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​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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How Long Is Too Long in One Job? What Employers Really Think

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It’s a classic career dilemma: How long is too long to stay with the same employer? While loyalty and commitment are generally seen as positive traits, remaining in the same job for many years can sometimes raise red flags with potential employers.

At Sharp Consultancy, we frequently support finance and accountancy professionals across Yorkshire and the North of England who are navigating career moves after long tenures. Here's how to approach this topic with confidence and turn your loyalty into a strength during the interview process.

The Double-Edged Sword of Long Tenure

Hiring managers value candidates who are loyal, reliable and committed—but they may also question why you haven’t pursued new opportunities. Concerns could include:

  • Are you too expensive due to incremental pay rises over time?

  • Do you lack ambition or drive?

  • Are you resistant to change or new ways of working?

    white cartoon figure man walking up a 'career ladder'
  • Can you adapt to a new company culture or team environment?

If you’ve stayed with one employer for an extended period, it’s essential to shape the narrative around your career progression, relationship-building skills, and professional development.

1. Highlight Your Career Progression

Just because you've remained with one company doesn’t mean your role has stayed the same. In fact, long service often provides greater opportunities for growth and responsibility.

Be prepared to show how you’ve:

  • Progressed from one role to another (e.g. from Management Accountant to Finance Manager)

  • Taken on additional responsibilities and leadership roles

  • Contributed to business growth, team expansion, or strategic changes

These are valuable experiences that demonstrate you are capable of evolving and thriving in different circumstances.

2. Demonstrate Strong Relationship Building

Long tenures often mean deep-rooted professional relationships—both internally and externally.

Emphasise your ability to:

  • Build long-term professional relationships

  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams

  • Maintain and expand valuable networks in the industry

Strong relationship-building is a crucial skill in finance roles, particularly for positions such as Finance Director, Financial Controller, and Commercial Accountant.

3. Tackle the Salary Question Tactfully

One concern employers may have is that a long-serving candidate might be either:

  • Overpaid, making them unaffordable for a new role

  • Underpaid, raising questions about their perceived value or negotiation skills

Explain any regular salary increases you’ve received in the context of performance and promotion. If you believe you’re underpaid, ensure you have well-reasoned, market-informed justifications for your desired compensation—consider using tools like our Sharp Consultancy Salary Survey to benchmark your worth.

4. Share Your Aspirations and Career Goals

Employers want people who are motivated and aligned with their company's vision. Show that, even while staying in one role or company, you have continually set and met personal career goals.

Explain:

  • What your long-term aspirations are

  • Why now is the right time to seek a new opportunity

  • How the new role aligns with your career trajectory

Demonstrating ambition is particularly important when applying for leadership finance roles.

Reframe Loyalty as Strategic Stability

Instead of viewing a long tenure as a negative, frame it as a demonstration of:

  • Resilience in a challenging economic or sector environment

  • Loyalty to a company that provided career growth

  • Commitment to team success and long-term project outcomes

Employers are increasingly aware of the value of experienced professionals who bring institutional knowledge, strategic thinking, and long-term planning capability to the table.

Ready for a New Opportunity? Let’s Talk

At Sharp Consultancy, we’ve helped thousands of professionals in accountancy and finance make their next move—whether it’s after 2 years or 20. Our expert consultants specialise in placing candidates in temporary, interim, and permanent roles across Yorkshire and the North.

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.