Second Interview Success - How to Prepare and

How to Write a Standout CV for Transactional Accountancy and Finance Roles

A well formatted, standout CV is essential for landing interviews in transactional accountancy and finance. Employers are always looking for candidates who demonstrate attention to detail, numerical proficiency, and a strong understanding of financial processes. So, your CV need to shine a spotlight on your qualifications, skillset, and experience to make sure you stand apart from other candidates. To help you on this quest, Liam Connolly has drawn from his extensive experience in transactional finance recruitment to share some top CV tips. Follow these, and your CV will be the one that grabs the attention of prospective employers. 1. Understanding the Role and Key Requirements / Responsibilities involved:Transactional finance roles typically involve managing financial transactions, reconciling accounts, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Depending on the specific position, responsibilities may include accounts payable and receivable, bookkeeping, financial reporting, or credit control, this is important to make sure these elements are clearly sign posted in your CV. Key Skills to Highlight: Attention to detail and accuracy in financial transactions. Strong numerical and analytical skills. Knowledge of accounting software (e.g., SAP, QuickBooks, Xero). Understanding of financial regulations and compliance. Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. 2. Structuring Your CV:Your CV should follow a professional structure with clear sections that make the document easy to read and have a natural flow. If you over complicate your CV or format it in such a way that makes it difficult to read and without a natural flow it will absolutely hinder your application and will likely result in the key and important information within the CV being missed or overlooked. Below is an ideal format to follow to avoid this happening: Section A. Contact Information:Ensure your contact details are up to date, including: Full Name Phone Number Professional Email Address City of residency Notice period LinkedIn Profile (if applicable) Section B. Professional Profile / Summary:Begin with a concise, attention-grabbing summary of your expertise and career goals. Tailor this section of your CV to highlight key skills and experience relevant to the specific transactional finance jobs you are applying for. Example: "Detail-oriented finance professional with five years of experience in accounts payable and receivable. Proficient in financial reconciliation and reporting, with a strong understanding of accounting regulations. Adept at using SAP and Excel for transaction management. Seeking a role where I can fully utilise my skills to add value to a growing transactional finance team." Section C. Relevant Skills & Competencies:This is your opportunity to list your most relevant skills, these should be formatted as bullet points making it easy to read ensuring that the most relevant skills to the role you are applying to are front and centre at the top of the list. Example: Purchase & Sales ledger management Advanced Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, Macros) Accounts reconciliation and financial reporting Bank statement reconciliation VAT processing and regulatory compliance Section D. Work Experience:Your work experience should be listed in reverse chronological order (starting with the most recent role first), emphasising achievements and contributions along with all the relevant responsibilities you undertook as part of the role. Example Format: Company Name | Job Title | Dates of Employment High volume invoice processing of both Purchase and Sales ledger invoices (c800 - 1000 per month) Managed Accounts Payable transactions totalling £3 million monthly Reduced invoice processing errors by 30% through process improvements Implemented a new reconciliation system, enhancing accuracy and efficiency Top tip: be specific ‘Managed Accounts Payable transactions totalling £3 million monthly’ instead of ‘Accounts Payable Transactions’. This level of detail not only helps employers and us understand the scope of your responsibilities and the extent of your capabilities but also demonstrates the care and attention you have put in your CV. Section E. Education & Qualifications:Include your school / college results, degrees, certifications, and relevant training. Example: AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 4 BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance, University of ABC | Graduated: 2020 (1st Class) A level – Further Maths, English, Economics – Grade A,B,A 11 GCSE (Including Maths English, Science – Grade 8) Top tip: Not including your results can raise concerns and you'll likely be asked for them later, so it's best to include them from the start. Section F. Additional Sections (Optional)Languages: If multilingual, mention fluency level (spoken & written communication levels). IT Skills: Intermediate / Advanced Excel knowledge (VLOOKUP / Pivot Tables), Proficiency in accounting software – Sage 50, SAP. 3. Tailoring Your CV to Specific Roles: While transactional finance roles share common responsibilities, tailoring your CV for different positions (e.g., accounts payable vs. credit control) will dramatically improve your chances of selection and make it clear to potential employers that you understand the position you are applying to and can evidence through your experience why you are suitable. Make sure you customise your summary, skills, and experience accordingly to reflect this.For example:Accounts Payable / Accounts Receivable:Attention to detailAccuracy in your workUse of specific invoicing accounting softwareSpeed in manual processing Highlighting specifics in volume of invoices processed (p/w or p/m)Credit Controller:Softer skills are very important in Credit controlAbility to account manager – treat each client individually Being a good negotiator is vitalHighlight successes in results again targets (reduced aged debt by 85% in 12 months)Showing empathy and understanding to create strong working relationshipsKnowing when to change tact and take a firmer approach as needed.Accounts Assistant:Demonstrate full understanding of all elements of transactional financeAny professional qualifications you are / have undertaken (AAT) are important to highlightUse of various / specific accounting software (Sage, SAP, Xero) is appealing to clientsPayroll:Highlight the volume of employees payrolled Break down into weekly / salaries quantities Mention the use of specific payroll operating systems (Sage Payroll etc)Speak about the payroll region you cover, is purely UK payroll or do cover Irish Payroll, EMEA, APAC? Is it the full end to end payroll process including query handing / amendments through to sending the payroll to the bank?4. General CV Design and Formatting:Keep it concise: Limited to two pages if possible. Use professional fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman). Ensure the same font and font size are consistent throughout (not too small or too big, 10 - 12 size works fine depending on the font selected). Use Clear headings which separate the different sections. Maintain consistent spacing and margins throughout. Use bold to highlight key skills so they stand out. Use bullet points to list the responsibilities (not just one long paragraph) 5. Common Mistakes to Avoid:Spelling and grammar errors: Proofread thoroughly. Irregular fonts / font sizing and spacing. Generic duties: Customise for each role. Overloading with unnecessary details: Focus on what is relevant to the role in question. Too much information can make CV’s difficult to read and the reader loose focus. Lack of quantifiable achievements: Use specific amounts / results to demonstrate your impact. Final Thoughts?Your CV is your first and best chance to make a positive impression on a prospective employer. They want to see that you are capable of undertaking the advertised role and have a clear, demonstrable track record of handling similar responsibilities. With this in mind, it's essential to clearly showcase your experience, ensuring the right information is highlighted. Additionally, outline why you are interested in the specific role you are applying for. Consider your career goals, why you would be a good fit for the role, and where you see your potential for longer-term development (be realistic). A standout CV for transactional accountancy and finance roles should emphasise relevant experience, technical expertise, and professional achievements. By structuring and tailoring your CV effectively, you will significantly improve your chances of securing interviews and advancing your 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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Being invited to a second interview is a strong sign that you’ve made a great first impression. But it’s important not to treat this stage as a formality. Whether you're an experienced Finance Director, a Part-Qualified Accountant, or a candidate for a temporary or interim finance role, the second interview is your opportunity to stand out and confirm why you're the best fit.

