How to Succeed in Your First Finance Leadership

Why a Strong CV is Non-Negotiable for Finance Professionals in 2025

As a Senior Resourcer at Sharp Consultancy, I’ve reviewed thousands of CVs...From those just starting out to seasoned professionals with decades of experience. One thing remains consistent: in today’s competitive market, a strong CV isn’t optional—it’s essential. Today, South Yorkshire’s finance landscape is more dynamic than ever. With growing demand across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and tech, accountancy and finance professionals are expected to bring more than just technical skills to the table. Your CV is your first opportunity to prove you’re up to the challenge. This blog marks the start of a three-part series focused on helping you craft a standout CV tailored to your career stage and goals. In this first post, we’ll cover general CV tips relevant to all finance professionals. In the next two instalments, we’ll dive deeper into: Transactional Finance CVs – how to highlight your experience in roles such as purchase ledger, sales ledger, and credit control. Part-Qualified Finance CVs – how to position yourself for progression while studying towards your qualifications. Stay tuned for practical advice and real-world insights to help your CV rise to the top of the pile. 🕒 First Impressions MatterRecruiters and hiring managers typically spend less than 30 seconds scanning a CV. That means your CV needs to immediately communicate relevance, professionalism, and potential. A clean layout, clear structure, and tailored content can make the difference between landing an interview or being passed over. 🔍 Specialist Skillsets Are in DemandFinance roles today go far beyond number-crunching. Employers want professionals who understand how finance supports wider business goals. Whether it’s streamlining reporting, implementing new systems, or driving cost efficiencies, your CV should highlight the tangible impact you’ve made. This is your chance to showcase your value-add—what makes you different from the next candidate. Use metrics where possible to quantify your achievements and make them memorable. 📍 Standing Out in YorkshireYorkshire is home to a diverse range of industries, from advanced manufacturing and engineering to professional services and digital tech. This diversity creates exciting opportunities—but also fierce competition. To stand out, your CV should reflect sector-specific experience and transferable skills. Whether you’ve worked in a fast-paced SME or a large corporate environment, highlight how your background aligns with the needs of the region’s employers. 📊 Business Acumen is a MustFinance professionals are increasingly expected to contribute to strategic decision-making. Roles in FP&A, commercial finance, and business partnering are on the rise, and employers want candidates who can offer insight—not just information. Your CV should reflect your ability to influence outcomes. Have you helped drive revenue growth? Supported investment decisions? Improved forecasting accuracy? These are the stories that resonate with hiring managers. 📈 Show a Clear Story of ProgressionRecruiters look for signs of growth and development. A strong CV doesn’t just list job titles—it explains the “why” behind each move. Did you step into a leadership role? Take on a new challenge? Gain exposure to a different sector? Even lateral moves can be powerful if they show a deliberate effort to build your skillset. Make sure your CV tells a cohesive story of your career journey. 🔑 Final ThoughtsIn Yorkshire’s fast-moving industries, a sharp, well-crafted CV is your key to unlocking new opportunities. It’s not just about listing experience—it’s about showing impact, adaptability, and commercial value from the very first glance. Whether you’re actively job hunting or just exploring your options, now is the time to invest in your CV. 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 TODAY and let's chart your career path together.

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Whether you’ve just been promoted to Finance Manager, taken on your first Financial Controller position, or stepped into a senior leadership role at a new organisation, transitioning into management is a big step in your accountancy career.

At Sharp Consultancy, we specialise in placing ambitious finance professionals into temporary, interim, and permanent leadership roles across Yorkshire and the North of England. Here’s our advice for making a strong impression as a newly appointed finance leader:

Start As You Mean to Go On

Scrabble board displaying the word "team success" formed with colorful letter tiles.

Your first few days in a leadership role set the tone for everything that follows. Whether you're managing a small transactional team or a wider finance department, show that you're confident in your abilities but also approachable and open to input.

People will form early opinions based on how you communicate and behave—so be present, clear, and authentic from the start.

Inspire with Purpose

Whether you're leading a budgeting and forecasting team, overseeing audit and compliance, or driving commercial finance strategy, it's important to clearly articulate your short and long-term goals. Show how each team member contributes to these objectives to create shared ownership and drive motivation.

Delegate and Empower

Finance leaders often struggle with letting go of tasks they’ve previously owned. But successful leaders in finance—particularly at the Finance Business Partner, Financial Controller, or FD level—understand the value of delegation.

Give your team ownership over key areas, whether it’s month-end processes, cash flow forecasting, or managing stakeholder reporting. Empowering others helps develop future leaders and strengthens team performance.

Lead by Example

Leadership in accountancy and finance requires technical credibility as well as personal integrity. Be consistent, reliable, and positive. Recognise strong performance—especially during periods of pressure like year-end—and celebrate wins as a team.

Bridge the Gap

It’s not unusual for a divide to form between senior leadership and operational staff. As a finance leader, you often sit at that intersection. Build trust upwards and downwards—position yourself as a collaborative partner to the board while remaining accessible and supportive to your team.

Allow Learning Through Mistakes

Financial leadership isn't about perfection—it's about problem-solving and resilience. Encourage your team to learn from challenges, whether it’s correcting reporting errors or improving a budgeting process. Offer support but avoid micromanaging. You'll build confidence, accountability, and stronger capabilities.

Foster Innovation and Improvement

Challenge the status quo—don’t default to "we’ve always done it this way." Whether you’re exploring ERP implementation, new BI tools, or improving internal controls, show that you value fresh thinking. Encourage your team to share ideas and give them the structure and autonomy to bring them to life.

Woman with a cheerful expression, holding a mug that says "World's Best Boss," celebrating her role as a supportive leader.

Take Informed Risks

Some of the best finance leaders are those who take calculated risks—launching a new cost-saving initiative, proposing a change in reporting structure, or supporting bold commercial decisions with data-led insights. Trust your experience and judgement while always assessing risk from a strategic perspective.

Make Credible, Confident Decisions

Finance leaders are relied upon for clarity. Don’t shy away from difficult decisions—especially when they involve people, budgets, or performance. Consider the facts, consult key stakeholders, and take action with confidence. Even a tough or unpopular decision can inspire respect if it’s well-informed and clearly communicated.

Need Help Building Your Finance Team or Advancing Your Leadership Career?

At Sharp Consultancy, our expert consultants specialise in the recruitment of finance professionals at all levels—from qualified accountants to FDs and CFOs. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield, we support businesses and individuals across Yorkshire and beyond.

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 TODAY and let's chart your career path together.

How to Succeed in Your First Finance Leadership Role