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Trainee Accountant to Senior: How to Progress in Practice (Quickly!)

​Throughout my career as a specialist recruiter in professional practice, I’ve had the privilege of working with many talented, ambitious accountants, and some have progressed faster than others. While every journey is unique, there are clear patterns in what helps people move from trainee roles into more senior finance jobs within professional practice. Drawing from this experience, I’ve put together a set of strategies any accountant can adopt to accelerate their career up the professional practice ladder. These tactics have proven to be highly effective for those aiming to achieve their professional goals efficiently and successfully. ​​Embrace Increasing Responsibility​As you begin your career in accountancy, the scope of your duties often starts with basic tasks such as data entry, reconciling accounts, and preparing reports. While these tasks are important for building a foundation, taking on more responsibility is key to developing the skills and experience needed for progression in practice.Start by volunteering for more complex tasks that stretch your skillset, such as handling larger client accounts, managing financial forecasting, or (if possible) participating in audits. These challenges will expose you to new aspects of accountancy and allow you to learn beyond the day-to-day duties. Another way to progress quickly is by taking on leadership roles within a team or department. Taking on the responsibility of overseeing junior staff, delegating tasks, and ensuring deadlines are met can significantly enhance your development and provide you with the invaluable ‘management experience’ which is essential for trainee accountants looking to advance to the next step in their professional practice careers. ​Continuous Learning and Self-Development​As you challenge yourself with new responsibilities, actively pursuing knowledge and development goes hand in hand with completing further qualifications. Traditionally, most accountants I work with are newly or nearly AAT qualified which is a fantastic accomplishment in itself but for those with aspirations of climbing the ladder the next step should be further studies. Qualifications such as the ACA, ACCA or CTA (depending on your chosen specialism) will allow you to strengthen your technical expertise. It’s worth mentioning here that a good training contract and mentor are invaluable for the next step in your journey and should be a big factor when deciding to look for a new role after completing your AAT. ​Finding a Mentor Another important aspect of progressing quickly in accountancy is developing relationships with more experienced colleagues, supervisors, and managers. By seeking mentorship from more experienced professionals, you can gain insights into how they managed their career progression. Also, they can guide you in taking on appropriate challenges and responsibilities and help you navigate the complexities of the profession. Many of the most successful finance professionals credit their career growth to strong mentorship relationships established early in their journey. ​Networking​Networking is one of the most underutilised tools for career progression in finance. While it might feel intimidating at first, networking allows you to connect with and learn from likeminded individuals, stay informed about trends in professional practice, and discover new opportunities. One of the primary reasons networking is important is that it helps build valuable relationships that can last your career. By connecting with colleagues, senior professionals, and other stakeholders, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge, insights, and opportunities that can propel your career forward. Ultimately, networking is not just about what you can gain but also about what you can offer to others. By fostering meaningful relationships, you contribute to a collaborative and supportive community that benefits everyone involved. Here at Sharp Consultancy, we host events across the year and have a long-standing relationship with various institutions and training groups including S&DCASS (Sheffield and District Chartered Accountants Student Society), LCASS (Leeds Chartered Accountants Students Society) and First Intuition to host events that bring studiers together from various firms throughout Yorkshire. It really is a brilliant first step in your networking journey. ​Whether you're just starting out or already on your way up, accelerating your career in professional practice comes down to a mix of mindset, opportunity, and action. By embracing responsibility, committing to continuous learning, building genuine relationships, and tapping into the right support networks, you’ll put yourself in the best possible position to thrive. If you’d like to explore how to take that next step—or just want to chat through your options—I’d love to hear from you. Let’s connect and start shaping your future together. Charlie Marper, Business Manager, charliemarper@sharpconsultancy.com – 0114 261 1700 ​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. ​

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Interview Dos and Don’ts for Finance and Accountancy Professionals

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Securing an interview is a major step towards landing your next finance role—but delivering a strong performance is key to progressing further.

At Sharp Consultancy, we’ve supported thousands of professionals across accountancy, finance, and executive-level appointments throughout Yorkshire and the North of England, and we know what makes a candidate stand out.

Here’s our essential guide to what you should—and shouldn’t—do to make the best impression at your next finance interview.

A man and woman shaking hands at a desk during a job interview for an accounting position.

DO: Prepare Thoroughly and Present Professionally

Research the employer

If you're interviewing for a role such as Management Accountant, Finance Business Partner, or Financial Controller, understanding the business model and sector is crucial.

Review the company’s website, annual reports, and social media.

Understand current market trends affecting their industry (e.g., regulatory changes, rising costs, digital transformation).

Know the logistics

Ask your Sharp Consultancy consultant what to expect on the day—will there be a technical task, financial modelling exercise, or psychometric test? Make sure you’re prepared for all possibilities.

Review your CV and job spec

Be ready to talk confidently about your experience in areas like budgeting, forecasting, audit, or commercial analysis, depending on the role. Ensure you can back up the claims on your CV with clear, relevant examples.

Dress appropriately

First impressions count. Choose professional, smart attire that’s clean, well-fitted, and comfortable—whether you're meeting in person or via video interview.

Project confidence and approachability

Maintain good eye contact, smile naturally, and be aware of your body language. Sit up straight, avoid fidgeting, and show genuine enthusiasm for the position.

Demonstrate added value

Employers aren’t just assessing whether you can do the job—they want someone who will be a cultural fit and bring added value. Show how your background can help them improve processes, manage risk, or support commercial growth.

Give clear, structured answers

Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) where appropriate. Focus on achievements such as cost savings, system implementations, or improving reporting accuracy.

A man and woman sit at a table, engaged in conversation during a job interview for an accounting position.

❌ DON’T: Undermine Your Own Candidacy

Be negative about past employers

Even if you’re moving on from a challenging situation, stay professional. Focus on what you’re looking for next and how you’re seeking to progress your career in finance.

Turn up late or unprepared

Lateness creates a poor impression. Confirm the address, parking, or video call link in advance, and aim to arrive (or log in) 10 minutes early.

Lead with salary questions

Your Sharp Consultancy consultant will guide you on remuneration discussions. Avoid raising salary or benefits too early—it can appear as though you’re more interested in the package than the position.

Be dishonest about salary or experience

Recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with salary bands across finance roles in Yorkshire. Always be honest about your current earnings and career history.

Hide career gaps

Whether due to maternity leave, redundancy, or travelling, transparency is key. Explain the context clearly and highlight how you remained engaged with your career.

Appear arrogant or disinterested

Confidence is important, but so is humility. Employers are looking for team players with strong communication skills—not just technical excellence.

For more detailed Interview Advice download our interview guide here! Download

Looking for Your Next Role in Finance or Accountancy?

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 usTODAYand let's chart your career path together.