person will currently be able to undertake all aspects of their role in the same way. Place your trust in them – whether they’re in accountancy, finance, or recruitment roles – that they are aware of what needs to be done. Working parents may need to adjust their day to incorporate schoolwork and childcare, which could see tasks being undertaken earlier in the morning or later in the evening than usual.

Employee Wellbeing is Vital

Working from home can be tough, and the sense of loneliness and isolation can be especially challenging. Many people in accountancy and finance jobs may be experiencing their own stresses and concerns relating to their families or financial situation. Encourage your team to be open and honest about any circumstances which could impact on their work.

Conclusion: Support Drives Success

The world of work continues to evolve, especially across the finance, accountancy, and recruitment sectors. By fostering strong communication, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on outcomes, you can build trust and resilience in your team. Above all, prioritising wellbeing will help maintain motivation and productivity, no matter where your team is based. With the right strategies in place, remote working can be a powerful and sustainable model for long-term success.

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.