How to Write a Standout CV for Transactional

Evie Irons: Behind the Desk

In our latest Behind the Desk feature, we sit down with Evie Irons. Evie recently joined Sharp Consultancy as a Consultant within our Leeds office, working as part of our Transactional Temps team.Having made the move into recruitment, Evie brings a strong commercial foundation and a genuine passion for building relationships to her work supporting temporary finance professionals across Leeds.In this edition of Behind the Desk, we spend some time getting to know Evie - exploring her journey into recruitment, the lessons she's learned so far, and the perspective she brings to supporting finance professionals.Getting to Know Evie: Background and InspirationEvie's path into recruitment started with a degree in Business Management and Marketing, chosen because she wanted to understand how businesses operate and how they build relationships with customers. It was during her time at university that the people-focused side of business really caught her attention, and she began looking for a career that let her combine commercial thinking with building genuine relationships. Finance and accountancy recruitment stood out for exactly that reason. "These roles are critical to every organisation, and the market is fast-paced and constantly evolving," she explains. "I enjoy learning about different businesses, understanding their hiring needs, and matching them with candidates."Starting a new career can be a big step, and Evie admits the industry has surprised her in a few ways. She expected recruitment to be mainly about filling vacancies, but has come to learn it's really about building trust, with both clients and candidates. The pace has been another eye-opener; priorities can shift quickly, and adapting to that has pushed her to become far more organised and flexible than she might have expected going in.Industry Perspective: Lessons and Approaches in RecruitmentAsk Evie what she's found most rewarding so far, and it comes back to people. Working with graduates, much like herself, and helping them land roles that genuinely fit has been a particular highlight. "Starting your career can be challenging, so it's great to support people through that process and help them take the next step." The same goes for clients, understanding what they're looking for and finding the right person for their team, knowing that a good match makes a real difference on both sides.The reality of recruitmentIt's also given her a clearer view of what recruitment actually involves. A common misconception, she says, is that the job is just matching CVs to vacancies. In reality it's about building relationships, understanding what both candidates and clients truly want, and finding a fit that lasts, while supporting candidates through a process that can otherwise feel stressful.When it comes to what makes someone stand out in transactional finance, Evie points to reliability, attention to detail, and strong organisational skills, alongside good communication, since the role means working across different teams and managing expectations. A positive attitude, adaptability, and a genuine willingness to learn round it out, qualities she believes matter even more for candidates early in their careers.Where the market is heading?Being at the start of her recruitment career has also given Evie a sharp read on today's job market, and competition is the word that comes up most. Candidates need to stand out through the right skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine willingness to learn, and she's noticed employers increasingly looking beyond experience alone, valuing adaptability and potential to grow within a role.She's equally clear on what candidates value most from a recruiter: honesty, communication, and a sense of being genuinely supported throughout. For Evie, that means taking the time to understand what someone is really looking for and offering guidance, rather than simply putting them forward for any available role. Trust and keeping people updated, she says, make all the difference.If she could change one thing about the hiring process, it would be communication and feedback. Candidates are too often left unsure of where they stand, and clearer updates throughout would make the experience better for everyone involved.Beyond the Desk: Life Outside WorkOutside of work, Evie makes time for the people and places that matter to her. She's originally from near the Peak District and loves getting out for walks there whenever she can, alongside catching up with friends and family and the odd spot of shopping. Her free time has recently gained a new focus too, in the form of a puppy she's spending plenty of walks and quality time with.Given the choice of anywhere in the world, Evie would book a flight to New York without hesitation, drawn by the atmosphere, the landmarks, and everything there is to see and do, from Central Park and Times Square to the food, shopping, and culture the city is known for.Closer to home, the one thing she always makes time for is her friends and family, whether that's a catch-up, a walk, or simply relaxing together. It's her way of switching off and keeping a healthy balance outside of work. Since joining the business, Evie has brought energy, curiosity, and a genuine care for candidates to the team. Her people-first approach and eagerness to learn make her a valuable addition to the Leeds office.We're pleased to welcome Evie to the team and look forward to seeing her desk continue to grow in the months ahead.--At Sharp Consultancy, we're committed to giving our people the support and platform they need to build a rewarding career. If this sounds like the kind of path you'd like for yourself, take a look at our Careers page to find out more.

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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.

Understanding the Role and Key Requirements / Responsibilities involved:

Colorful illustration showing children learning about roles and responsibilities through playful activities and teamwork.

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.

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:

Two people discussing a CV while seated at a table, focused on the document in front of them.

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:

Candidate reviewing qualifications and skills on a checklist during a the CV writing process.

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.

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 detail
Accuracy in your work
Use of specific invoicing accounting software
Speed in manual processing
Highlighting specifics in volume of invoices processed (p/w or p/m)

Credit Controller:

Softer skills are very important in Credit control
Ability to account manager – treat each client individually
Being a good negotiator is vital
Highlight successes in results again targets (reduced aged debt by 85% in 12 months)
Showing empathy and understanding to create strong working relationships
Knowing when to change tact and take a firmer approach as needed.

Accounts Assistant:

Demonstrate full understanding of all elements of transactional finance
Any professional qualifications you are / have undertaken (AAT) are important to highlight
Use of various / specific accounting software (Sage, SAP, Xero) is appealing to clients

Payroll:

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?

General CV Design and Formatting:

CV resume displayed on a vibrant pink background, showcasing professional details and personal branding.

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)

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.

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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.