At Sharp Consultancy, we work closely with clients and candidates across Yorkshire and the North of England to guide them through every stage of the hiring process. Here’s our expert advice for making your second interview count.

Understand the Purpose of a Second Interview

A second interview is rarely a repeat of the first. Employers may use this stage to:

Compare closely matched candidates to evaluate their experience, skills, strengths and weaknesses against the role requirements to find the better fit.
Involve additional team members in the decision to see how you will fit into the wider team and working environment as well as align with the company values.
Confirm their initial positive impression of you and gain deeper insight into how you’d perform and develop in the role over the long term.

Even if you are the only person invited back, don’t become complacent. A lacklustre second meeting can undo all the progress you've made in the previous stages.

Ask the Right Questions Beforehand

If you have used a Recruitment Consultant ask them the following:

How many other candidates are at this stage?
What feedback was provided from the first interview?
Are there any concerns or gaps to address?

Knowing what the employer is still unsure about can help you tailor your preparation and reinforce your suitability for the role.

Do Even More Research

Use your second interview to show deeper insight into the company, its challenges, and its culture. Go beyond the basics by:

Reviewing industry news or recent company announcements.
Understanding how your experience aligns with their business objectives.
Exploring how your skills could solve their pain points.

Whether the role is in Corporate Finance, Audit, FP&A, or another key area, demonstrate that you’ve done your homework and are serious about joining the team.

Stay Positive and Professional

It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous—but remember, you’ve been invited back because the employer sees potential in you. Approach the interview with:

Confidence in your ability to contribute to the company.
Enthusiasm for the role and company.
A mindset that this is your opportunity to confirm your fit.

Maintain a friendly, polished demeanour throughout, especially when meeting new interviewers or potential colleagues.

Build Strong Connections

In many cases, the second interview is about assessing fit—not just capability. Employers want to know:

Will you integrate well into the team?
Are you a good environment and value fit?
How would you handle team dynamics or client interactions?

Show emotional intelligence, professionalism, and adaptability in your responses and body language.

A man at a desk with a laptop, brainstorming ideas for a job interview, with a light bulb glowing above him.

Address Previous Interview Gaps

Use the feedback from the previous stages to reflect on how the first interview went. Ask yourself:

Did you fully answer every question?
Were there areas where your experience didn’t come through?

Prepare examples or stories to reinforce your strengths and revisit any unanswered or unclear questions—this shows initiative and reflection.

Demonstrate the Value You Bring

This is your chance to go beyond the job description. Focus on:

The specific challenges the company may face and how you can help overcome them.
Examples of when you’ve added value beyond your role.
Strategic or operational insights that show you think like a future team member, not just a candidate.

This approach is especially important when interviewing for senior finance roles, where hiring managers are looking for professionals who will drive change, improve performance, or deliver tangible results.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Finance Career?

Whether you're preparing for your second interview or hiring for your finance team, Sharp Consultancy is here to help.

We specialise in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent accountancy and finance professionals throughout Leeds, Sheffield, and across Yorkshire. From entry-level finance jobs to C-suite appointments, our experienced team provides expert advice and support at every stage.

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.

Second Interview Success - How to Prepare and Impress