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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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​THE ADVANTAGES OF HIRING TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES

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Temporary employees make a huge difference to a business. Whether it’s to cover a period of absence, an extra pair of hands to support an increase in trade or support for a particular project, the flexibility, urgent availability and niche skill set offered by temporary accountancy and finance professionals is invaluable to many organisations across the Yorkshire region.

There are many reasons why a business may need to engage the support of a temporary employee such as bringing a specialist skill in the organisation, extra resource for an urgent project and covering staff absences to name just a few.

Temporary employees bring many benefits to a business; here are some of the key advantages:

  • Temporary employees will be ready and available for work almost immediately, meaning that you are able to have a new highly skilled and experienced member of the team in place typically within 24 hours of identifying a particular need.

  • They often possess specialised skills which match a particular requirement that currently exists within an organisation so as well as delivering within their role, they are sharing their experience which benefits and expands the knowledge of others.

  • New employees give a boost to existing members of staff; they come with fresh ideas and can offer an alternative perspective which can be hugely motivational to the rest of the workforce.

  • A temporary employee can add so much value to the organisation that you want to make the appointment permanent. However, not all temps are looking for a permanent role so they may not wish to take up the offer. Similarly you should avoid recruiting a temp for what you know is a permanent position with the intention of ‘trialling’ them before offering the role.

  • Temporary employees will have been rigorously interviewed and evaluated in advance. Our detailed understanding of a client’s requirements and a candidate’s skill set will ensure suitable members of staff are in place without the need for businesses to dedicate significant time and resource to assessing and interviewing potential candidates.

Sharp Consultancy specialises in the recruitment of temporary, interim and permanent finance and accountancy professionals. With offices in Leeds and Sheffield our highly experienced team of consultants recruit for positions throughout Yorkshire and beyond. CONTACT US today to find out more.