ASK THE EXPERT - HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN JOB OFFERS

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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I’ve been lucky enough to have been offered two jobs – what should I be looking at to make my decision about which one to accept?

First of all, congratulations! What a great result. For many this would be an enviable position to be in, but it is understandable that this can be a difficult decision to make – and it’s not one that you should feel rushed into making.

Let’s start off with what you shouldn’t do in this situation – don’t try to play each company off against each other. Whilst they have both selected you as their preferred candidate, if they sense that you are not genuine about wanting to come on board they could rethink their offer; and if both companies get that sense you could find yourself in a very tricky situation!

That is not to say that there shouldn’t be room for negotiation, however the sensible approach is to only negotiate with one company and in order to work out which is your preferred offer, there are a number of things that you need to take into consideration.

Don’t immediately assume that the offer that comes with the highest salary is automatically the ‘best’. There are many other factors which contribute to a strong job offer and you should weigh each of these up and apply the ‘benefit’ to where you are in your career and what you want to get out of the move.

Ask yourself:

What are the opportunities for progression?

A company might be offering a high salary now, but what opportunities can they offer for further growth and progression? Consider what you wanted to achieve career-wise from this move – does one company come closer to enabling you achieve your goals? Weigh up any differences in the role that you will be doing – are there aspects which interest you more than others? Do either offer further training opportunities? It can be easy to overlook some of these factors when presented with a more attractive salary but do not underestimate the value of job satisfaction and future opportunities.

Can you achieve a better work life balance?

Your reasons for looking for a new role might not be purely motivated by a desire to gain a promotion or undertake additional opportunities. If you are looking to achieve a better work life balance, then it is important to take into account each company’s approach to flexible working.

The last 12 months have made almost every company reconsider its homeworking policy so it’s important that you ask for clarity as to how they foresee these arrangements continuing in the short, medium and long term. You should also try to look ahead to a time when you may be more office based – does one company have a longer commute? Are there costs associated with parking or taking public transport that you need to account for?

Do they have a good reputation as an employer?

Whilst there are lots of areas that can be open to negotiation, the one element that you will not be able to change is the culture and values held by the organisation itself. What reputation do they have in the industry? Try to find out what you can from current or previous employees or see what their customers and clients are saying about what it is like to work with them. Also consider what your gut instinct told you in the interviews – did you get a good feeling from the interviewer? How did they sell the role and what is the company like to work for?

Making your choice

Take time to weigh up the pros and cons of each opportunity – and be honest with each company. A good company will understand that you need a little time to make your decision and shouldn’t try to rush you. However, bear in mind that they will have other candidates that they need to get back to so agree a timeframe and stick to it. Good luck!

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 for expert advice on your next career move.