Inclusive Cultures Don’t Happen by Accident — They’re Built Intentionally
Following International Women's Day, many organisations reflect on progress.But for finance leaders and hiring managers, the more important question is this: What does inclusion mean in practice — and how does it affect performance? Because this isn’t just a culture conversation. It’s a capability conversation. Inclusion Impacts Talent Attraction The best finance professionals — at every level — have options. They are looking for: Transparent progression pathways Visible meritocracy Leadership that values contribution over presence Environments where performance is recognised fairly If an organisation’s culture unintentionally favours “proximity” — those closest to decision-makers — it narrows its own talent pipeline. And in a market where specialist skills are already in short supply, that’s a commercial risk. Meritocracy Must Be Visible Many businesses describe themselves as meritocratic. But candidates assess that through lived signals: Who is in senior leadership? Who is promoted internally? How are flexible working arrangements handled? How openly are development opportunities discussed? In accountancy and finance particularly — where progression paths are structured and performance is measurable — fairness needs to be both real and visible. High performers want clarity, standards and consistency. Leadership Behaviour Shapes Retention Inclusive leadership isn’t about grand gestures. It’s about everyday behaviours: Who is invited into strategic discussions Who is given stretch projects Who is credited publicly Who is sponsored, not just mentored Retention in finance teams is rarely lost because of salary alone. It’s often influenced by visibility, opportunity and recognition. Businesses that understand this tend to build stronger, more stable finance functions. The Commercial Case for Inclusion Diverse and inclusive teams bring broader perspectives to: Risk assessment Strategic planning Commercial analysis Operational improvement For CFOs and Finance Directors, inclusion isn’t a compliance issue. It’s about building balanced teams capable of better decision-making. The organisations that approach inclusion intentionally — rather than reactively — are often the ones that outperform in the long term. Beyond Awareness Days International Women’s Day creates valuable momentum every year:But sustained progress comes from: Clear promotion criteria Transparent hiring processes Conscious leadership development Ongoing cultural accountability In today’s hiring market, an inclusive culture isn’t just about employer branding — it influences who joins, who stays and how teams perform.
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.
1. Understanding the Role and Key Requirements / Responsibilities involved:
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.
2. 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:
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:
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
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.
3. 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?
4. General CV Design and Formatting:
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)
5. 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.
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.
